Soothsayers (Bambuki) and Christian Prayer Petitioners (Balombi)

The book examines the origins, practices and implications of healing systems to which the Luba people of Katanga DRCongo are exposed. These systems have their roots in the various beliefs of the Bambuki(tradittional healers) and the Balombi(Christian counterparts), who stress exorcism and Western medical traditions. The latter group dates back to the period of colonial encounter when the Christian Missionary project began. The Bambuki and Balombi respectively invoke the spirit of ancestors and the name of Jesus Christ as sources of spiritual power. The study constrasts, evaluates and compares the philosophies and practices of the indigenous and Christian-based systems. The study notes the Luba Christians' guilt-ridden allegiance to both systems and the ridicule and condescension endured by non-Christian Luba for their belief in traditional methods. A synthesis of the different healing systems is proposed, as a way foward. The book poses a challenge to the Church to develop a theology that takes into account the system of healing of Bambuki, of Balombi and physicians in order to provide the means of healing the African people.