![]() Besides the concept of ‘selling out’ having a political background, the present Zimbabwean political leadership has found the biblical character of Judas Iscariot, a willing pony in their fight and bid to close up any political space. This includes physically and psychologically “subtracting” opponents from either the religious or political scene. However, the vocabulary of ‘selling out’ (Mutengesi in Shona or Umthengisi in Ndebele) dates back to the struggle for the liberation of Zimbabwe where the concept of ‘selling out’ was used and is still used for political mobilization as well as justification of politically motivated violence against opponents. The concept of “selling out”, although having its background in the world of the Bible, that is, the gospels, has created a fertile ground in the contemporary religious, social, economic and political environment of Zimbabwe. This has provoked my desire in this paper to look at AFM’s celebrated concept of glossolalia3 and their argument that their teachings are rooted in the book of Acts. Most scholars exerted their research energies and time on African Indigenous Churches. Some academic focus has been on ZAOGA as done by David Maxwell and a bit on Family of God Church by Lovemore Togarasei. The interest on AFM cannot be overlooked considering the number of followers that the church commands, yet surprisingly not much has been done by scholars in terms of research save to mention in passing its existence as one of the biggest Pentecostal churches. The influence is also noted in some of the largest African Indigenous Churches like the Johane Marange Apostolic Church and some Zionist Churches. The choice of AFM in this paper is not coincidental but is motivated by AFM’s history of influence (particularly doctrinal) on most of the Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches like the: Apostolic Faith Mission Mugodhi, Awake Ministries, United Family Interdenominational Ministries (UFI), Heartfelt International Ministries (HIM), ZAOGA (Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa) and Grace International Ministries. Acts 2:1-13 is also important in understanding how the AFM approach the Bible in relation to speaking in tongues (glossolalia). The book has influenced the AFM theology, missiology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and pneumatology. The book of Acts especially Acts 2:1-13 plays an influential role on the beliefs and teachings of Apostolic Faith Mission as well other Pentecostal churches. The authors Molly MANYONGANISE (ed.) / Vengesai CHIMININGE / Enna Sukutai GUDHLANGA / Bernard Pindukai HUMBE / Angeline Mavis MADONGONDA / Clemence MAKAMURE / Gift MASENGWE / Peter MASVOTORE / Tawanda MATUTU / Tenson MUYAMBO / Bednicho NYONI / Nomatter SANDE / Jane TENDERE / Lovemore TOGARASEI / Lindah TSARA / Silindiwe ZVINGOWANISEI Such an analysis is crucial in informing policy on the future relationship between science and religion in public health both during this pandemic as well as in the post-pandemic era and the crises ahead. This book, therefore, makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge by offering an incisive analysis of how the pandemic has shaped the way religion has contributed both positively and negatively to the discourse on health in Zimbabwe. The book further examines the ambivalence of religion in shaping attitudes towards health-seeking behaviour as well as influencing responses to pandemics. With the menace of COVID-19 across cultures, this volume places its focus on this pandemic and how it has reshaped the discourse on the way, religion interfaces with health. ![]() ![]() BIAS 36 explores the intersection of religion and health in a COVID-19 context specifically focusing on Zimbabwe.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |