The healer-prophet in Afro-Christian churches

by G. C. Oosthuizen

Apart from the mainline, Pentecostal and Zionist churches, there are different types of African Independent/Indigenous Churches (AIC). The largest section among the more than four thousand denominations and eight million adherents came into the AIC during the past three decades, mainly from the traditional African religious background. This book deals with the role of the healer in the AIC. The important role of the diviner in the traditional society has been replaced by the prophet in the AIC; the prophet understands the worldview of his/her people, especially the cultural diseases. In some churches the office of prophet cum diviner is represented by one person. The AIC movement is the most dynamic church movement in many parts of Africa, especially Southern Africa. This study highlights the healing procedures at the grassroots level which accounts for much of the consistent growth of these churches. Dr. Oosthuizen approaches healing from various angles, as sickness is not only determ