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Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South
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Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South

A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444). This special issue belongs to the section "Religions and Health/Psychology/Social Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2023) | Viewed by 16279

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marius Nel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Interests: Pentecostal hermeneutics
Prof. Dr. Mookgo Solomon Kgatle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
Interests: African Pentecostalism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The scope and purpose of this Special Issue is to investigate the influence of syncretism on Pentecostalism and Neo-Pentecostalism in its various forms because of its links with traditional religion and worldviews in the different contexts of the Global South. In recent years, Pentecostalism experienced a wave of popularity among the people in the Global South, especially Africa. It poses the question of whether its popularity might be linked to the incorporation of some syncretistic features within the ministry. Do these features fit into the ethos and paradigm that determine the fundamental teaching of Pentecostalism?

The research includes the different syncretistic practices found among these groups and an evaluation of these practices from practical and systematical theological perspectives, as well as hermeneutical perspectives. The purpose is to focus Pentecostals’ attention on the scope and theological values or dangers these practices may hold. This includes evaluating the phenomena as well as the development of criteria to do so. The scope includes classical, Neo-Pentecostal, and diverse independent apostle and prophet-led groups associated with charismatic phenomena.

The gospel became more popular/prominent in the Global South when Western missionaries visited their world. In many instances, missionaries called on new converts to abandon their traditional religion and cultural customs, enforcing a new worldview that excluded the traditional tribal structural composition of traditional leaders and healers (Stewart and Shaw 2005). They set the biblical message equal to Western “civilisation” (Adamo 2011). Some converts reacted against missionaries’ claims and blended (also referred to as encultured, contextualised, concretised, accommodated, adapted, indigenised, localised, incarnated, hybridised or reformulated) Christianity and traditional religion, rejecting (some of the fruit of) Western civilisation (see Lapointe 1993; Schineller 1992). They viewed God in broader terms than missionaries. Although they accepted the essence of the gospel message, they also valued their own symbols, art, oral narratives, proverbs, values and performances such as songs, storytelling, wise sayings, riddles and dances. They realised the importance of indigenous knowledge to learn and share social life, histories, identities, and economic and political practices unique to each cultural group (Domfeh 2007). In Africa, for instance, the Ethiopian movement since the 1890s, the African Initiated Churches since the early 1900s, and many Pentecostals observed and rejected Western missionaries’ view of the inferiority of traditional religious beliefs and practices. In the Global South where the spirit world functions in the traditional worldview, are indigenous Pentecostals syncretistic because they incorporate impure practices in resistance to Western Christianity and do they compromise the essence of the gospel and their movement? (Norget 2007). This Special Issue addresses the challenge to evaluate syncretism within significant parts of the Pentecostal movement.

Pentecostal scholarship has published widely during the past fifty years on many relevant issues, but there seems to be a lack of evaluation of syncretism and its influence, value and danger on Pentecostal theology and practice.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400–600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editors (marius.nel@nwu.ac.za; kgatls@unisa.ac.za) or to the Religions Editorial Office (religions@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring a proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer review.

References

Stewart, C.A., and R. Shaw. 2005. Introduction: Problematizing Syncretism. In C. A. Stewart, Syncretism/Anti-syncretism: Politics of Religious Synthesis. London: Routledge, 21.

Adamo, D. 2011. Christianity and the African Traditional Religion(s). Verbum et Ecclesia, 32(1):1–29 (4).

Lapointe, E. 1993. Inculturation: Cultures and Gospels. Rome: St. Augustine's Seminary.

Schineller, P. 1992. Inculturation and Syncretism: What is the Real Issue? International Bulletin of Mission Research, 16(2):1–5.

Domfeh, K.A. 2007. Indigenous knowledge systems and the need for policy and institutional reforms. Studies of Tribes and Tribals, 1:41–52.

Norget, K. 2007. Decolonization and the Politics of Syncretism: The Catholic Church, Indigenous Theology and Cultural Autonomy in Oaxaca, Mexico. International Education, 37(1):78–96 (91).

Prof. Dr. Marius Nel
Prof. Dr. Mookgo Solomon Kgatle
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Pentecostalism
  • Neo-Pentecostalism
  • syncretism
  • spirit world
  • theological evaluation
  • hermeneutical evaluation

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
‘When Faith Is Not Enough’: Encounters between African Indigenous Religious Practices and Prophetic Pentecostal Movements in Zimbabwe
by Molly Manyonganise
Religions 2024, 15(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010115 - 16 Jan 2024
Viewed by 871
Abstract
African Pentecostalism remains the fastest growing form of Christianity on the African continent. Scholarship on Zimbabwean Pentecostalism has noted how the emergence of New Pentecostal Movements (NPMs), specifically Prophetic Pentecostalism (PP), has increased this growth. Apart from other attracting factors, such as the [...] Read more.
African Pentecostalism remains the fastest growing form of Christianity on the African continent. Scholarship on Zimbabwean Pentecostalism has noted how the emergence of New Pentecostal Movements (NPMs), specifically Prophetic Pentecostalism (PP), has increased this growth. Apart from other attracting factors, such as the Holy Spirit, claims of faith healing, deliverance and prophecy, among others, African Pentecostalism is known for its emphasis on faith as a major anchor of any Pentecostal Christian. Hebrews 11, with its emphasis on faith, is, therefore, a central scripture in this Christian tradition. However, the emergence of NPMs at the height of the Zimbabwean crisis from the year 2008 to the present, has challenged Zimbabwean Pentecostal Christians from their sole dependency on faith. The crisis called for much more than faith could stand on its own. Hence, NPMs responded to this need by infusing indigenous religious practices with biblical ones as a way of strengthening believers through the crisis. Prophetic Pentecostal Movements (PPMs) in Zimbabwe introduced touchable objects such as anointed towels, handkerchiefs, wrist bands, stickers, oils and even condoms. While this appears to be sophisticated syncretism, a critical analysis of the practices shows how steeped they are in the African indigenous religious worldview. This article, therefore, seeks to examine the religious encounters between indigenous African religious practices and Pentecostal practices as practiced in the NPMs in Zimbabwe. The focus of this paper is to establish the resilience of indigenous religious practices within a Christian tradition that claims to have totally broken from the past. It further argues that the fast growth of PPMs depends on the ‘Christianization’ of indigenous religious practices, which are presented to believers as ‘purely biblical’. This is largely a desktop research project in which secondary sources were used as sources of data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
23 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cultural Hybridity Branded by Convergence and Syncretism in the Characteristic Features of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches in Zimbabwe: Implications for Spiritual and Material Well-Being
by Francis Marimbe
Religions 2024, 15(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010102 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1388
Abstract
When applied to Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, the concept of cultural hybridity provides a framework for understanding how global religious movements can adapt to and incorporate local cultural elements. This process results in a unique form of religious expression characterised by convergence and syncretism, [...] Read more.
When applied to Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, the concept of cultural hybridity provides a framework for understanding how global religious movements can adapt to and incorporate local cultural elements. This process results in a unique form of religious expression characterised by convergence and syncretism, reflecting cultural and religious identity’s dynamic and fluid nature. This hybridity in religious practice is a testament to the ongoing, interactive cultural exchange and adaptation process. This article delves into the intricate cultural hybridity, convergence, glocalisation and syncretic tendencies within the characteristic features of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Harare, Zimbabwe, illuminating their multifaceted role in addressing spiritual and material needs. Through a comprehensive exploration of selected NRMs that emerged from the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, including Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Grace Oasis Ministries, this article unravels the central role of prophets and pastors in shaping the fundamental ethos of these religious entities. A striking and thought-provoking parallel emerges between the hallmark features of these NRMs and the tenets of African Traditional Religion and many other religious traditions. This parallel extends to practices such as exorcism, worship, healing, and deliverance, thus manifesting a profound form of religious expression informed by cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation. While there are ambiguities around scholarly debates on the definition of these terms, the article delves deep into the intricate religious elements embedded within the NRMs’ characteristic features, such as hymns, modes of worship, healing rituals, and deliverance ceremonies. These elements are tangible manifestations of their unique position at the crossroads of diverse belief systems. The cultural hybridity, convergence, syncretism, and glocalisation tendencies within NRMs offer gateways to invaluable networks, fostering social cohesion and the sharing of critical information. Consequently, these characteristics have become instrumental in the holistic development of individuals and communities within the vibrant religious landscape of Harare. Thus, this article provides profound insights into the nuanced dynamics of NRMs in Zimbabwe, shedding light on their various dimensions. It contributes substantially to our comprehension of the intricate interplay between spirituality, material prosperity, and the rich tapestry of religious traditions in Harare and the broader context of religious studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
12 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
Reconsidering Syncretism and Contextualization: The sangoma-Prophet Phenomenon in South African Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism
by Thabang R. Mofokeng
Religions 2024, 15(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010084 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 872
Abstract
The emergence of African Christianity from missionary tutelage towards the close of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century raised concerns of syncretism that only eased with arguments of contextualisation in the 1970s. The arguments some missiologists in Southern Africa made, especially about [...] Read more.
The emergence of African Christianity from missionary tutelage towards the close of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century raised concerns of syncretism that only eased with arguments of contextualisation in the 1970s. The arguments some missiologists in Southern Africa made, especially about the older Spirit churches (Zion and Apostolic churches) as indigenising agents, almost retired the concept of syncretism in relation to these churches in favour of recognising them as being responsive to their context—hence, agents of contextualisation. The advent of the neo-prophetic movement requires a reconsideration of both the concepts of syncretism and contextualisation of the Christian faith, especially in light of the alleged interaction of some in this movement with ancestral spirits. The article concerns itself with the question: why does the advent of neo-prophetism require a conceptual reconsideration of syncretism and contextualisation and to what end? The search for an answer to this question adopts a qualitative desktop research approach. The study seeks to understand the reasons for the traditional healing (sangoma) prophet phenomenon requiring a reconsideration of the mentioned concepts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
12 pages, 221 KiB  
Article
Syncretism Narrative and the Use of Material Objects within Some Neo-Pentecostal Circles in Contemporary South Africa
by Themba Shingange
Religions 2024, 15(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010052 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 757
Abstract
African Pentecostal Christianity presents interconnectedness with African cultures, spiritualities, and religiosity in many ways. Among many other practices that demonstrate this interconnectedness is the use of material objects common within some African Pentecostal Christian spaces, African cultures, spiritualities, and religions. The advent of [...] Read more.
African Pentecostal Christianity presents interconnectedness with African cultures, spiritualities, and religiosity in many ways. Among many other practices that demonstrate this interconnectedness is the use of material objects common within some African Pentecostal Christian spaces, African cultures, spiritualities, and religions. The advent of neo-Pentecostalism in South Africa has brought some controversies in the use of material objects within the broader African Pentecostalism. This has led to the outright demonization and to the conclusion that this practice was fundamentally syncretistic. This article investigated the syncretism narrative given the use of material objects within some neo-Pentecostal spaces in contemporary South Africa. It scrutinized the syncretism narrative and problematized it as the continuation of the missionary-colonial project that demonized African religious and cultural practices. It was argued that this constitutes coloniality that uses a “cultural bomb” that seeks to eradicate African customs, cultures, religions, and practices including the use of material objects. The study was conducted through the desktop research methodology focusing on secondary literature on African Pentecostalism, African neo-Pentecostalism, and syncretism. The findings indicated that the syncretism narrative is often applied to African Pentecostalism and seldom used with other Christian traditions, especially those of Western descent. Again, when the term is used, non-syncretistic elements are often not acknowledged. Thus, the need to transform the current narrative was highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
12 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Juan Sepulveda and the Understanding of the Syncretic Characteristics of Latin American Pentecostalism: The Case of Classical Pentecostalism in Guatemala
by Klaas Bom and Jonán Monroy-Soto
Religions 2023, 14(12), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14121520 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 972
Abstract
This article presents the case of Guatemalan Pentecostalism as a highly relevant expression of Latin American Pentecostalism that helps to clarify the debate about the syncretic nature of Pentecostalism. We use the Guatemalan case to test the thesis of Juan Sepúlveda, a Chilean [...] Read more.
This article presents the case of Guatemalan Pentecostalism as a highly relevant expression of Latin American Pentecostalism that helps to clarify the debate about the syncretic nature of Pentecostalism. We use the Guatemalan case to test the thesis of Juan Sepúlveda, a Chilean Pentecostal historian and theologian, who explains the success of Latin American Pentecostalism in light of its syncretic character. His argument about the syncretic character of Pentecostalism is based on the Chilean case. Paying attention to its historical development, we present Guatemalan Pentecostal theology in relation to traditional Mayan culture and religion and in relation to popular Catholicism and traditional Latin American Protestantism. Specific attention is paid to the espoused theology of Pentecostal pastors as they provide an account of indigenous Pentecostals’ lived faith. Finally, we answer the question: Does Juan Sepulveda’s approach (still) provide an adequate framework for the theological assessment of possible syncretic characteristics of (Latin American) Pentecostalism? The Guatemalan case indicates ways to improve certain limitations of Sepúlveda’s approach, such as its static understanding of culture and its exclusion of the theological understanding of syncretism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
14 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Reviving Premodern Africa? The Anointed Objects and the Magical Economy in Un(der)developed Africa
by Collium Banda
Religions 2023, 14(12), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14121477 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 805
Abstract
African neo-Pentecostal prophets (ANPPs) address the issue of economic powerlessness in un(der)developed regions of Africa by reviving elements of the premodern African magical economy. They use anointed objects, such as anointed water, for economic purposes, while African Traditional Religions (ATR) use magical charms [...] Read more.
African neo-Pentecostal prophets (ANPPs) address the issue of economic powerlessness in un(der)developed regions of Africa by reviving elements of the premodern African magical economy. They use anointed objects, such as anointed water, for economic purposes, while African Traditional Religions (ATR) use magical charms in their economic life. Therefore, with their anointed objects, ANPPs revive the premodern ATR worldview of the economy. This research is guided by the following question: in what ways do ANPPs’ anointed objects syncretise with the occult economy of African Traditional Religions (ATRs) in their responses to the prevailing economic powerlessness in African contexts? ANPPs perpetuate the magical economy practiced by premodern African societies who sought to alleviate their un(der)development by using magic to exert control over the spiritual world to acquire material wealth. Thus, ANPPs are challenged to adopt a scientifically informed response that empowers Africans to address structural elements that perpetuate un(der)development in contemporary Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
12 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
New Prophetic Churches and Syncretism: A Critical View
by Mangaliso Matshobane
Religions 2023, 14(11), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14111383 - 03 Nov 2023
Viewed by 696
Abstract
New Prophetic Churches (NPCs) are a recent phenomenon within Pentecostalism in South Africa that have gained popularity. Their popularity is arguably due to their syncretism with African Traditional Religion (ATR), especially in its ministry practice of prophecy. The main objective of this article [...] Read more.
New Prophetic Churches (NPCs) are a recent phenomenon within Pentecostalism in South Africa that have gained popularity. Their popularity is arguably due to their syncretism with African Traditional Religion (ATR), especially in its ministry practice of prophecy. The main objective of this article is to restore the sanctity of the prophetic ministry from a syncretic practice in NPCs back to its biblical foundation, by firstly highlighting the syncretic nature of NPCs prophetic ministry with divination, commonly practiced by native doctors in ATR. This study is a literary analysis of the practices of NPC prophets and their syncretic nature, using two case studies of NPC prophets. Osmer’s theoretical framework is used to describe syncretic practices of NPCs and the rationale behind such practices, then a normative reflection of the traditional practice is presented and pragmatic ways to realign NPCs into mainstream Pentecostalism are proposed. The findings reveal that most NPC prophets are faith healers operating in familiar spirits, not the Holy Spirit. The bible rejects divination; therefore, NPCs must determine what identity they choose between ATR and Christianity, because they cannot simultaneously operate in both. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
10 pages, 234 KiB  
Article
Africa Independent Churches as Amabandla Omoya and Syncretism in South Africa
by James Kenokeno Mashabela
Religions 2023, 14(11), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14111369 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1106
Abstract
This article presents a historical contribution of African Independent Churches in South Africa, particularly with references to the Ibandla lamaNazaretha of Isaiah Shembe, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) of Engenas Lekganyane and the St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Christina Nku. There is [...] Read more.
This article presents a historical contribution of African Independent Churches in South Africa, particularly with references to the Ibandla lamaNazaretha of Isaiah Shembe, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) of Engenas Lekganyane and the St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Christina Nku. There is no doubt that these churches continue to be attractive and relevant to the South African context in the 21st century. They form an integrated part of African Christianity in South Africa. The article investigates ways in which these churches respond to the spiritual and cultural needs of Africans. It is interesting to look at how the Holy Spirit, healing, prayer and prophecy manifest in these churches. The concept of African Spirituality is discussed and contextualised within these churches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
10 pages, 689 KiB  
Article
Looking Back: Theological Reflections on the Intersection between Pentecostalism and Ubuntu within the African Section of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa
by Abraham Modisa Mkhondo Mzondi
Religions 2023, 14(10), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101274 - 09 Oct 2023
Viewed by 812
Abstract
Syncretism in the African section of South African Pentecostalism followed the emergence of the Ethiopian movement. The latter took the lead in promoting the syncretising of Christianity and African culture and practice (hereinafter referred to as Ubuntu). A similar syncretism emerged in the [...] Read more.
Syncretism in the African section of South African Pentecostalism followed the emergence of the Ethiopian movement. The latter took the lead in promoting the syncretising of Christianity and African culture and practice (hereinafter referred to as Ubuntu). A similar syncretism emerged in the Christian Catholic Church in Zion in Wakkerstroom, the “black section of the Apostolic Faith Mission”, soon after the departure of Reverend Pieter Le Roux, who was appointed to lead the Apostolic Faith Mission in Johannesburg since John G. Lake was returning to the USA. This article intends to show that such syncretism did not occur in a vacuum. Rather, it was influenced by the interpretation of some portions of Scripture, the influence of John Alexander Dowie’s praxis and some dreams and visions of a leader of the Christian Catholic Church in Zion in Wakkerstroom. This form of syncretism later permeated subsequent sections of African Pentecostalism in the Apostolic Faith Mission, resulting in the emergence of two categories of African Pentecostalism in the church: namely, those who accept this phenomenon and those who abandon it. These past developments position the Apostolic Faith Mission as a prime example to use in analysing syncretism in Pentecostalism and how it could be addressed by taking cognisance of Ubuntu without committing syncretism. Hence, the following question arises: How can theological reflections on the past experiences of the black section of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa contribute to promoting a biblical approach that takes cognisance of Ubuntu without committing syncretism? This article applies the Magadi research method conceptualised for practical theology to answer this question. It further demonstrates that it is possible to promote a biblical approach that embraces Ubuntu without committing syncretism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
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14 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Uncovering Covert Syncretic Holy Water among ANPCs in South Africa
by Jonas Thinane
Religions 2023, 14(9), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14091139 - 06 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 763
Abstract
In most societies where Christianity is dominant, it has manifested itself in different ways, reflecting its admixture with indigenous religious practices, an admixture commonly seen in most African contexts. This is evidenced by overt syncretic practices and rarely covert syncretic practices that conceal [...] Read more.
In most societies where Christianity is dominant, it has manifested itself in different ways, reflecting its admixture with indigenous religious practices, an admixture commonly seen in most African contexts. This is evidenced by overt syncretic practices and rarely covert syncretic practices that conceal the blending of beliefs, including belief in the mystical powers of water. In part, this explains why African Christian believers, particularly African Pentecostal believers in most African countries, often uncritically believe claims about holy water. To that end, this article examines the literature to uncover the existence of covert syncretic holy water in African Neo-Pentecostal Churches (ANPC), particularly in South Africa, where ANPC pastors make arbitrary claims about the power of holy water. Contrary to the apparent syncretism, claims about holy water as witnessed among ANPCs in South Africa, covertly combine elements of two belief systems (ancient African traditions and contemporary African Christianity), resulting in covert syncretic holy water. As little or no literature understands the covert syncretic holy water, the work of this paper warrants future research to further examine the covert syncretic holy water, particularly in relation to ANPC holy water claims. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
16 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Leadership in African Neo-Pentecostalism
by Daniel O. Orogun
Religions 2023, 14(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14050632 - 09 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Across institutions and professions, leadership philosophy is considered the driver of organisational culture in achieving the overall objectives. Although individuals’ leadership cultures may vary, intersections and hybridity are present in many spheres, including that of some African Neo-Pentecostal Leaders (ANPLs). To underscore the [...] Read more.
Across institutions and professions, leadership philosophy is considered the driver of organisational culture in achieving the overall objectives. Although individuals’ leadership cultures may vary, intersections and hybridity are present in many spheres, including that of some African Neo-Pentecostal Leaders (ANPLs). To underscore the hybrid leadership of the ANPLs, qualitative research was conducted, with data collected from 20 participants through one-on-one interviews across Africa. The results revealed the hybridisation of African Neo-Pentecostal leadership styles vis-a-vis African monarchical and religious traditions based on four variables: accountability, ownership and succession plan, healing, and gerontocracy. The results also revealed the benefits and challenges of their hybridity. Subsequently, using Jesus’s model of servant leadership to analyse the four variables, the benefits and challenges were critiqued. The analysis identified culture, African spiritual worldview, gerontocracy, and submissive theology as factors influencing such syncretic or hybrid practices. The analysis also delineated the theological, socio-economic, legal, and transgenerational implications of such hybrid leadership. This article concludes with cautionary remarks regarding boundaries, servant leadership, and morality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
9 pages, 236 KiB  
Article
Consultations in New Prophetic Churches and African Traditional Religions: A Case Study of Divine Healing in Assessing Syncretistic Practices in the South African Context
by Mookgo Solomon Kgatle
Religions 2023, 14(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14030400 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2367
Abstract
New prophetic churches have a different approach to classical Pentecostalism when it comes to the practice of divine healing. Unlike classical Pentecostalism, new prophetic churches embrace the practice of consulting prophets in divine healing in the same way as that in which a [...] Read more.
New prophetic churches have a different approach to classical Pentecostalism when it comes to the practice of divine healing. Unlike classical Pentecostalism, new prophetic churches embrace the practice of consulting prophets in divine healing in the same way as that in which a traditional healer would be consulted in traditional African religions. During the consultation, the prophet charges a fee and prescribes sacred products that are similar to those of traditional African religious practices. This article uses a case study to illustrate the similarities between new prophetic churches and traditional African religions. Although there are similarities between the two movements, there is a need to also demonstrate their differences. The similarities are framed as continuities, and differences as discontinuities. When diagnosing the problem, a traditional healer throws traditional bones, but a prophet relies on the Holy Spirit to utter a prophetic word. When exorcising a demon causing sickness and diseases, a traditional healer uses rituals to invoke the spirits, but new prophetic churches, with all their weaknesses, would still use the name of Jesus to cast out the evil spirits. The findings in this article have some implications within the theoretical framework of syncretism. The similarities demonstrate syncretistic practices, and the discontinuities demonstrate the nonsyncretistic nature of new prophetic churches in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
12 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
The Prosperity Message as a Syncretistic Deviation to the Gospel of Jesus
by Marius Nel
Religions 2023, 14(3), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14030346 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1899
Abstract
The prosperity message preached mainly by independent apostles and prophets in Network Christianity’s new prophetic churches with some Pentecostal leanings has become popular among many Africans. The link between the American prosperity message and its African nephew is discussed to disclose the unique [...] Read more.
The prosperity message preached mainly by independent apostles and prophets in Network Christianity’s new prophetic churches with some Pentecostal leanings has become popular among many Africans. The link between the American prosperity message and its African nephew is discussed to disclose the unique African elements, such as Africa’s traditional emphasis on a holistic spirituality which includes attaining health and prosperity by pacifying evil spirits and angry ancestors. One of the reasons for the popularity of the prosperity message is that it links closely with the African enchanted worldview and the spirituality that characterizes African traditional religion. This challenges Pentecostals to consider its compatibility with the gospel of Jesus Christ, based on the discipleship of the cross and servanthood, and suggests that the neo-Pentecostal prophet and apostle have become the modern equivalent of Africa’s diviner and healer. Their message of prosperity deviates from the essence of the gospel of Christ in several respects: firstly, it entails a distorted view of God and the Bible, described in almost pantheistic terms; secondly, its anthropology and Christology view relegates Christ to a man empowered by the Spirit and elevates human beings’ union with God; lastly, its view of revelation authorizes extrabiblical revelation to the same extent as the biblical text. This paper concludes that the prosperity message represents a dangerous fallacy based on a syncretistic contextualization of the gospel to African spirituality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Syncretism and Pentecostalism in the Global South)
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