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A Socio-political Analysis of Pentecostalism and Political Passivity in Zimbabwe

2020; Volume: SP35; Linguagem: Inglês

10.29086/2519-5476/2020/sp35a15

2519-5476

Henerieta Mgovo, Elias G. Konyana, Caroline Dimingu,

African cultural and philosophical studies

Religion, particularly Pentecostalism, has proved to be fertile ground for the expression of gullible behaviour.The research argues that religious leaders in Zimbabwe have a hand in the political passivity of Zimbabweans.This article is an analysis of how Pentecostal interpretations of the Book of Romans have led to teachings that have made Zimbabweans politically passive and become a hindrance to political contestations.The research adopted a qualitative approach and a case study focusing on the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith (ZAOGA FIF).The research observes that Pentecostalism promotes political passivity as it focuses on the literal interpretation of Romans 13: 1-7, and calls for unquestionable reverence to political leaders as they do to their Charismatic Pentecostal Church leaders.This has greatly impacted on the political life of many Pentecostal Church members who have not been able to protest against any political maladministration, be it in the Church or government.In conclusion, the research recommends that Pentecostal adherents must resist the gullible Pentecostal teachings and be sceptical of some of the messages delivered by charismatic leaders.