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Introduction

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Aspects of Pentecostal Christianity in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter introduces this book. It opens with the observation that Zimbabwean Christianity is fast becoming Pentecostal. Having observed that, it points out the lack of detailed studies on Pentecostal Christianity in Zimbabwe. This justifies the need for the book. The chapter also points out the objectives of the book, its place in global studies on Pentecostalism and the targeted users of this book. The rest of the chapter provides the structure of the book and panoramic views of each of the chapters.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    From a population of about 10% in 1910, Christianity currently stands at average 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa (Phiri et al. 2016:xxxvii).

  2. 2.

    There has been no study to establish statistically the number of people that have left their traditional churches for the new churches. Such a study is also difficult since most of the new churches do not keep registers of membership. However, judging by the numbers of people that attend the services of these churches, one can argue that almost all the churches in Zimbabwe have lost some members. Be that as it may, it is also possible that those who attend the services of the new churches might have kept their memberships in their traditional churches and only attend the new churches in search of health, prosperity and possibly entertainment as the new churches are good at this through their music bands and the pastors’ ‘demonstrations of power’ (that is, performance of miracles).

  3. 3.

    D. Maxwell (1999b) also studied other Pentecostal churches like Elim Pentecostal Church which in this volume are treated as a separate group of Pentecostal churches.

  4. 4.

    Sometimes Pentecostals are classified together with AICs (e.g. Makhubu 1988 and Maxwell 1999a:243) thus coming up with four families of churches.

  5. 5.

    Obgu Kalu (2008) gives the most helpful history and background of Pentecostalism in Africa. Allan Anderson (2004) is also very helpful.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of TRS, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana

    Lovemore Togarasei

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana

    Lovemore Togarasei

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Togarasei, L. (2018). Introduction. In: Togarasei, L. (eds) Aspects of Pentecostal Christianity in Zimbabwe. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78565-3_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78565-3_1

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