Abstract:
This article is an assessment of the applicability of the Matthean Jesus’ ethics in the context of
peacebuilding in Zimbabwe (2018–2019). The article explores the factors which led to the
removal of former President Mugabe from the office, and the events which took place from
2018 to 2019. It is alleged that torture, brutality and political killings of people continue to
resurface even during the leadership of the new President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Faced with
the above challenges associated with violence, socio-political, economic and religious conflicts,
civil unrest and polarisation of the Zimbabwean society, the article gives an analysis of the
relevance and applicability of Jesus’ ethics as presented by Matthew in a bid to bring national
healing, peace and reconciliation in Zimbabwe. The ethics of Jesus are meant to transform
society for the better; therefore, the article also assesses the lessons which can be drawn from
these ethics amid challenges posed by a lack of confession, truth telling and transformative
justice in the face of gross political intimidation and torture in Zimbabwe. The article concludes
that the Matthean Jesus ethics are applicable in the Zimbabwean context. However, the
implementation of these ethics faces serious impediments, which need special attention,
especially the need of all citizens, government, political leaders, church leaders and civil
society leaders to join hands together with the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission
in bringing national healing in Zimbabwe.
CONTRIBUTION: This article is part of the special collection ‘Africa Platform for NT Scholars’. It
focuses on the assessment of the applicability of the Matthean Jesus’ ethics in the context of
peacebuilding in Zimbabwe (2018–2019).The ethics of Jesus are meant to transform society for
the better, therefore, it is within the scope of this theological journal that issues associated with
violence, socio-political, economic and religious conflicts, civil unrest and polarization should
be addressed, hence the article fits well within this scope.
