Divination in the Pentecostal Churches

The court records show clearly the very great importance of the prophets of the pentecostal churches in divining the cause of disease and indicating wizards. Divinations in which medicine is produced are numerous and, in many cases, the production almost seems to form the major purpose and the consummation of the ceremony. As usual in Pentecostal churches the ceremony which follows falls into two parts, the congregation first singing the hymns of the church and thereafter the prophets becoming filled with the holy spirit. These churches do play a very real part in helping people in both town and country to adjust to the changes, substituting church for tribal loyalties and providing a much needed emotional outlet. As in South Africa, so in Rhodesia, prayer for the sick is one of the most important features of Pentecostal services. The pattern of these services follows the usual pattern in such churches: firstly prayer and singing, secondly speaking with tongues.

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