Africa is prevented from fully joining in the technological age by forces from within and without. From within are traditional beliefs in animism, witchcraft, wizardry, and sorcery which so afflict the culture that young children are sometimes put to death for the slightest suspicion of sorcery. Meanwhile, adults continue to embrace mystical, shamanic convictions that dictate almost every aspect of life. From without are the so-called "Christian" preachers—greedy charlatans who bleed the pockets of the poor for personal gain. Highlighting some of the worst abuses, journalist Larr cites the unfair advantage given in legal cases to those appealing to ancient, unsubstantiated strains of sorcery as well as the shameless chicanery of preachers like one who defended himself by saying that his money-grubbing was just “pure professionalism.” As long as these holdovers from the past keep their grip, Larr asserts, Africans cannot benefit from new scientific advances and the technology required to sustain them.

Larr is a noted Nigerian journalist now residing in Germany who is dedicated to explicating and ameliorating the plight of Africans. Each thesis he raises is backed with concrete examples, and all are laid out in colorful language that incorporates his extensive grasp of folklore, history, and current newsworthy idioms. His use of terms like “Pastorpreneurship” underscores his point that religion is directly undermining Africa’s chances for success on the world stage. He cites President Barack Obama’s groundbreaking speech in Ghana as a significant slap at other African countries where ”the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery.” Thoughtful and thought-provoking, Larr’s treatise is an intelligent, heartfelt call to Africans to liberate themselves from theology and mythology and embrace a progressive, scientific outlook.

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