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. 2020 Apr;59(2):946-960.
doi: 10.1007/s10943-018-0728-6.

Religion, Spirits, Human Agents and Healing: A Conceptual Understanding from a Sociocultural Study of Tehuledere Community, Northeastern Ethiopia

Mesfin Haile Kahissay  1 , Teferi Gedif Fenta  2 , Heather Boon  3
Affiliations

Religion, Spirits, Human Agents and Healing: A Conceptual Understanding from a Sociocultural Study of Tehuledere Community, Northeastern Ethiopia

Mesfin Haile Kahissay et al. J Relig Health. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship among religion, spirits and healing in the Tehuledere community in the northeastern part of Ethiopia and focuses on how this knowledge can inform primary healthcare reform. The study employed qualitative ethnographic methods. Participatory observation, over a total of 5 months during the span of 1 year, was supplemented by focus group discussions (96 participants in 10 groups) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) conducted with key informants. Data were analyzed thematically using narrative strategies. The present study revealed that members of the study community perceive health, illness and healing as being given by God. Many of the Tehuledere people attribute illness to the wrath of supernatural forces. Healing is thought to be mitigated by divine assistance obtained through supplication and rituals and through the healing interventions of nature spirit actors. We found that the health, illnesses and healing were inextricably linked to religious and spiritual beliefs. Our findings suggest that religious and spiritual elements should be considered when drafting and implementing primary healthcare strategies for the study communities and similar environments and populations around the globe.

Keywords: Healing; Illnesses; Indigenous; Religion; Spirit.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors proclaim that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of Tehuledere Woreda, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, northeastern Ethiopia, 2014 Source: TWIO
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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