Traditional Religion and its Impact on the Practices of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Traditional religion is core to Zimbabwean people and, its impact has been felt by many Christian churches in Zimbabwe. Churches that are affected most are Apostolic and Zionist churches. These churches have promoted syncretism because they have mixed practices from African Traditional Religion (ATR) and Christianity in their worship and practices. While there have been attempts, especially by mainline churches, to extinguish traditional religion in the country, the efforts paid less because traditional practices are in the DNA of Zimbabwean people. This paper uncovers the practices found in Apostolic and Zionist churches that are strongly believed to have been borrowed from ATR. Most African Initiated Churches (AICs) have some elements of ATR within them. This work attempts to trace the history of ATR in Zimbabwe and expose those practices in AICs that are believed to have been copied from ATR.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract2

List of Abbreviations3

Glossary4

Concepts5

A. Problem to be solved7

B. Objectives of the Research7

C. Organization of the Project7

INTRODUCTION8

BACKGROUND OF RELIGION IN ZIMBABWE9

Religion Defined10

African Religion and Culture11

The Pre-Colonial Phase12

The Shona Traditional Religious Beliefs12

The Colonial Era13

Post-Colonial Phase14

African Independent Churches14

ATR PRACTICES FOUND IN APOSTOLIC AND ZIONIST CHURCHES15

Common Practices15

Belief in Ancestral Spirits and Fear of the Spirits15

Polygamy and Inheriting Wives17

Divination18

Use of Shrines, Clay Pots, Tobacco Stuff, and Finger Millet Grains19

Dreams21

Witchcraft and Sorcery21

CONCLUSION22

References23