Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe: Contrasts and Similarities

By Paradzayi David Mubvumbi, PhD

This book tells the truth about what happened and is still happening in Zimbabwe, concerning local religions and Christianity. This book will lead you to seek and search the truth from the Bible so that people will determine their relationship with God. Are you following God the right way or wrong way? This book will help.

(A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book is going to help funding some disadvantaged children of Zimbabwe to build their better lives through education)

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512745108

Paradzayi David Mubvumbi, PhD

Paradzayi David Mubvumbi was born and grew up in the Murehwa District in Zimbabwe. Paradzayi grew up among religious people who believed in Christianity and traditional religions. When he was still young, he could not really understand what was going on between Christianity and traditional religions, because the worshippers seemed to be practicing their worshipping the same way. Paradzayi’s grandmother was a Christian and the grandfather was possessed by an ancestral spirit known as Mudzimu in Shona. Because of the similarities and differences in the ways they worshipped, Paradzayi was caught up in a muddle of confusion, and the confusion led him to have an interest in studying Christianity and traditional religions. At the age of fifteen Paradzayi enrolled at Nhowe Bible College, graduated in 1970, and became a full-time preacher in the rural areas of Murehwa. After three years he went back to college to be trained to work in the hospitality industry, where he worked for ten years before he left for the commercial sector. For another ten years Paradzayi worked for Pepsi International as a regional manager. Despite changing jobs Paradzayi never stopped preaching. In fact he went out preaching every weekend supporting himself. In 2000, having made contacts with Christian brethren in Georgia, Paradzayi and his wife, Jane, left Zimbabwe and went to work and preach in the United States. After residing in the United States for six years, David and Jane left the United States to reside in Canada, where Paradzayi completed a BA, MA, and PhD in religious studies. Paradzayi and Jane have been married for over forty years and are blessed with two daughters, who are both married. Even though Paradzayi and Jane have been to many parts of the world, they love Zimbabwe more than any other place. This love made Paradzayi write this book to help Christians and non-Christians everywhere know what Zimbabwean beliefs are concerning their Christianity and traditional religions. Having knowledge of the two is very important to all Zimbabweans to determine their spiritual futures and destinies. Paradzayi wishes his book will also help those who would like to do mission work in Zimbabwe. Have a pleasant reading, and do all things to the glory of God.

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Copyright © 2016 Paradzayi David Mubvumbi Ph.D.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-3250-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4510-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016903082

WestBow Press rev. date: 06/08/2016

CONTENTS

Foreword

What Readers Say about: Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe (Contrasts and Similarities)

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

CHAPTER I

THE ORIGIN OF RELIGIONS IN ZIMBABWE

Who Introduced Christianity in Zimbabwe?

Origin of Traditional Religions in Zimbabwe

CHAPTER 2

SHORT HISTORY OF SOME OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCHES IN ZIMBABWE

Anglican Church

Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe

Catholic Church

Zion Christian Church

City of Jehovah (guta ra Jehovah)

Marange Apostles (Mapositori)

Masowe Apostles (Vapositori)

New Apostolic Church

Salvation Army

Seventh Day Adventist Church

United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe

ZAOGA (Zimbabwe Assembles of God Africa)

United Methodist Church

CHAPTER 3

SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY INTO RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF ZIMBABWE

Ethnic Groups of Zimbabwe

Ancestral Worship and Polygamy

First Missionary Encounter with the Ndebeles

Polygamy among the Ndebeles

Missionary Encounter with the Shonas

The Training of Native Preachers

Early Outstanding Preachers

Establishment of Protected Villages

The Anglican Church and Bernard Mizeki

List of Some Bible and Theological Colleges in Zimbabwe Chishawasha Seminary

Nhowe Bible College

Some activities of the mentioned students:

Holy Trinity College

St. Augustine Seminary

Arrupe College

Wadzanayi Training Centre (Catholic)

Harare Theological College (Interdenominational Evangelical)

Murray Theological College (Reformed Church of Zimbabwe)

Theological College of Zimbabwe

United Theological College

Baptist Theological College

Ekupileni Bible Institute (Brethren in Christ)

Evangelical Bible School

Justo Mwale Theological University (Presbyterian)

Rusito Bible College

Salem Evangelical Bible Institute

Wesley Bible College (Methodist)

CHAPTER 4

ESTABLISHMENT OF HOSPITALS

The Catholic Church and the Health Ministry.

St. Albert Hospital

Domiciliary Visits

Nyadire Hospital

Mutambara Mission Hospital

Old Mutare Mission Hospital

United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe

Church of Christ from New Zealand

Nhowe Mission Hospital

(Brian Lemons Memorial Hospital)

The Anglican Church

CHAPTER 5

DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN ZIMBABWE

History of the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe

(Involvement in Education and Politics)

Garfield Todd

Establishment and Growth of Nhowe Mission

CHAPTER 6

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY INVOLVEMENT INTO SOUTHERN RHODESIA POLITICS

Garfield Todd Arrested

American Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

A Cappella Churches of Christ

Early African American Missions to Zimbabwe and Other Parts of Africa

Hindrances to Early African American Missions in Africa

Powerful Silent African American Missionaries (A Cappella Churches of Christ) to Zimbabwe [River Road Church of Christ]

Plea from Africa to African American Churches

Confusions and Divisions in Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe

Examples of the Early Church Confusions and Weakness

CHAPTER 7

THE BEGINNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS CHURCHES

Zion Christian Church

The Apostles (Mapositori) Masowe and Marange

Johane Marange

Johane Masowe

The Beliefs of the Friday Masowe Apostles

African Apostolic Church

Christian Marching Church

Mother, (Mai) Chaza

ZAOGA (Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa)

Disadvantages of All Early Indigenous Churches

The Latest Mushrooming of New Churches in Zimbabwe and Why.

Mudzimu Unoyera Church (Holy Spirit Church)

Problems with the Latest Mushrooming Churches in Zimbabwe: Abuse of Women and Charismatic Christianity

Reasons Why Zimbabweans are Being Taken Advantage of by False Prophets' Manifestations

The Church Must Openly Preach the Truth Against Charismatic Religions

Charismatic Christianity: Not Real Christianity

Why is the Charismatic Gospel Thriving in Zimbabwe and Africa?

CHAPTER 8

THE EFFECTS OF CHRISTIANITY IN ZIMBABWE

Disadvantages of Christianity During the Early Period Onwards

Colonization

Destruction of African Native Music

The Importance of Ndebele and Shona Music

Community Culture of Zimbabwe Destroyed by some Missionaries

CHAPTER 9

DVELOPMENT OF THE SHONA TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS AND THEIR BELIEFS

The Deep Shona Beliefs of Medium (Ancestral) Spirits

What Do the Ancestral Spirits Serve?

Respect for Parents

Sins of Adultery and Stealing

CHAPTER 10

EVIL SPIRITS (VAROYI) WITCHCRAFT

CHAPTER 11

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS OF THE NDEBELES OF ZIMBABWE

CHAPTER 12

ADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS IN ZIMBABWE

What are Traditional Religions in Zimbabwe?

The Power of the Word of Mouth

What Is the Meaning of Religions to the Shona and Ndebele People?

Traditional Religions and the Worship of Idols

Presentation of Ancestors

God as Known in Traditional Religions

Concepts of God in Traditional Religions

Linguistic Misunderstanding of Traditional Religions

Enrichment of Traditional Religions

Wholeness of God in Traditional Religions

Symbolism in African Traditional Religions

Sacredness of Life in Traditional Religions

Traditional Religions and Immortality

CHAPTER 13

ADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY

African Traditional Religions and Humanity

African Traditional Religions Promotes Fidelity

CHAPTER 14

TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS AND MEDICATION.

What are Zimbabwe Traditional Religions?

What is Traditional Medicine in Zimbabwe?

Dangers of some Zimbabwean Traditional Medicines

Some Activities of Traditional Healers

Formation of ZINATHA and Its Purpose

CHAPTER 15

EVIL ASSOCIATED WITH TRADITIONAL MEDICINES (WITCHCRAFT)

CHAPTER 16

THE GREATEST DISADVANTAGE OF CHRISTIANITY IN ZIMBABWE:

The Loss of Early Traditional Education Among Shonas

Some Missionaries Brought Confusions and Divisions in Zimbabwe

The Survival of Traditional Religions and Its Future

CHAPTER 17

CONFUSIONS AND FALSE DOCTRINES IN THE INDIGENOUS CHURCHES

Marange Apostolic Church and Polygamy

The Abuse of Female Children in Polygamy Practiced by the Marange Apostles

Marange Apostles Force Young Girls into Polygamy.

CHAPTER 18

THE EFFORT TO DESTROY CHRISTIANITY

Threats to the Civilization of Zimbabwe

Defence of Christian Civilization

CHAPTER 19

ADVANTAGES OF CHRISTIANITY IN ZIMBABWE

Stopping Slavery

Early Achievements after Slavery

Education the Greatest Advantage of Christianity

Rev. Nbabaningi Sithole

Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa

Great Zimbabwean Politician's Christian Background: Joshua Nkomo

Robert Gabriel Mugabe

Canaan Banana

CONCLUSION

CHRISTIANITY BROUGHT INDEPENDENCE TO ZIMBAWE

Summary

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Bibliography

FOREWORD

I first met Paradzayi Mubvumbi soon after he and his wife,Jane moved to Canada in November 2006.We are members of the same Church and have worked and worshipped together since then as fellow Christians. During this time Paradzayi has not only navigated the difficult course of finding work in a new land and eventually gaining citizenship in Canada. Paradzayi also continued his studies and completed Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Religious Studies.

The first edition of this book, published in 2013 was an outgrowth of his Doctoral studies. This new edition has been prompted by suggestions from others, that he enlarge upon his record of Christianity in Zimbabwe.

Paradzayi deeply loves his native land and agonizes over the dificult times his fellow countrymen have experienced during the past several years. He is also vitally concerned for the spread of Christianity in Zimbabwe and he has written this book to inform and encourage others who share this concern for the spread of Christianity in Zimbabwe.

In this book, Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe, Paradzayi provides a detailed history of Christianity's introduction and spread in Zimbabwe. He gives a great amount of useful information, not only about the various churches that have been introduced into the country, but also about the numerous schools and hospitals these churches established and about how these institutions have so significantly affected Zimbabwean life and History.

As only a native can, Paradzayi looks carefully and objectively at the interaction between Christianity and indigenous native religions. Paradzayi does not shy away from identifying what is good about Native religions, as well as what needs to be rejected. He is also candid about mistakes Churches and Missionaries made in confronting native religions and cultures of Zimbabwe. His analysis has value for Christians who are interested in doing mission work in Zimbabwe

It has been a rare privilege and valuable learning process for me to be able to work with Paradzayi in some small way to help bring out both the first and the second editions of this book. I am happy to commend the books to anyone who wants to know more about Zimbabwean culture and Christianity in that country.

Edwin Broadus, May, 2015

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT: CHRISTIANITY AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS OF ZIMBABWE (CONTRASTS AND SIMILARITIES)

I was pleased to help Paradzayi David Mubvumbi with some proof reading for this second edition of his book.Paradzayi has such a heart for his home country of Zimbabwe and his people. He has a passion to tell their story so that others can better understand the history of Christianity in Zimbabwe and the spiritual journey to its people.

JoAnne Toews,

Ontario, Canada.

The book Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe by Paradzayi David Mubvumbi attempts in no small way to project a balanced view of the relationship between Christianity and African Traditional Religions. Note that the writer has lived and experienced of what he is writing about. The book leads readers to view African Traditional forms of worship in a positive light. For instance one is led to see that the Holy Spirit was ahead of Missionaries. It prepared Africans in advance of introduction to Christianity to have open minds when Christianity finally arrived. In the Zimbabwe setting presented by the book,it is clear that African traditional religions compare very well to the Old Testament of the Bible. For an example the Africans worshipped One God (Mwari in Shona-Umlimu in Ndebele) whom they believed was a spirit which the living could not communicate with directly except spirit mediums of the dead ancestors, just like some sectors of Christianity use saints as intermediaries between God and men.

The writer offers his book not as the sine qua non, on African religions but as one of the many strands in the tapestry of giving the Africans a voice in their various forms of worship. It is clear that the emergency of African indigenous Christian denominations such as the Johanne Masowe Apostolic Mission is an attempt to accept clear Christianity of the first century and then fit in the flesh from the local cultures and beliefs of the people of Zimbabwe. Thus Christianity today should go back to the drawing board and follow the first century people it spread to. If this edition is looked at in this way it makes a very interesting reading and potent educational tool. The resurgence of traditional religions and various forms of local Christian denominations is in the main a result of Africans attempting to weed out western imperial influences that equate western civilization and Christianity and only utilize the form of it that came from Jerusalem in the first century. Have a good reading.

Christopher M.Mazhandu,

BA with Hons. (Geog)MBA.M.Div

Nova Scotia. Canada

I recommend everyone to read this book as it takes you to the time when it all started and happened. It took me there and I experienced what the writer had also experienced. Paradzayi's book brought me to an understanding that wherever you are or whatever continent you come from we experience the same barriers and discriminations.

Shari Faghihi BE,SS

Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada.

Christianity And Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe: written by Paradzayi David Mubvumbi shows that the his research was brilliant and dynamic from the root of Zimbabwean history in traditional beliefs before and after the coming of Christianity into Zimbabwe.

I find Paradzayi's book very interesting and consistent with explanations given with the relationship to what my Uncle used to tell me about their beliefs on how they used to worship God through their ancestors. Their religion was an advantage to the young people, for it taught them to have respect for their elders. I really enjoyed reading the first book, for all was extremely good and anecdotes makes it relevant to all people who want to learn about Zimbabwe's traditional beliefs and how missionaries worked hard to preach the word of God and converted people.

The short history of the churches in Zimbabwe was awesome in showing how the traditional churches originated and who the leaders were. Most of the people who formed the indigenous churches,teach their own beliefs and the history of their churches only. Paradzayi's research was also great on mentioning the names of people and churches that established hospitals, schools and other institutions. The civilization of the country was also portrayed.

Paradzayi, I thank you for this book. May God bless you for your future endeavours.

Ellias Muchingami:

Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Reading Dr. Paradzayi Mubvumbi's book (Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe) enhanced my understanding of how traditional norms in Zimbabwe believed in the existence of God (Mwari in Shona) It was a tradition in our family, that if they had problems like illnesses or deaths my grandparents would come together to talk to their ancestors, that they could consult the mediums to pass on their message to God seeking for help, healing and comfort. There has been always a belief in our family, that God is Spirit and the dead are also considered as spirits, they are the only ones to negotiate with God on behalf of the living. In some families in Zimbabwe today, when people hold traditional ceremonies to discuss family issues, they pass on their messages to the ancestors in seniority order, starting from the youngest to the oldest, then the eldest person usually a man will pass on the message to the ancestors or spirit mediums who will pass on the message to God, known as (Musikavanhu) Creator of Man. This was clearly explained in Paradzayi's book, especially when he explained, that before Christianity was introduced in our society, most of our people communicated with God through the medium spirits of the dead ancestors, for Jesus was not known at that time, but God only.

Because of the belief in spirits, it was easy for missionaries to convert a lot of my tribe's people. All what the missionaries did was to stop my tribe's people from worshipping God through their ancestral spirits but through the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. As for me I grew up worshipping God through the Lord Jesus. I did not use the traditional way of worshipping through the ancestors, because I was educated at a mission school when I was still very young.

This book is worth reading especially for those who do not have an understanding of traditional religions and Christianity in Zimbabwe.

Hazel Ajida Kaseke: BSc N, RN

Hamilton Ontario, Canada

This book Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe is a valuable guide for persons interested in comprehensive account of the introduction of the Gospel of Christ to the Zimbabwean people. Paradzayi gave us down to earth and well informed history, full of interesting examples. The book is written in a style which makes the information, a pleasure to read and at some points almost leaps from it's pages, like a roaring lion. The book causes the reader to reflect on the methods used to introduce Christianity to the first time hearers of the Gospel of Christ. It is remarkable to see the response of the people, sometimes with some understandable hesitancy and also having great faith in God and his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Frances Groves Reg.N,BA

Stoney Creek, Ontario. Canada.

After reading the book: Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe by Paradzayi Mubvumbi I have a better understanding of the differences of Religions in Zimbabwe. Well done Dr. P.D.Mubvumbi,it was a pleasure reading your book.I am looking forward to the next one.

Elizabeth Mubvumbi,

Wolverhampton,United Kingdom.

Your book Christianity and Traditional Religions of Zimbabwe was a heart warming narration of the Zimbabwe church set up. Looking forward to your next book, I can't wait.

Wellington Ncube,

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

PREFACE

When Christianity came to Zimbabwe during the 16th century, it was treated by the local people as a western or white man's religion. The reason why it was known as western is because most of the missionaries came from the western countries like America, Great Britain, Portugal and Italy, and later on from New Zealand and Australia. All these missionaries were white. Although there were semblances of similarities between the two religions, Christianity's acceptability was initially confined to mostly women who were easily converted. Men could not be converted easily because they were suspicious of this foreign religion, which they thought was going to disrupt their traditional religions, cultures, beliefs, and values, and that they were also custodians of their traditional rites. The reason why the local people strongly supported their own religion as opposed to Christianity was that they saw themselves as inheritors of ancestral thinking, beliefs, and experiences. This was a religion started by their forefathers. Missionaries thus had to work hard to convince the local people that Christianity was not destructive or obstructive according to their thinking but an addition to their spirituality. The natives or local people believed that they were better worshipers than these foreigners, because they could not fully understand Christianity which to them was complicated, especially when the Son of God was said to have been killed by human beings.

As time passed the two sides began to notice the differences and similarities between their religions. For an example, some of the similarities were about family matters, where a patriarchal model