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

Naming the phenomena : the challenge of African Independent Churches

Peer reviewedThe academic study of religion emphasises the accurate description and naming of religious phenomena. Using precise and unambiguous labels has been particularly encouraged. However, the study of Christianity in Africa has, over the years, used a vanity of terms for African Independent Churches (AICs). This article surveys the dominant labels and analyses the methodological difficulties that emerge from adopting some of them. The essay maintains that utilising insights from the history of religions may mitigate some of the terminological difficulties that characterise the study of Christianity in Africa.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

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

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

PROPHETS, PROFITS AND THE BIBLE IN ZIMBABWE: Festschrift for AYNOS MASOTCHA MOYO

BiAS 12 examines the phenomenon of prophets and prophecy in contemporary Zimbabwe. By applying insights from biblical studies and other approaches, the volume sheds light on how this contentious phenomenon has been discussed in the Zimbabwean context. The different chapters highlight the role of the Bible, gender, media, literature and other perspectives have influenced attitudes towards prophets and prophecy in Zimbabwe. While the phenomenon has been principally associated with the new wave of Pentecostalism, it remains critical to appreciate pre-existing attitudes towards prophets from African Initiated Churches (AICs), as well as traditional healers in African Indigenous Religions (AIRs). Contributors to this volume have explored the complexities that characterize prophets and prophecy. The volume is of interest to scholars in biblical studies, theology, religious studies, political science, anthropology, philosophy and other disciplines. General readers, church leaders and civil society activists will also find the chapters in this volume valuable

Multiplying in the Spirit: African Initiated Churches in Zimbabwe

This volume was motivated by the realisation that AICs continue to be a significant player on Zimbabwe’s spiritual market. Members of predominantly Apostolic, but also Zionist, churches are highly visible in both rural and urban areas. Prophets from AICs are constantly in the news, alongside advertising their competence in urban areas. Thus it is high time to bring AICs being an important part of recent social reality in Zimbabwe back into academic focus. BiAS 15 at the same time is ERA 1 which means that this volume opens a new sub-series to BiAS which is meant to explore religion in Africa in all its manifold manifestation, be it Christian or not