Spectacular Prophecies: Examining Pentecostal Power in Africa

Posted: 20 Mar 2017 Last revised: 13 Nov 2017

Date Written: 2017

Abstract

This study examines the culture of annual prophecies by Pentecostal pastors in Africa and contemporary public response to this form of inspired speech. This paper focuses on Prophet Temitope B. Joshua, the well-known leader of Synagogue Church of all Nations. Prophet Joshua is one of the best known and most influential Pentecostal preachers in Africa. He is sought by both presidents and peasants who either desire a miracle or hope to co-opt his political capital to determine issues ranging from manipulating their local politics to changing their destinies for the better. Through his pulpit pronouncements, Prophet Joshua has influenced the direction of politics in various African countries from Tanzania to Ghana to Malawi- with rather amazing results. This essay examines the political power of prophets and prophecies, the institutional power they have accrued, and the modes by which the African public is counteracting their influence by speak back, and against the power they represent. Also, I look into the future to prospect the socio-political and socio-cultural implications of pushing back against the overpowering essence which Pentecostals pastors represent. How, in the long run, will this display of agency benefit the course of democratic politics in a cultural context where politicians have acquired a godlike status?

Suggested Citation

Adelakun, Abimbola, Spectacular Prophecies: Examining Pentecostal Power in Africa (2017). ASA 2017 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2935780

Abimbola Adelakun (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin ( email )

2317 Speedway
Austin, TX Texas 78712
United States

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