1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910163130303321

Autore

Oosthuizen G. C (Gerhardus Cornelis)

Titolo

The healer-prophet in Afro-Christian churches / / by Gerhardus C. Oosthuizen

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Leiden ; ; New York : , : E.J. Brill, , 1992

ISBN

90-04-31984-0

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (229 pages) : illustrations

Collana

Studies in Christian mission, , 0924-9389 ; ; volume 3

Disciplina

262/.1

Soggetti

Nativistic movements - South Africa

Healers - South Africa

Healing - South Africa - Religious aspects

South Africa Religious life and customs

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Preliminary material -- BACKGROUND TO THIS THEME -- THE CALL OF THE AIC HEALER -- HEALING METHODS OF THE PROPHET -- TRADITIONAL AFRICAN EXPLANATION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES -- THE TASK OF THE PROPHET CONCERNING DEMONS, DEMON POSSESSION AND EVIL SPIRITS -- “BAPTISM” AS A PURIFICATION RITUAL IN THE AIC -- DIVINER/PROPHET PARALLEL -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- INDEX -- STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN MISSION.

Sommario/riassunto

Apart from the mainline, Pentecostal, and Zionist churches, there are different types of African Independent/Indigenous Churches (AIC). The greater part of the more than four thousand denominations and eight million adherents came into the AIC during the past three decades, mainly from the traditional African religious background. The important role of the diviner in the traditional society has been replaced by the prophet in the AIC; the prophet understands the worldview of his/her people, especially the cultural diseases. In some churches the office of prophet cum diviner is represented by one person. The AIC movement is the most dynamic church movement in many parts of Africa, especially Southern Africa. The consistent growth of these churches can largely be accounted for by the healing procedures they use, which ar highlighted in this study. Dr. Oosthuizen approaches healing from



various angles, as sickness is not only determined by physical and psychological factors, but also by disturbed human relationships and socio-political and economic tensions.