Innovation and Competition in Zimbabwean Pentecostalism: Megachurches and the Marketization of Religion

Review

“This book offers an intriguing, often scandalous account of competition among Pentecostal leaders in Zimbabwe through analyses that successfully call attention to healing as a constant felt need in contexts where health systems have been severally compromised.” ―ELIAS KIFON BONGMBA, Rice University, USA

Product Description

Using the concept of a “religious market”, this volume explores how African Traditional Religions and churches within Prophetic Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe seek to attract and retain members and clients.

Chapters provide extensive coverage of two of the leading churches, namely, Emmanuel Makandiwa's United Family International Church (UFIC) and Walter Magaya's Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD). Contributors also explore the strategies adopted by Pentecostalism in general, while others focus on African Traditional Religions. They show that although Prophetic Pentecostalism has gained a significant share of the market in Zimbabwe and in Southern Africa in general, it is not without controversy. In particular, it has been associated with the abuse of women and exploiting members and clients for financial gain.

Innovation and Competition in Zimbabwean Pentecostalism is an important contribution to understanding the marketization of religion.

About the Author

Ezra Chitando is Professor of History and Phenomenology of Religion at the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, and Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS for the World Council of Churches.

Anthony B. Pinn is Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities, Professor of Religious Studies, and Director of the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) at Rice University, USA.

Monica R. Miller is Assistant Professor of Religion & Africana Studies, Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Lehigh University, USA.