RT Article
T1 Overcoming fear? A search for an empowering theological response to the fear of witchcraft among urban Zimbabwean Christians
JF Verbum et ecclesia
VO 39
IS 1
SP 1
OP 10
A1 Banda, Collium
A1 Masengwe, Gift
LA English
PB Univ.
YR 2018
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1577282205
AB How can we make theological sense of the resilience of the fear of witchcraft among indigenous Zimbabwean Christians? From the perspective of the transcendence and immanence of God, this article analyses the resilience of the fear of witchcraft among African Christians in Zimbabwe. The article uses results of a case study conducted in Zimbabwe in a congregation belonging to the Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe (COCZ) in the city of Bulawayo. Using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, the study affirms that many African Christians struggle to overcome the fear of witchcraft in their lives. Witchcraft is feared because it is primarily viewed as an evil power that destroys life. The article analyses the awareness of witchcraft, the experiences of witchcraft and the responses to witchcraft among Zimbabwean Christians. The article proposes that African Christians be grounded on the transcendence and immanence of God as a way of overcoming the enduring fear of witchcraft.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: A meaningful response to the fear of witchcraft in Africa requires a multidisciplinary approach including phenomenology of religion, Christian doctrines and practical theology and pastoral care. The immanence and transcendency of God in a context of fear of witchcraft must be unpacked in the light of insights from phenomenology of religion, African traditional religions, discipleship and pastoral care.
K1 Church of Christ in Zimbabwe
K1 Fear
K1 Immanence and transcendence of God
K1 Witchcraft in Africa
DO 10.4102/ve.v39i1.1837