Michael Mashiri
Thousands flock to churches in Africa, seeking solace and solutions. But, behind the pulpit, a different story unfolds.
The charismatic preacher, revered by many, is not all he seems. The miracles he promises come at a steep price, as allegations of abuse and manipulation shake the foundations of faith.
Karl Marx, a German philosopher, economist, sociologist and revolutionary socialist, once said: “Religion is the opium of the people.” Marx believed that religion dulled people’s senses and kept them from thinking critically about their conditions. He felt it promoted passivity and acceptance of the status quo, hindering progress.
This sentiment finds a disturbing echo in the recent case of Prophet Simabyu Shiri in Zimbabwe, accused of assaulting congregants with a twig.
The silence of the congregation speaks volumes, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play. Fear, blind faith, and a distorted sense of respect can create a breeding ground for exploitation. But amid the darkness, voices of dissent begin to rise.
Rudo Masimirembwa asserts her right to choose, stating: “If I feel ok with doing it, then it is ok. I am also a human being who has a brain, so if anyone feels I am gullible it’s his own funeral. We praise, worship differently, so for someone to come and impose on us the way he or she thinks is the correct way is crazy.”
Watchman of Israel, a religious leader, emphasises the importance of personal connection with the divine and critical engagement with scripture. He says: “People are supposed to read their bible and if the leader is not doing what the Bible is saying in disciplining congregants, the word says God disciplines those who he loves. When the congregant reads his Bible he will be quick to correct the leader, but the main problem a lot of people do not understand the Bible even if they read because it is the gift of Holy Spirit that brings understanding.”
Pastor Nixon Kainga reminds us that true leadership involves uplifting, not harming. He said: “Yes, it is good to reprimand followers, but what differs is the extent. Are you not going to the extreme of rebuking? There are two types of rebuking, rebuking to moulding the church, rebuking of tearing or destroying the church.”
Across continents, similar stories emerge. From Lesego Daniel, a South African pastor who forced congregants to eat grass, to Penuel Mnguni, another South African preacher who allegedly fed snake and dog meat to his followers, the line between faith and manipulation blurs.
National Religious Council in South Africa urges people to be wary, not gullible. Pastor Giet Khoza of the council expressed his frustration, saying: “We call on our people to not be this gullible, clearly they are being taken advantage of.”
The question lingers: Is it gullibility or a genuine demonstration of faith? As Rudo Masimirembwa said: “I am also a human being who has a brain.” The answer, perhaps, lies in the individual’s journey of discernment.
Despite the drama, it’s crucial to remember that religion, particularly Christianity, has also inspired acts of immense kindness, generosity, and solace. As Watchman of Israel said: “Everything we recommend should align with the bible in this case congregants are reproved by the Bible and corrected by the bible and instructed by the Bible.”
It has provided meaning and comfort to countless individuals throughout history.
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