The Unsettling Parallels: Native Doctors and Modern-Day Prophets in Africa

In many parts of Africa, the spiritual realm is deeply interwoven with daily life, influencing decisions, shaping destinies, and offering solace or solutions to life’s myriad challenges. For generations, seeking guidance from traditional spiritual practitioners, often referred to as native doctors or diviners, has been a common practice. These individuals are believed to possess unique access to the supernatural world, acting as intermediaries between humans and spirits or deities. My mother, like countless others, once embarked on this path, visiting native doctors in search of answers and remedies for various life predicaments. Her experiences, sometimes humorous and often cautionary, have offered invaluable insights into a world many still navigate today.

One particular anecdote stands out from her numerous visits to the Ngambe (native doctor) house. She recounted a time when, after receiving certain remedies or consultations, she was given a strict injunction: she must not speak to anyone on her journey back home. This instruction was critical, as breaking the silence was believed to neutralize the potency of the medicine or spiritual intervention she had received. The consequences, she was told, could be severe, even fatal to the efficacy of the prescribed solution. This seemingly simple command highlights the mystique and often superstitious nature surrounding these practices.

As fate would have it, on her way home, my mother unexpectedly encountered her cousin, Besong. In a moment of forgetfulness, or perhaps sheer joy at seeing a familiar face, she instinctively called out, “Besong!” The words had barely left her lips when a sudden jolt of memory struck her. The native doctor’s stern warning flooded back, and with it, an immediate and unnerving realization of her transgression. According to the instructions, her utterance had supposedly ‘killed the powers’ of the medicine she carried. The psychological impact was instant and profound; she became temporarily mute, gripped by an overwhelming fear of the consequences. Her confused cousin, Besong, repeatedly questioned her, “Grande Soeur, na weti?” (Big sister, what’s the matter?), trying to decipher her silent stares. My mother, unable to articulate a single word, could only look at him with a bewildered expression, as if she had lost her identity or forgotten her own name. Uncle Besong, undoubtedly mortified and deeply concerned by her sudden inability to speak, felt compelled to follow her all the way home. It was only upon reaching the safety of her house that her speech returned, and the mysterious incident was finally unraveled, much to the relief and amusement of her family, eventually becoming a frequently retold tale.

This story, recounted umpteen times over the years, has always elicited laughter and served as a bonding experience for our family. Thankfully, my mother’s journey took a different turn. A long time ago, she ceased her visits to native doctors, embracing a deep and personal relationship with God. Praaaaaaaaise the Lord, indeed! Her spiritual quest now leads her to churches. However, this transition often raises a critical question: what does one sometimes encounter in some of these contemporary religious establishments? Often, it’s men, Bibles in hand, standing behind pulpits, seemingly performing actions that bear an uncanny resemblance to those of the native doctors my mother once consulted. The only discernible difference, at times, is the backdrop – the cross replacing cowries, and scripture references superseding traditional incantations. These figures have become increasingly common in our societies, with a significant number preferring to be addressed with the title, “prophet.”

I have observed a considerable number of these self-proclaimed prophets, and their methods of operation often reveal startling similarities to the native doctors from my mother’s stories. The parallels are not merely superficial; they delve into the very core of their approach to spiritual guidance, problem-solving, and interaction with their followers. Let’s explore these striking resemblances:

1. They Sell Solutions, Not Grace

A distinctive trait shared by both traditional diviners and many modern-day prophets is the commodification of spiritual solutions. When a prophet or prophetess begins to engage in intense prayer sessions specifically for you, making sure you are keenly aware of their ‘spiritual exertion’ on your behalf, a red flag should emerge. This often serves as a prelude, a fattening-up phase, akin to preparing a calf for slaughter. Following what might be perceived as heartfelt prayers and comforting, spirit-drawn prophetic utterances, there inevitably comes a financial solicitation.

The contemporary prophet, often cloaked in religious garb, requests tithes, offerings, and “prophetic seeds” – special monetary contributions – explicitly promising blessings, miracles, and “special anointing” in return. The justification is invariably that this money is for God. Conversely, the native doctor demands tangible items such as goats, hens, strong alcoholic beverages, specific oils, and cold hard cash. These are exchanged for protection spells, potent potions, and mystical guidance. His rationale is that these resources are for “the gods.” While giving to God and supporting legitimate church work is a virtuous act, any persistent pressure or discomfort in your giving should prompt serious introspection. If your giving feels compelled rather than cheerful, perhaps it’s time to don your walking shoes and embark on a new spiritual journey, becoming a discerning seeker rather than a compliant donor.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

2. They Perpetually Point to Your Enemies

A common strategy employed to maintain control and relevance is the consistent identification of external enemies as the root cause of an individual’s troubles. For the native doctor, your persistent unemployment or financial struggles are often attributed to a malevolent uncle in the village, fueled by envy and a desire to see you fail. This narrative of a hidden adversary cultivates a sense of vulnerability and reinforces the need for their protective services.

Similarly, the modern prophet frequently attributes your predicaments – be it sickness, marital discord, or professional setbacks – to a family member, often from your mother’s side, whom he claims to “see in the spirit” actively working against you. I have personally witnessed instances where a prophet, without any tangible evidence, pinpointed an unnamed family member as the source of a person’s suffering. The specific cause of your problems, whether logical or circumstantial, becomes irrelevant. The focus is relentlessly steered towards “your enemies.” The pronouncements are often dramatic, concluding with fervent declarations like, “All those who do not want you to progress, die by fire!” This rhetoric, while seemingly empowering to the afflicted, serves to sow discord, fear, and dependency, preventing individuals from taking personal responsibility or seeking practical solutions.

3. They Encourage Retaliation and Revenge

Beyond merely identifying enemies, both figures often actively promote punitive actions against them. The native doctor, operating within a system of mystical justice, might launch a spiritual attack against your supposed adversary. This could manifest as sending thunderbolts to strike them, inflicting madness, or, in extreme cases, orchestrating their demise. The underlying message is clear: your enemies must be neutralized, and you are justified in seeking their harm.

The prophet, armed with a Bible, justifies similar vengeful pronouncements by selectively quoting scripture, such as “suffer not a witch to live.” Under the guise of spiritual warfare, they command your enemies to “die by fire,” inciting a spirit of animosity rather than reconciliation. This approach stands in stark contrast to core Christian teachings that emphasize love, forgiveness, and leaving vengeance to God. The scriptures offer a profoundly different perspective on how believers should interact with those who persecute them.

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5: 44

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.” Romans 12: 19

4. They Provide Tangible Potions and Articles for Home Use

Another striking similarity lies in the provision of physical items believed to carry spiritual efficacy, to be taken home by the client. The native doctor typically offers a range of potions, medicinal rubs, and protective charms. These items are invariably dispensed in exchange for a fee, clearly delineated as part of the service rendered. Their perceived power is directly linked to the ritual and the practitioner’s spiritual authority.

The prophet, in a modernized variant of this practice, distributes items such as “anointing oil,” “holy water,” and “anointed handkerchiefs.” These are often presented as “free gifts,” yet their acquisition is implicitly linked to the “prophetic offering” or other monetary contributions already made. Some prophets even outright package and sell these items, turning them into lucrative commodities. The notion that these objects possess inherent spiritual power, separable from genuine faith or divine intervention, lacks substantial biblical support. True spiritual power is not encapsulated in material objects that can be bought or sold; it flows from a personal relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

5. They Cultivate Dependence, Not Empowerment

A defining characteristic of both systems is the fostering of a profound and often debilitating dependence on the practitioner. With the native doctor, clients find themselves in a perpetual cycle of return visits. Today it might be a backache, tomorrow a stomach ailment, and the day after, a persistent headache. There is always a new problem, a new crisis, or a new phase of life that supposedly requires their unique “special touch.” This constant need ensures that their “business” continues to thrive, as they give with one hand and subtly take with the other, binding clients to their services.

The dynamic is eerily similar with many prophets. Followers are encouraged, and often pressured, to remain in close proximity to the prophet to “hear what the Lord is saying.” Major life decisions—such as travel plans, marriage proposals, career changes, or even choices as mundane as what clothes to wear—are often to be vetted and approved by the prophet. This level of oversight effectively places the prophet in charge of their followers’ lives, diminishing personal autonomy and hindering the development of a direct, independent relationship with God. True spiritual leadership aims to empower believers to hear from God for themselves, not to create an indispensable intermediary.

6. They Claim Exclusive Access to the Supernatural

Both the native doctor and the self-proclaimed prophet position themselves as having exclusive, unparalleled access to the supernatural realm, thereby setting themselves apart from ordinary individuals. The native doctor claims to possess a unique key to unlock the spiritual world. He enters this esoteric domain, retrieves hidden information about a person’s life, and then broadcasts these insights, often with an air of mystique and authority.

The prophet often claims a similar, if not identical, exclusive privilege. He presents himself as the ‘eyes in the spirit,’ the sole conduit through whom divine information flows. People, by nature, are often fascinated by revelations about themselves that they do not already know, making them susceptible to such claims. This positioning reinforces the idea that direct spiritual access for the common believer is limited or impossible without their intervention, effectively centralizing spiritual authority and personal revelation around themselves.

7. They Operate Through Fear and Intimidation

8. They Employ a Combination of Tricks, Lies, and Dark Powers

The operational methodologies of these figures often involve a complex blend of deceptive tactics, outright falsehoods, and in some cases, powers derived from malevolent sources. This multifaceted approach contributes to their ability to manipulate and control their followers.

• Mind Programming: A significant amount of psychological manipulation, or brainwashing, is frequently employed. Through repeated suggestions, reinforcement of narratives, and control of information, followers’ thought patterns are subtly reshaped to align with the practitioner’s agenda.
• Information Manipulation: They are adept at extracting personal information from individuals, often through seemingly innocuous conversations or by observing details about their lives. This gathered information is then artfully repackaged and presented back to the individual as if it were a profound, divinely revealed insight, cementing the prophet’s perceived supernatural abilities.
• Powers from Evil Sources: It is crucial to acknowledge that some of these individuals may indeed manifest powers that defy natural explanation. However, these abilities are not necessarily divine; they can originate from dark or demonic sources. Such powers often come with a heavy spiritual cost and are used to exert control and influence over people, binding them rather than setting them free.
• Outright Scammers: Many are simply con artists, devoid of any genuine spiritual connection or supernatural power, preying on the desperation and vulnerability of others for financial gain.

9. They Masterfully Sell Hope

In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, people are inherently drawn to those who offer glimmers of hope. Both these prophets and native doctors excel at tapping into this fundamental human need. They skillfully articulate messages that promise resolution, prosperity, healing, and a brighter future, even if those promises are ultimately hollow or conditional upon continuous engagement and payment. They provide a narrative where all will eventually be well, feeding into the desperation of their clientele.

10. Their Focus is Fundamentally Self-Centered

Perhaps the most defining distinction between a genuine spiritual leader and these imitative figures lies in the object of their devotion. While a true prophet of God directs all attention, glory, and worship towards God, these native doctors and their modern counterparts are invariably focused on themselves. Their primary motivations are often rooted in the love of money, power, and personal prestige—the very things the Bible identifies as the root of all evil. Their actions, teachings, and demands consistently serve to elevate their own status, enrich their pockets, and expand their influence, rather than to genuinely draw people closer to divine truth or authentic spiritual liberation.

These are the compelling similarities I have observed, my friends. It is undeniable that a vast number of people in our societies have either directly consulted native doctors or know someone who has. This enduring cultural openness to spiritual intervention creates a ready market for what I describe as “glorified native doctors” who masquerade as prophets today. Their methods resonate with deeply ingrained beliefs and expectations, even when cloaked in Christian terminology.

However, it is vital to ask: are there true prophets of God today? Absolutely, yes! The Bible itself affirms their existence and role:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ephesians 4:11

God Himself calls and commissions individuals to serve as prophets, gifting them to their generations. We find numerous examples in the Old Testament: Elijah, Elisha, Nathan, Ezekiel, Jeremiah. When I contemplate these biblical prophets, I envision men of unwavering conviction who served God against immense odds, often at great personal cost. They were individuals ready to relinquish their own desires and agendas, allowing Christ’s reign to be paramount. Their lives echoed the profound declaration of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

These are the authentic prophets God provides: those who consciously humble themselves and allow God to be magnified. They are often found in unassuming circumstances, focused intently on their divine mission, much like John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey in the wilderness. They are prophets after God’s own heart, driven by a selfless love for Him and His people. Crucially, they do not commercialize spiritual gifts; they do not sell prayers or divine access, understanding that “freely you have received, freely give.” Their ministry is characterized by genuine service, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to biblical truth, always pointing people to God, not to themselves.

Above all, the most crucial step is to seek a personal knowledge of God and diligently study your Bible. Resist the temptation to constantly depend on other individuals for hope, answers, or solutions. You have direct access to God, precisely where you are, through prayer and His Word. Strive not to be a “consumer Christian,” passively relying on others for your spiritual sustenance, but an active participant in your own faith journey, discerning truth for yourself.

Thanks for sharing those illuminating native doctor stories, Mommy!

Have you had an encounter with a modern-day prophet that resonated with any of these observations? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.