Abstract:
This article reflects and makes recommendations on the recent unusual practices within some
Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa. Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa refer to
churches that have crossed denominational boundaries. These churches idolise the miraculous,
healing, deliverance and enactment of bizarre church performances often performed by
charismatic and highly influential spiritual leaders. There have been unusual practices within
some Neo-Pentecostal churches that include, among others, the eating of grass, eating of
snakes, drinking of petrol, spraying of Doom on the congregants and other experiences. There
are many possible theological, psychological and socio-economic explanations for these
unusual practices. Given the facts that many South Africans experience various socio-economic
challenges, it is argued here that the socio-economic factor is the main explanation for the
support of these unusual practices. The unusual practices within some Neo-Pentecostal
churches in South Africa are critically unpacked by looking at various churches where the
incidents happened. The possible theological, psychological and socio-economic explanations
for such practices are outlined in detail. Recommendations are made based on the scientific
findings on the unusual practices.
Description:
Dr Kgatle is participating in
the research project
‘Socio-cultural Readings’,
directed by Prof. Dr Ernest
van Eck, Department of New
Testament Studies, Faculty of
Theology, University of
Pretoria.
CRL Rights Commission is the commission for the promotion and protection of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities.
