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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Exorcism and conversion to African Pentecostalism
Author:Anderson, AllanISNI
Year:2006
Periodical:Exchange: Journal of Contemporary Christianities in Context
Volume:35
Issue:1
Pages:116-133
Language:English
Geographic terms:Southern Africa
West Africa
Subjects:Pentecostalism
spirit possession
External link:https://doi.org/10.1163/157254306776066960
Abstract:The rapid growth of Pentecostal forms of Christianity in Africa in recent years can partly be attributed to the prevalent practice of exorcism or 'deliverance' that characterizes it. This essay considers the phenomenon from the perspective of the African popular religious spirit world, where spirits and 'demons' abound. It begins with a discussion of the 'translation' of premodern African religious ideas into Christian discourse, and gives several case studies from West Africa and especially from Southern Africa. It concludes that Pentecostal Christianity with its offer of 'deliverance' from evil powers fulfils a felt need and therefore produces a 'product' that is attractive in Africa's religious market, resulting in multiple conversions. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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