Patterns of consumption and materialism among Zimbabwean Christians: a tale of two indigenous churches

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Patterns of consumption and materialism among Zimbabwean Christians: a tale of two indigenous churches
Authors:	Taru, Josiah Settler, Frederico
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Journal for the Study of Religion (ISSN 1011-7601)
Volume:	28
Issue:	2
Pages:	113-137
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	African Independent Churches Apostolic Church of John Maranke Protestant churches wealth consumption attitudes
Abstract:	This article critically considers the role of religion in relation to patterns of consumption among members of two indigenous churches in Zimbabwe. Through an examination of their distinct theological orientations toward modernity and the accumulation of wealth, the authors set out to understand religion and materialism in the postcolonial context. Their analysis and findings are based on extended observations and interviews conducted in two indigenous churches in Zimbabwe between 2011 and 2013. Despite their common theological heritage in protestant ethics and bible-centred dogmatism, the United Family International Church and the Johanne Marange Church have each forged distinct theological and ecclesiastical understandings of their relation to consumption and materialism. These understandings do not only shape their members' patterns of consumption, but also raise critical questions about what constitutes religion in the postcolonial context. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]