The influence of Bemba traditional religious belief in mystical powers on Bemba Catholics and its implication for catholic faith in Mpika district, Zambia.
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Date
2022
Authors
Chanda, Armstrong
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The phenomenon of Bemba Catholics‟ continued belief in mystical powers has continued to
interest many scholars and people. Some Bemba Catholics have continued to adhere
tenaciously to their traditional belief in mystical powers and their manifestations in the 21st
century Mpika district despite the 122 years of an intensified Catholic missionary and local
priests‟ evangelisation. The African synods from 1994 to 2009 have shown the inclination of
the many African Catholics toward the belief in mystical powers to be the most overwhelming
of other African traditional religious beliefs and wondered about its influence on the African
Catholics. This study intended to investigate the influence that Bemba traditional religious
belief in mystical powers has on Bemba Catholics and its implication on the Catholic faith in
the twenty-first century Mpika district in Zambia. It explored mystical powers in Bemba
cosmology, discussed the Bemba Catholics‟ belief in the mystical powers and examined the
Catholic Church‟s response to Bemba Catholic‟s belief in the mystical powers. The study
employed a descriptive case study design and a qualitative research method. In-depth
interviews and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data. Thematic analysis
was used to analyse data. The population of the study included lay Bemba Catholics, priests
and community traditional leaders. A homogenous purposive sampling technique was used to
sample 34 participants. The study has established that Bemba Catholics believe in the mystical
powers of the Bemba cosmology and practise their manifestations. The reasons were socioreligious and cultural dynamics, and fear and anxiety. This belief influenced them to create a
worldview that everything that happened in life had either their source in the supernatural
world or manifestations of these powers. Mystical powers influence every aspect of the Bemba
Catholics' life. Although this belief contradicted both their Catholic identity and faith, they
have continued holding on to the belief which has consequently influenced them to suspect, use
and practise: witchcraft, divination, magic, traditional medicine, rituals, vows and oaths to
consult with the traditional healers and so on. However, the local Catholic Church was involved
in sensitisation, dialogue and inculturation as means of responding to the problem. The research
has recommended that in its response to the Bemba Catholics‟ belief in mystical powers the
Catholic Church promotes mutual, prudent and reverent engagements.
Keywords: Mystical powers, Inculturation, Dialogue, Cosmology, Bemba Catholics
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Christianity and culture. , Inculturation. , Anthropology of religion. , Inculturation--Catholics.