No abstract

the proliferation of charismatic and Pentecostal movements in southern africa, and indeed the whole continent of africa, as well as the recurrent competition for recognition and authenticity makes one astounded regarding the direction in which christianity in africa is developing. Is this connected to the historic Pentecost recorded in the second chapter of the book of acts? If it is, why are there acrimony, strife and rivalry among the various members of the christian body? this paper hypothesises the possibility of a parallel idea of holiness in african traditions which undergirds some of these religious movements and in turn challenges the idea of authenticity in african christianity. If the various movements are somehow tapping into african traditions for miracle working power, does this suggest that the said traditions are alternative axils of holiness? would this, by implication suggest that christianity in africa can be anchored thereon?

The proliferation of charismatic and Pentecostal movements in southern Africa, and indeed the whole continent of Africa, as well as the recurrent competition for recognition and authenticity makes one astounded regarding the direction in which Christianity in Africa is developing. Is this connected to the historic Pentecost recorded in the second chapter of the book of Acts? If it is, why are there acrimony, strife and rivalry among the various members of the Christian body? This paper hypothesises the possibility of a parallel idea of holiness in African traditions which undergirds some of these religious movements and in turn challenges the idea of authenticity in African Christianity. If the various movements are somehow tapping into African traditions for miracle working power, does this suggest that the said traditions are alternative axils of holiness? Would this, by implication suggest that Christianity in Africa can be anchored thereon?

No abstract

Gullibility is understood variously as ranging from outright stupidity to indecision raised by the epistemic indeterminacy of the testimony of others. The activities of tricksters fall within this range. These activities happen in almost every sphere of our lives—in business, religion, the law, politics and so forth. Tricksters dangle “beautiful illusions” and sway people into believing that they have something to offer them. As a result, people throw caution out of the window. In the Christian religion for example, the air is drenched with claims about what God is saying to the Church during these last days! Those who claim to have direct contact with God tend to have an edge over those who do not have direct access to God. It is in such contexts that religious imposters arise. Prophets and firebrand preachers have sprung up and are promising the masses either prosperity, or healing, even in cases where ailments have confounded scientists. Many people are swayed into believing them sheepishly. It is against this backdrop that some end up being cheated. Often this tendency is labelled gullibility. If gullibility is understood as a belief in something with no substantiating facts, does this make the affected persons foolish? If someone believes that another person is endowed with special gifts from God, which can help them, is this belief unwarranted? In this article I seek to unpack the concept ‘‘religious gullibility’’, with the hope of plugging the holes.