Beyond Phenomenology: Teaching African Traditional Religions in a Zimbabwean University

A ZJER article on African traditional religious education in Zimbabwean universities.The crusade by the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe witnessed in I999 during the Constitutional Commission's outreach programme was designed to have Christianity declared the official religion of Zimbabwe. This has the danger of claiming all the religious space for Christianity. This article examines the implications for the teaching ofAfi-ican Traditional Religions (A TRs) in the University of Zimbabwe. It is argued that the preponderance of Christianity and the emergence of church-related universities pose as potential threats to the viability of ATRs as an area of academic enquiry. If ATRs are to retain their status as an important component of human religious history, there is need for a proactive approach. The article argues that although the phenomenological 'method has been popular in the study of ATRs, it may not be adequate. If the marginalisation of ATRs is to be overcome, there is need for more radical pedagogical techniques in religious studies

What Did We Do to Our Mountain? African Eco-Feminist and Indigenous Responses to Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts, Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai caused untold devastation in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, Zimbabwe. In scenes reminiscent of the biblical deluge, in some places entire settlements were eradicated from the face of the earth. Houses were swept away, bodies were submerged and water, typically understood as the source of life, became the source of death. Individuals, families, communities and nations were left traumatized, and the search for meaning continues. Inevitably, religion featured prominently in explanations of this tragedy. This article is a preliminary review of the explanations of Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, Zimbabwe, within the frame of African Traditional Religion/s (ATR/s) and Christianity. The article delves into questions at the interface of climate change and religion, such as: how do survivors of the cyclone explain its occurrence? What do we learn about the interface between religion and climate change in Africa from the responses to Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts? The article adopts the African ecofeminist perspective. This is informed by the fact that women and girls comprise the bulk of the population heavily impacted by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge as well as the fact that they are the ones who were in the forefront of mitigating the impact of devastation caused by this ecological catastrophe. Our article seeks to contribute to the ongoing scholarly discussions on the nexus between religion, gender and climate change by foregrounding the experiences of women and girls affected by Cyclone Idai. The first part of the article describes the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai. The second part outlines the Christian and indigenous interpretations of the cyclone. The third part of the article teases out the indigenous interpretations of unpredictable weather patterns

Academic Freedom and the Problems of Patriotism and Social Responsibility in Post-colonial Africa

This article interrogates the meaning of academic freedom in African universities after the attainment of political independence. It explores the nuances of the concept of academic freedom and traces its appropriation in African contexts. The article contends that African scholars operate in challenging political environments due to the quest by political leaders to dabble in philosophy. African ‘philosopher kings’ have sought to articulate grand visions and narratives of development and they brook no dissent in this ‘sacred quest’. As a result, African academics are generally expected to tow the line and endorse the grandiose philosophies articulated by the ambitious presidents. We argue that this is dangerous and results in loss of academic freedom. The article concludes by emphasising that African intellectuals can make more effective contributions to the nations by refusing to be co-opted and remaining faithful to the tenets of academic freedom

Towards a ‘Proverbs 31 Man?’ Pentecostalism and the Reconstruction of Masculinities in Kenya

The ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ has been the focus of considerable scholarly reflection. Whereas some celebrate the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ as the embodiment of femininity, others challenge this interpretation as it infers an underlying patriarchy and a socialisation of women to sacrifice themselves. In either case, the dominant focus has been on the woman. However, there has been a notable development in the study of religion and masculinities in Africa in general, and in Pentecostalism in particular. There is a growing appreciation of how Pentecostalism seeks to transform masculinities in Africa and to promote the emergence of “a new man for a new era.” This article explores how Pentecostalism in Kenya seeks to reconfigure masculinities, going on to describe how selected preachers are challenging boys and men to adopt more life-giving masculinities. Utilising the concept of the ‘Proverbs 31 man’, the article describes how Pentecostal preachers envisage transformed boys and men in the Kenyan contexts. The article contends that despite some challenges, Pentecostalism does offer some promise of redemptive or transformative masculinities in Africa

Introduction: Religion-Regime Relations in Zimbabwe:Co-operation and Resistance

This chapter provides the background to the volume. It outlines the longstanding debate on the relationship between politics and religion in scholarship in general. The chapter illustrates how the debate has been handled in diverse contexts and draws out the implications for the discourse in Zimbabwe. It highlights how the concepts of politics and religion are inventions and states the volume’s preferred approach, namely regarding politics and religion as mutually interacting systems of power. It draws attention to how the post-Mugabe and post-Tsvangirai context in Zimbabwe calls for new investment in seeking to understand the politics-religion dynamic. Focusing on the dynamics of the “Second Republic,” the chapter describes how Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President, and Nelson Chamisa, his closest challenger, have appropriated and deployed religious ideas in their politics. It also summarises the chapters in the volume

‘Citizens of both Heaven and Earth’: Pentecostalism and Social Transformation in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya

As Pentecostalism enjoys unparalleled growth in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, greater attention has been paid to its problematic expressions by some scholars. Media images of the abuse of believers in different contexts have been widely circulated. These include sexual abuse by charismatic (male) prophets, financial scandals, as well as the degrading treatment of clients/members by forcing them to eat grass/snakes and other questionable acts. While conceding that these aspects are challenging, this article seeks to provide a more balanced perspective by highlighting the extent to which selected Pentecostal churches in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have sought to contribute to social reconstruction in their respective countries. By examining the sermons and teachings on personal responsibility and having effective marriages by the Pentecostal leaders, the article contends that they mobilise their members and audiences to become agents of social transformation. The article highlights the potential role of Pentecostalism in social reconstruction in the selected countries

Other ways of being a diviner-healer : Musa W Dube and the African church's response to HIV and AIDS

Peer reviewedScholars of African Christianity have tended to celebrate African women purely as charismatic founders of movements. Alternatively, they focus on African women’s active participation in church life. Rarely have young African Christian women been acknowledged for their academic achievements and leadership in addressing contemporary issues that affect the continent. This article examines Musa W Dube of Botswana’s contribution to the African Church’s response to HIV and AIDS. The first part provides the historical background relevant for appreciating Dube’s work. The second part examines Dube’s activism in encouraging an effective religious response to HIV and AIDS in Africa. The third part reviews Dube’s contribution to the integration of HIV and AIDS in theology and religious studies in Africa. The fourth section provides an overview of critiques of Dube’s HIV and AIDS work. Overall, the article acknowledges Dube’s leadership in the church’s response to the HIV epidemic in Africa and beyond.Research Institute for Theology and Religio