Is Africa Godforsaken? Neo-Pentecostal prophetism on African human agency and transcendence

Banda, Collium

doi:10.4102/ve.v44i1.2696

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(10 reference statements)

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“…The main theological menace about today's prophets is the practice of entrepreneurial ecclesiology: a commercial approach to ministry described by Banda (2023) which:…”

Section: Seeking Monetary and Other Favoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prophet and politician dining around the same table: God’s message in conflict?

Resane

2023

Verbum et Ecclesia

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The research problem in this article is the modern prophets who rub shoulders with politicians. The focus is on the prophets found in New Prophetic Churches (NPCs). These prophets seek favours as much as politicians seek favours that are divinely sanctioned by prophets. The objectives here include ensuring that God’s message is not conflicted because of this prophet–politician symbiosis. It warns Christians not to commodify faith in order to achieve some political ambitions. The foundation is laid on biblical teachings on prophets and prophecy. There are two identified categories of the Old Testament prophets. Those who feasted with the kings at dinner tables and those who suffered under the status quo. These were banished, exiled, always on a run, and sometimes beheaded. Real-world examples of modern politicians who visit prophets on a regular basis are offered using social media and literature evaluations as resources. These politicians do so for a variety of reasons, including seeking spiritual affirmation and expressions of appreciation, praying for divine intervention during times of crisis that may affect their political careers or performances, and eventually soliciting favours. These favours are sought in some ungodly exchanges with expectations of some kickbacks. The solution to this compromise is the calling for the revisit of application of doctrinal and ethical dealings in and by the church and the government. Theology’s task is to clarify to citizens the relationship between church and government. The debate between these two powers (prophet and politician) should continue towards amicable understanding. The church must redefine its political involvement to avoid being swallowed up, and to remain the salt of the earth and a light in the world.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article’s intradisciplinary implication is realised through the literature and social media platforms reviews to enhance social and some theological disciplines such as biblical studies, church history, ecclesiology and pneumatology. Social disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology combined with theological disciplines argue that prophets and politicians should not become bedfellows unless for enacting social justice and this to be done ethically without any compromise to morality.

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“…The main theological menace about today's prophets is the practice of entrepreneurial ecclesiology: a commercial approach to ministry described by Banda (2023) which:…”

Section: Seeking Monetary and Other Favoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prophet and politician dining around the same table: God’s message in conflict?

Resane

2023

Verbum et Ecclesia

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“…African Neo-Pentecostal Churches (ANPCs) refers to African Pentecostal Christian churches, which were largely found in the late 20th century. Very extensive literature exists examining the origin, evolution, and spiritual identity of ANPCs (Anderson 2005;Banda 2023;Kgatle 2020). Aside from their evidently strong Pentecostal character, which encompasses an emphasis on a personal relationship with God, speaking in tongues, belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, etc., these churches are often known for incorporating African culture into their styles of worship.…”

Section: Anpcs On Holy Watermentioning

confidence: 99%

Uncovering Covert Syncretic Holy Water among ANPCs in South Africa

Thinane

2023

Religions

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In most societies where Christianity is dominant, it has manifested itself in different ways, reflecting its admixture with indigenous religious practices, an admixture commonly seen in most African contexts. This is evidenced by overt syncretic practices and rarely covert syncretic practices that conceal the blending of beliefs, including belief in the mystical powers of water. In part, this explains why African Christian believers, particularly African Pentecostal believers in most African countries, often uncritically believe claims about holy water. To that end, this article examines the literature to uncover the existence of covert syncretic holy water in African Neo-Pentecostal Churches (ANPC), particularly in South Africa, where ANPC pastors make arbitrary claims about the power of holy water. Contrary to the apparent syncretism, claims about holy water as witnessed among ANPCs in South Africa, covertly combine elements of two belief systems (ancient African traditions and contemporary African Christianity), resulting in covert syncretic holy water. As little or no literature understands the covert syncretic holy water, the work of this paper warrants future research to further examine the covert syncretic holy water, particularly in relation to ANPC holy water claims.

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Invigorating Interfaith Consciousness for the Common Good: Reimagining the Role of African Religion and Pentecostalism in Contemporary South Africa

Atabongwoung

Luetz

Austin³

2023

Religions

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Contemporary South Africa reflects complex, diverse, and evolving religious realities. Changes continue to manifest at the confluence of encounters between various religions and rapid changes in social institutions that affect, in one way or another, various religions in the nation. These realities are typically embedded in sociocultural contexts and give clarity and meaning to religious experiences. In the post-apartheid era, the spirit of openness toward religious tolerance often dwindles when it comes to interactions between African religion and Pentecostalism. When people understand why followers of other religions believe and practice their rituals and sacraments, this knowledge may help dispel mis- and disinformation and thereby construct inter-religious common ground. Using an extensive review of the relevant literature, this article investigates some of the factors that may limit harmony between African religion and Pentecostalism in South Africa. After providing some definitions and historical context, we discuss the power and legacy of anti-apartheid interfaith solidarity. We also explore ongoing factors hindering interfaith engagements between African religion and Pentecostalism in South Africa. We then explore opportunities for interfaith dialogue in South Africa. Utilizing Walter Hollenweger’s Pentecostal intercultural theology, we argue that expressive liturgy for biodiversity and sustainability, communal participation for reconciliation, and experiential spirituality focused on land care could provide a potential ‘fourth’ approach to interfaith dialogue for African religion and Pentecostalism in South Africa. This includes underappreciated albeit profitable interrelationships between Indigenous knowledge, traditional spirituality, and sustainable development. We also acknowledge some limitations and opportunities for future research. Finally, we offer a succinct concluding synthesis that recapitulates the paper’s main points. This article aims to invigorate interfaith consciousness through meaningful thematization of pertinent issues, including the articulation and application of relevant intercultural theology.

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Is Africa Godforsaken? Neo-Pentecostal prophetism on African human agency and transcendence

Cited by 4 publications

References 16 publications

Prophet and politician dining around the same table: God’s message in conflict?

Prophet and politician dining around the same table: God’s message in conflict?

Uncovering Covert Syncretic Holy Water among ANPCs in South Africa

Invigorating Interfaith Consciousness for the Common Good: Reimagining the Role of African Religion and Pentecostalism in Contemporary South Africa

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