Desperation In An Attempt To Curb Modern-Day Prophets: Pentecostalisation And The Church In South Africa And Zimbabwe -- By: Elijah Elijah Ngoweni Dube

Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 27:1 (Mar 2019)
Article: Desperation In An Attempt To Curb Modern-Day Prophets: Pentecostalisation And The Church In South Africa And Zimbabwe
Author: Elijah Elijah Ngoweni Dube


Desperation In An Attempt To Curb Modern-Day Prophets: Pentecostalisation And The Church In South Africa And Zimbabwe

Elijah Elijah Ngoweni Dube

Keywords

Pentacostalisation, Pentecostalism, Modern-day Prophets, Religious Regulation

About The Author1

Elijah Elijah Ngoweni Dube

DLitt et Phil (Religious Studies), Unisa

Dr Dube has been a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies and Arabic at Unisa since 2010.

This article: https://www.sats.edu.za/dube-desperation-curb-modern-day-prophets

Abstract

Pentecostalism continues to spread in Africa like a veld fire. This paper will pay attention to the phenomenon’s pervasive presence in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The new forms of pentecostalisation, characterised by modern-day flamboyant ‘Prophets’ who initiate and run Pentecostal ministries have become the order of the day. Apart from enriching themselves, these ‘Prophets’ propagate a kind of gospel that is a complete departure from basic Christian teachings. They also use unorthodox means in delivering people from illnesses and in conducting their business in general. This new manifestation of pentecostalism has drawn criticism from both the public and the Church, but it would seem that no one clearly knows how to curb these ‘shrewd business people masquerading as Christian Prophets’. While the public has attempted to stage protests against this new form of pentecostalism, the governments in both South Africa and Zimbabwe have also been considering ways of regulating practice in religious organizations.

1. Introduction

This paper was presented at a Webinar by the South African Theological Seminary on ‘Pentecostalisation and faith in the Global South’ that was held from 13 to 14 June 2018. The paper was triggered by a #FalseProphetsMustFall March that took place in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on 14 March 2018. It is thus a response to the rampant extreme forms of pentecostalism in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. The paper seeks to challenge theological educators and theological students to be more responsive to the excesses of pentecostalism and/or pentecostalisation that have become a pervasive element. First, there is an attempt at a definition of terms. Subsequently, based on internet news articles, the paper paints a picture of how extremes of pentecostalism have become so rampant in a way that they seem to be becoming the norm. Towards the end it explores the ‘desperation’ that appears to be creeping in as far as dealing with these neo-pentecostalism excesses is co...

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