Making sense of religion

04 Dec, 2016 - 00:12 0 Views
Making sense of religion

The Sunday Mail

Professor Tabona Shoko —
THE country is going through undisputable economic challenges. South Africa is experiencing the same economic turbulence. The challenge extends to the whole Sadc region. It even stretches internationally.

In the fight for survival, Pentecostal churches are grabbing opportunities that come their way. Of late, the Pentecostal churches have flourished, it is not surprising.

The trend tallies with trends of economic decline, they have now become relevant at a time when the economy is going down. When the economy was fairly stable, we had mainline churches, garmented prophets and apostolics who worshipped underneath trees.

They still exist but the lime light has been taken by the more charismatic Pentecostal prophets. These guys came in at a time of economic crisis. The message is on prosperity.

They appeal to younger generations who are looking for employment, seeking marriages and breakthroughs in life. The charismatic churches are pouncing on this and that’s when the issue of faith comes in.

“If you have got faith you will attain whatever you want.”

This is why they talk of seeding. Prophet Uebert Angel was once involved in a nasty court case after he had allegedly promised a certain individual that if they seeded their vehicle, they would get something bigger.

The problem starts when the promised things does not materialise. Health is also another issue that has seen more Pentecostal churches rise. When the economy shrinks, we are vulnerable to illness and a lot of people cannot afford medication. So spiritual healing gains popularity.

Some seek traditional medicine while others go to the garmented prophets’ shrines (masowe) for some healing water. Others turn to the charismatic Pentecostal prophets.

They are promised immediate healing and therefore they can do anything if instructed to do so. Prophets come with a lot of things — anointing oil, anointed cloths and perfumes. People try by all means to get hold of these items because they believe they have tremendous powers.

You also witness payment of money for front seats at church services conducted by the prophets. Those who pay have close proximity to the man of God.

Remember in biblical theology, if you can come close to the man of God or by merely touching him, you can be healed. That is the reason people will jostle for the front position.

There is this belief that l am seeding to my health and prosperity. It’s high risk, high retains. The prophets lures more to their homes (guest houses) as well. For those who cannot reach them in the front sit, there is always the option of another place where they can do a one-on-one on a much closer proximity.

Hence people go to the guest houses and stay for a couple of days while receiving prayer. During this stay, they have direct contact with the man of God and therefore hope that their problems will be addressed.

Healing has to take place. This trend will continue for as long as there are economic challenges in the country. These prophets selling these ornaments, their portraits, wristbands and handkerchiefs will continue reaping big.

lt’s fundraising. The prophets are living like millionaires. They get the money and invest, they build mansions and drive posh cars. It’s a business venture, a golden opportunity.

Sadly, the man of God is given much more than the congregant’s parents. Most prophets know how to read people’s minds. If you are told, “I have seen you far away, there is a problem and there is a spirit after you,” you are likely to agree. That is how people are lured, but is it necessarily true?

They know that you have come because there is a problem, obviously. You are told that if you don’t address these issues, death is going to strike.

People are made to believe that they are somewhat activating the spirit of God through bringing certain gifts. There are several stories of people who have done all sorts of things.

There are stories of people who were forced to breast feed snakes. Some gifts are packaged privately with the idea of expanding into faith. It’s a symbol of seeding which is translated differently in the religious spheres.

Some vulnerable women are often lured under the guise of spiritual healing. Women are more active participants in church, and therefore they end up being victimised. In religion, prophets are usually male while women are the ‘poor ones’ in need of help.

Professor Shoko is part of the Religion Studies, Classics and Philosophy department at the University of Zimbabwe

 

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