Supernatural practices - not irrational but to be taken seriously

Hi guys,

My Medical Anthropology Prompt: "Practices that deal with the 'supernatural' are not 'irrational' but are to be taken seriously, especially when they can be seen to have real world effects. Discuss"

Im a little stuck on how to dissect this up.

Ideally i need to incorporate the importance of the anthropological study of the supernatural to this. I cant really find much research that links how supernatural practices (im looking at Christianity and witchcraft in particular, with emphasis on Eastern Africa) have relevant standing, are a rational response to peoples understanding of the world, and 'are to be taken seriously'.

Also i need to include a medical perspective, and if i have enough room, a development perspective.

Any ideas about what points i could use?

:D Thanks in advance

Hi Cammi, I regret that it took so long for you to get a response. EssayForum got really busy recently.

Well, this prompt is a good one. What do you think of the "placebo" effect? That is pretty supernatural, but it "gets results."

Hey, within the scope of anthropology, the certainly 'are to be taken seriously.' After all, this is what people are doing; it is their spiritual practice.

Well, with every paragraph reinforce your argument. Make a clear argument in the first paragraph, and make sure it includes your unique reason WHY it is significant to study these things related to the "supernatural." You might want to do this:

Write several good body paragraphs based on research articles, and make each paragraph show the significance of studying this. Then, devise your thesis statement specifically based on the body paragraphs you have written. Write the thesis after writing the body paragraphs. Let it be based on them.