Unusual liturgical ritual practice by present-day prophets in South Africa : a practical theological analysis

Abstract

South Africa has witnessed a recent upsurge of prophets attributable to poverty, unfavourable economic conditions, weak health systems, and supernatural causes that provide fertile ground for ‘prophetism’, healing and deliverance. The research is based on the cognizance of the desperation for divine healing and miracles that have driven communities to engage in harmful religious practices, even the elite fall prey to this trend. Prophets fiercely compete to gain and keep clients. Prophets are aware of the favourable pragmatic disposition based on non-theoretical religion. This study is motivated by the need to explore, interpret, and analyse the phenomenon to gain a deeper understanding of the problem. News about South African prophets was prevalent on social media globally, commenting on the unusual liturgical ritual practice by prophets: the ingestion of antiseptic liquid and petrol or the spraying of insecticide fumigant, as well as the oral consumption of grass to heal, is attributable to the perception of 'bad practice'. The research has utilised practical theological models, qualitative empirical media research, and instrumentation of theories from theology and social sciences to unpack this phenomenon toward normative standards applicable to scriptural traditions, theological concepts and other disciplines to aid in the reshaping of practice regarding the new trend.