An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

with their cultural identity and this was achieved by using traditional local music ratherthan that preferred by European missionaries. The difference in the musical instrumentsand the way the music is used for healing services is an indication of the transformation ofthe music that was transported by the European missionaries.The rhythmic movements of the muscles, such as dancing, singing and clapping aspractised in the Pentecostal churches releases endogenous opioids which act as a moodenhancer. This is similar to all exercises including cycling, weight lifting, swimming andaerobics. For example, Larco (1998) discussed a ritual performed on the northern coast ofPeru called the "mesa", which is undertaken to restore the physical and emotionalwellbeing of the patient and uses sound and chanting to achieve its goal. Pinto (1998)noted another ritual called the "ebo" of the African-Brazilian Candomble religion whichalso incorporates music making to communicate with a spiritual being to diagnose andtreat sickness.2.4. 4 Spiritual Healing Practices as a Perceived Threat to SocietyAs well as literatures discussing elements and activities of spiritual healing in a positivelight, there is also a literature warning of its dangers. Both theological and medical writerswarn about dangers to be found in spiritual healing practices. Advocates of Christianspiritual healing warn of the dangers of unorthodox healing, drawing on a complextheology of the discerning spirit of Jesus and the power to heal. Gaunton (1997) andMoltman (1997), though asserting that wherever Jesus is “sicople are healed, sadpeople are comforted and demons are driven out”, also discuss the discourse of demons inpassages like Chapter 1 of the Gospel of Marhere Jesus‟ very presence, or his utteranceor both, provoked the outburst from a demon-possessed man which they wish clearly to59