‘The Altars Are Holding the Nation in Captivity’: Zambian Pentecostalism, Nationality, and African Religio-Political Heritage

Abstract

The study draws on ontocracy political theory to investigate Zambian Pentecostal interpretations of politics as a sacred realm of contestations between forces of good and evil. It argues that Zambian Pentecostal theology of nationality is a continuation of traditional African religio-cultural ethnonational heritage. It demonstrates how Zambian Pentecostal theology of nationality is based on socio-historically constructed conceptions that drew their foundation from traditional myths, symbols and cultures. It concludes that Zambian Pentecostalism has failed to make distinctions among various types of human authorities, thereby promoting a theology of nationality that mystifies the source of the political authority of the presidents of the nation, who are perceived as absorbing both secular and spiritual responsibilities.

'The Emptied Authority': African Neo-Pentecostalism, Modernisation of Sacred Authority and Gendered and Sexualised Constructions of Violence

“…As explained in Omotoso's case study on sexualisation and gendered exploitation of women and girls by Neo-Pentecostal pastors in South Africa, this form of modernisation of sacred authority reinforces and justifies exploitation, sexualisation and domination of women and girls. In fact, as demonstrated in the case study, the impact of modernisation on Neo-Pentecostalism is more evident in the way in which indigenous sacred authority has been adopted by stripping its indigenous virtues such as communal bondedness, relational justice, and ancestral regulatory spirituality (Kaunda 2018a). As a result, Neo-Pentecostal notions of sacred authority are individualised, unregulated, fundamentalist, unquestionable, unaccountable, and deinstitutionalised.…”

“…The notion of sacred authority is not simple or monolithic; rather, it embraces all aspects of human experiences. Undeniably, many African Neo-Pentecostals believe in the spiritual significance of all human authority, be it political or religious (Kaunda 2018a;. Spirituality is integrally intertwined with any type of authority, especially religious authority.…”

“…The indigenous communities are structured as expressions of the sacred authority and are perceived as embodiments of the sacred authority. Community members, who were set aside for special purposes such as kings, traditional healers and priests, are regarded as entrusted by the ancestors and the entire community to participate in the sacred authority of God for the advancement of abundant life (Magesa 1997;Kaunda 2018a). The communities are unionised with the ancestors in a mysterious way such that the ancestors' source of power is found in the harmony of the community.…”

Mobilising Religious Assets for Social Transformation: A Theology of Decolonial Reconstruction Perspective on the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs (MNGRA) in Zambia

“…The Declaration is framed in Pentecostal theology that perceive the ultimate problem and solution concern spiritual and/or moral forces and factors to be embedded in the mystical realm. This means that emphasis is to be always placed on spiritual remedies/ritual practices of protection or purification and adherence to moral strictures (Kaunda 2018). Consequently, there is less emphasis on pragmatic, material remedies aimed at, for example, promoting good government and economic development, and, has to some extent sought repress choices and behaviours that are deemed unrighteous or ungodly and are therefore seen as posing a danger to the spiritual welfare of the nation (Kaunda 2018).…”

“…In Zambia, most of these Pentecostal leaders try to be on good terms with every succeeding ruling party (Kaunda 2017b, p. 298). They see this as a strategy to 4 Elsewhere I have demonstrated how Zambian Pentecostal have articulated their theology of nationality in ways that seeks to transformation the nation into a spiritual institution which is easily manipulated by politicians for their benefits (see Kaunda 2018). safeguard the Declaration, which they use as a tool to defend the nation from sexualising forces such as homosexuality and abortion, which remain high on the Pentecostal religio-political agenda.…”