Sangomas on the Pulpit

Syncretistic Practices of Some Pastors in Neo-Pentecostal Ministries in South Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID3553424
AuthorsMookgo Solomon Kgatle (0000-0002-9556-6597, University of South Africa, corresponding author), Simesihle Eric Ngubane (0000-0001-8973-9925, University of Pretoria)
Year2023
Volume14
Issue12
Pages1499
Publication date2023-12-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel14121499
OpenAlexW4389308213
LanguageEN
References cited12

This article builds on and contributes to work in the field of syncretism in some neo-Pentecostal ministries. While some studies have investigated the increasing syncretistic practices within certain neo-Pentecostal groups, there has been a lack of emphasis on the similarities and differences between sangomas who strictly follow African Indigenous Religion and sangomas who are spiritual leaders in certain ministries. In certain neo-Pentecostal ministries, sangomas have risen to leadership roles, even founding their congregations. The rapid growth or trend of sangomas on the pulpit is sometimes characterised by condemnation and hostility against "born-again" Christians. Sangomas, who are usually prophets or pastors, attempt to ascertain that the "born-again" have lost their identities because they believe in Western theologies. This article draws strongly on the concept of syncretism as the theoretical framework. Employing the evidence provided in the literature through a literary analysis, this article intends to examine and expose the current trends of syncretism. This article also uses a few cases of neo-Pentecostal ministers who have adopted sangomic practices in their pulpits. Some of the practices were observed by the authors through the participant observation method. Accordingly, it will further identify the failure of westernised Christianity, which was one of the stumbling blocks for Christianity to be integrated into the indigenous historical tradition

Christianity · Indigenous · Pulpit · Sociology · Theology · African cultural and philosophical studies · Christian Theology and Mission · Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies · Philosophy · Religious studies

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