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https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-african-prophets-the-unchecked-power-of-the-leaders-of-pentecostal-churches-221887>
"Over the last 20 years there’s been an unprecedented increase in charismatic
Pentecostal prophets – or men of God as they’re called in Pentecostal parlance.
Across Africa their unchecked influence has spread into social, economic and
political institutions.
Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing strands of Christianity on the
continent. In Zimbabwe, for example, the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance
Ministry claims its membership rose from 45 to over a million in just five
years. This is a significant number in a country with a population of 16
million. Zimbabwe’s United Family International Church boasts that over 70,000
attend its Sunday services.
Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are known for leading megachurches like these
that emphasise faith healing, health and wealth. They often attract youthful
and marginalised members of society. Most charismatic Pentecostal churches have
an authoritarian governance structure built around their founding prophets –
what one historian calls a “personality cult”.
Religious leaders are increasingly trusted in post-colonial African states. A
2017 survey found almost 75% of adult Zimbabweans had more trust in religious
leaders than elected ones. A 2022 study conducted in 34 African countries
confirmed this trend: 69% of respondents trusted religious leaders; 51% trusted
their president. Many followers believe it would be a demotion for a prophet to
run for president because a prophet anoints leaders.
As an anthropologist who studies charismatic Pentecostal churches, particularly
in Zimbabwe, I’ve carried out research on the power exercised by prophets.
Like leaders in other religious groupings, prophets exercise power and
authority through control and manipulation of different forms of capital:
spiritual, symbolic, human, political and economic. These forms of capital are
as important for building religious communities as they are for protecting men
of God when allegations of sexual abuse or corruption are levelled against them
– as has been seen in the scandal surrounding famed Nigerian prophet TB Joshua.
Political connections and economic resources can be used to intimidate and
muzzle victims and survivors. Fear of spiritual retribution or retaliation also
silences them. Here I outline how that power is established by prophets, their
followers and societies."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
