Gender Based Violence in the Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Pentecostal Churches

Abstract

The focus is women suffering due to commercialisation of religion in Neo-Pentecostal Churches. Most of the religion commercialists are men with women as victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV). The CRL Commission discovered that women participation in religious commercial practices is quite alarming in terms of the ratio between men and women. There is a very serious gender bias in these churches in terms of abuse and outrageous practices. This paper focuses on vulnerability of women caused by marriage expectations, barrenness, divorce, and lack of leadership. The methods and techniques of religious commercialists will be used as demonstrations that women are indeed the victims of these malpractices. The area of finances will be highlighted to capture the truth that indeed women are victims of commercialisation of religion. Literature and social media will be engaged to validate facts. Theology of dialogue (God-talk) contributes towards the solution to these practices that have tainted the Pentecostal faith with negative outlook. Appeal is made to male perpetrators to reevaluate their patriarchal egos at the expense of women and that their theology should take a new turn of embracing feminist theology, which helps to understand the women’s value as God’s image carriers.

The African Pastor as a Public Figure in Response to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Public Pastoral Intervention

“…Various religious traditions have also played a role in implementing practical measures to combat GBV within the country (Resane 2024). Particularly noteworthy is the Christian faith, with churches utilizing pastoral care ministries to address GBV (Nanthambwe 2022;Nanthambwe and Magezi 2022;Resane 2024).…”

“…Various religious traditions have also played a role in implementing practical measures to combat GBV within the country (Resane 2024). Particularly noteworthy is the Christian faith, with churches utilizing pastoral care ministries to address GBV (Nanthambwe 2022;Nanthambwe and Magezi 2022;Resane 2024). For instance, pastors have become increasingly involved in activities such as raising awareness and providing education, offering counseling and support services, and engaging in theological discussions regarding the role of faith in addressing societal issues like GBV (Nanthambwe and Magezi 2022).…”

“…While multiple factors contribute to the prevalence of GBV, scholars such as Wa Muiu (2008), Gqola (2015), and Resane (2024) assert that its persistence in South Africa is deeply rooted in the cultural framework of patriarchy. Wa Muiu's (2008) research underscores how patriarchal norms and power structures perpetuate GBV by reinforcing unequal gender relations and legitimizing violence against women.…”

“…In patriarchy, men expect to be served by women to quench their desirable needs such as food, sex, and respect. Resane (2024) provides a comprehensive overview of the key features of patriarchy, capturing its inherent power imbalances, systemic inequalities, and gendered expectations. Gqola (2015, p. 2) highlights the stark reality faced by black women in South Africa, stating that "One out of nine black women living in South Africa have either been raped or are left to deal with the trauma of sexual abuse in silence."…”