Overview

The AIC movement (African Independent/Indigenous Churches) is the most dynamic Church movement in many parts of Africa. The largest section among the more than 4000 denominations and eight million adherents came into the AIC movement during the past three decades, mainly from the traditional African religious background. This work deals with the role of the healer in the AIC. The important role of the diviner in the traditional society has been replaced by that of the prophet in the AIC; the prophet understands the worldview of their people, especially the cultural diseases. In some Churches the office of prophet-cum-diviner is represented by one person. This study highlights the healing procedures at grassroot level, which accounts for much of the consistent growth of these Churches. Dr Oosthuizen approaches healing from various angles, as sickness is not ony determined by physocal and psychological factors, but also by disturbed human relationships and socio-political and economic tensions.

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9789004094680

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Reviews

' The main importance of this book is its valuable body of research findings collected in the metropolitan Durban area.'<br>Noel Q. King, International Journal of African Historical Studies, 1994.<br>'.. .fascinating and informative...'<br>Martin Parmentier, Tijdschrift voor filosofie en theologie, 1996.<br>

Author Information

Gerhardus C. Oosthuizen is Emeritus Professor of Religion, University of Durban-Westville and Director of the Research Unit for New Religious Movements and Independent Churches (NERMIC) under the University of Zululand, and has studied and taught at universities in South Africa, the United States, Holland and Germany. He is the author, co-author or editor of more than 30 books.

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