Ritual Healing in the Zion Christian Church in South Africa

Mookgo Solomon Kgatle (University of South Africa, South Africa)

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
13 November 2025

Religion & science; Christianity; Other non-Christian religions; Traditional medicine & herbal remedies

Series: Bloomsbury Studies in Black Religion and Cultures

This book signifies a distinct separation of the ritual healing process in the Zion Christian Church from traditional African medicine while also attempting to synthesize contemporary medical approaches with indigenous knowledge systems.

The Zion Christian Church is recognized for its distinctive amalgamation of religious activities, which include faith healing, prophecy, and significant pilgrimages, particularly the Easter pilgrimage to Moria. Despite the church's emphasis on the Christian identity within its faith healing practices, some observers interpret various rituals and beliefs as syncretic. Consequently, these readings have led to allegations that the church integrates aspects of African traditional medicine and witchcraft into its rituals.

This book utilizes the church as a case study to examine healing faith, practices, and rituals thereof within the larger framework and context of African Independent Churches. This theology is used to help place the faith of patients and the importance of God’s role as healer ahead of the healing rituals. Its unique theme-driven, interconnected chapters contain discussions around various practices, encompassing purification and protection rituals as well as therapeutic worship. Consequently, scholars in religious studies, theology, anthropology, and history will find this book an important resource in understanding the role of healing rituals among African Independent Churches.

By: Mookgo Solomon Kgatle (University of South Africa South Africa)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781350552876
ISBN 10: 1350552879
Series: Bloomsbury Studies in Black Religion and Cultures
Pages: 180
Publication Date: 13 November 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1: Introduction 2: Ritual healing process: theoretical framework 3: Zion Christian church: an overview 4: Healing Practices in the Zion Christian Church 5: Symbols and practices of protection in Zion Christian Church 6: Therapeutic Worship in the Zion Christian Church 7: Therapeutic prophecy and instructions in Zion Christian Church 8: The social restrictions and taboos in Zion Christian Church 9: The theology of Indigenous Faith healing in African Independent Churches

Mookgo Solomon Kgatle is an established scholar and Professor of Theology, currently working with the Department of Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology, University of South Africa, South Africa. His scholarly work focuses on the historical, missiological, and theological aspects of African Pentecostalism, including African Independent Churches. Recognized as an NRF-rated scholar, he has been included in the 2023 compilation of the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University and Scopus.

Reviews for Ritual Healing in the Zion Christian Church in South Africa

Despite being Southern Africa's largest religious community, comparatively little is written on the Zion Christian Church. Against this background, Mookgo Solomon Kgatle's insightful monograph provides a pertinent addition to the current scholarship on the ZCC. It is a must-read for anyone wanting to engage with the ZCC and the role of ritual healing in the context of African Independent Churches in South Africa and beyond. * Dr. Philipp Öhlmann, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany and University of Botswana, Botswana * So little is known about the Zion Christian Church, one of the largest African independent churches on the continent. This welcome study fills a gap with its rich descriptions of the rituals and practices of the church. The author is both informative and sympathetic. A standard go-to text for anyone wanting to know more. * Allan H. Anderson, University of Birmingham, UK *