AFRO-PENTECOSTALISM AND CONTESTED HOLINESS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Abstract

The proliferation of charismatic and Pentecostal movements in southern Africa, and indeed the whole continent of Africa, as well as the recurrent competition for recognition and authenticity makes one astounded regarding the direction in which Christianity in Africa is developing. Is this connected to the historic Pentecost recorded in the second chapter of the book of Acts? If it is, why are there acrimony, strife and rivalry among the various members of the Christian body? This paper hypothesises the possibility of a parallel idea of holiness in African traditions which undergirds some of these religious movements and in turn challenges the idea of authenticity in African Christianity. If the various movements are somehow tapping into African traditions for miracle working power, does this suggest that the said traditions are alternative axils of holiness? Would this, by implication suggest that Christianity in Africa can be anchored thereon?