Historiographical perspectives of religious pluralism in Zimbabwe

1. Historiographical perspectives of religious pluralism in Zimbabwe Zimbudzana Chimudzimu julius

3. The country. Zimbabwe is a land locked country south of the continent of Africa. formally known as Rhodesia. Population 12.3 million Area 150,760 square miles Language of instruction is English

4. Religious Pluralism. No known religious clashes after independence Meeting in 1994 opened the discussion for dialogue Platvoet says religion in Zimbabwe is Radical pluralism G.Parender only talks of three religions in Zimbabwe i.e African traditional religion(s) (ATR),Christianity and Islam. Reality is there are more religions in Zimbabwe than this. 70-80% of the population is mainstream Christianity i.e. Roman catholic, Anglican and Methodist churches. The other 20% is shared by all the other religions including Christian groups not mentioned above. Islam is about 1% of the population ATR will be discussed below. The liberation war to a greater extend can be understood in religious terms. Where the spiritual mediums took an active ole to fight the settlers. They had a dual function, political and religious, religious in the sense that they believed and taught people that the land was their birth right from God and to leave it in the hands of the oppressor was tantamount to sinning against God.The liberation war to a greater extend can be understood in religious terms. Where the spiritual mediums took an active ole to fight the settlers. They had a dual function, political and religious, religious in the sense that they believed and taught people that the land was their birth right from God and to leave it in the hands of the oppressor was tantamount to sinning against God.

5. African Traditional religion According to Zinatha very high membership. (include all indigenous black people). Many people are ashamed to confess in public that they consult in times of need. First, African people are deeply, even notoriously, religious. �Heathen� is a foreign concept to Africans. Everyone is born into a religion in Africa. One may participate passively or actively. Prayers are made on behalf of and for the whole family. All creation is sacred. Has survived all the attack and verbal abuse of Western religions

6. Pluralism and ATR A very pluralistic religion that has accommodated incoming religions. Highly ecumenical Open to adaptation None-proselytizing religion no missionaries Level of visibility today is low but participation and participants are high.(nocturnal ceremonies) highly syncretic religion. Does not bad mouth other religions

7. Christianity. There is a rainbow of Christian groups in Zimbabwe. Dominant religious group Enjoy public gatherings Religion of the colonial master 75-85% are main line Christians (Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists and to some extend Presbyterians). Pentecostals, Apostolic groups together with the Adventist groups and all other religions fall into the remaining bracket.

8. Christianity and pluralism Dominates the public spiritual market. Visible groups include R.Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals ,Pentecostals and the apostolic groups. Evangelicals , pentecostals and apostolic groups are fast growing groups today. There used to be a strong ecumenical group. Involved in a lot of public development. The HIV AIDS pandemic and the economic challenges have contributed a lot to the growth of Christianity in Zimbabwe. People seek medication food and counselling from churches. Some churches promise healing both physical and spiritual.The HIV AIDS pandemic and the economic challenges have contributed a lot to the growth of Christianity in Zimbabwe. People seek medication food and counselling from churches. Some churches promise healing both physical and spiritual.

9. Islam Mainly practised by aliens indians,parkistinians,malawians and a few indiginious Zimbabweans. Adopted a lot to the African context Has similarities with African culture polygamy = it�s a mark of manhood for Africans Belief in evil spirits. Jinn

10. Religious freedom No state religion but Christianity seems to be on top of acceptance. Constitution provides for freedom of religion. Almost all high govnt. Officials belong to a particular group. Religious groups may not have laws that directly oppose the laws of the land. Homosexuality human/child sacrifices Generally there is respect for religious freedom. The government is not known to have interfered with any religious issuesGenerally there is respect for religious freedom. The government is not known to have interfered with any religious issues

11. Church and state Good working relations before and after independence. Most national fathers were educated in christian mission schools Some missionaries worked hand in hand with nationalists during the war of liberation Conflict between certain church leaders over political leadership. Anglican case.

12. Current religious group represantation Zimbabwe council of churches The heads of denominations Fambidzano Zinatha Islamic Council

13. Civil religion/Nationalism Public holidays : April 18 Independence Day May 1 Workers' Day May 25 Africa Day August 11 Heroes' Day August 12 Armed Forces Day December 22 Unity Day December 24 Christmas Eve December 25 Christmas Day December 26 Boxing day There has been in the recent past all night celebrations sponsored by the state a day before national holidays called gallas. Until 2002 there has been a great support and attendance to national eventsThere has been in the recent past all night celebrations sponsored by the state a day before national holidays called gallas. Until 2002 there has been a great support and attendance to national events

14. The flag Zimbabwe's Flag description: seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which symbolizes peace; green symbolizes agriculture, yellow - mineral wealth, red - blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands for the native people