A two-tier protestant evaluative framework for cults applied to KwaSizabantu Mission

Abstract

The vague use of the term ‘cult’ in popular media to describe religious groups has in the past unjustly exposed various committed Christian communities to libel and dehumanisation. However, celebrity-based cults masquerading as Christians are damaging the trust in Christ. The objective of this research study was to provide a viable two-tier Protestant evaluative framework (2TPEF) in order to identify cultic characteristics in a religious group. The proposed framework was applied to South Africa’s KwaSizabantu Mission as a case study. A theoretical framework was synthesised from a variety of sources. For the case study, information was collected from multiple sources, including interviews, documents, sermons, newsletters, observations and research reports. Applying the 2TPEF in the case study demonstrates how it operates as a workable tool. In this case, it explains why the KwaSizabantu Mission cannot be viewed as a cult. In addition, the 2TPEF may serve for comparative purposes or be used by religious groups themselves to demonstrate their position relative to Protestant Christianity.Contribution: This study not only focuses on Reformed Theology exclusively but provides insights in critically applying the 2TPEF within Protestant religious circles using a current case study within an African context.

Protestant Revivals (Awakenings) and Transformational Impact: A Comparative Evaluation Framework Applied on the Revival among the Zulus (South Africa)

“…25. Diverging opinions on revival (Lloyd-Jones, 1987) Positive evaluations about the revival confirmed with key primary sources (member checking) (Bathman, 2015;Du Toit, 1986;Fleischmann, 2021;Fleischmann et al, 2021;Hammond, 2016;Hugo, 1988;Kim, 2011;Kitshoff, 1985;Koch, 2011;Natalse NGK Sinode, 1983;Oosthuizen, 1985;Pelser, 1991;Van der Walt, 1978;Visser, 2014) Oppositions: Rumours about the revival, not confirmed with key primary sources, but published as truths. Critics were all dissenters of the revival among the Zulus.…”

“…We obtained information for this case study from research studies of Hugo (1988), Van Rooy (1986), Kitshoff and Basson (1985), Oosthuizen (1985), Kim (2011), and Fleischmann (2021), as well as interviews, reports, books and sermons. Because of the sharp difference of opinions expressed in secular media on this revival, we investigated writings from critics as well as findings of an independent panel that investigated KwaSizabantu Mission’s practices during 2020, together with a recent study by Fleischmann et al (2021).…”