Pentecostalism and the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Thohoyandou, South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines the role played by Pentecostalism in the lives of people, particularlyby the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Thohoyandou. The importance ofthis study lies in its demonstration of how Pentecostalism seems to solve some of thepertinent problems that prevail in society. The change of government in South Africa in1994 had far reaching implications in the arena of political decisions which also affectedthe socio-economic aspect of the population. By covering the historical development ofVenda and also showing how the democratic government changed the whole set up thestudy represents how religion, particularly prosperity Pentecostalism, may be used as aweapon to fight against socio-economic uncertainties where youth are the hardest hit.The study is premised on the assumption that the end of youth transition is not simplyadulthood but also being part of the global economy. This to most youth, seems to bedelayed and this leads young people being delayed to reach full adulthood. Against thisbackground young people today have begun to redefine their identities in relation to thegovernment and thus questioning meanings of success. Besides youth the elderly peoplewho for some reasons feel deprived of their prosperity are trying to seek refuge inPentecostalism. Some feel they have been robbed of their wealth and, therefore theUniversal Church of the Kingdom of God as a coping strategy and a means to recoupwhat they had in the past. While some view the church in a positive light there are thosewho see it as encumbered by ill-practices.The thesis examines the above, through chapters entitled: history and functioning of theUniversal Church, Youth and the Universal Church, other members of the church as wellas the views of non-members of the church. It further opens up space for further researchinto the whole phenomenon of Pentecostalism as a coping mechanism during time ofchange.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University