Religion in South Africa

Religion in South Africa, just like in any other nation, is an integral part of many citizens everyday life. During my time in Johannesburg this summer, I got to experience multiple different church services and styles. I was pleasantly surprised by the passion and variety in many South African churches.

South Africa is often called the "rainbow nation"[1] because of its vast uniqueness and variety and this is true of its religions just as much as any other part. Religious freedom is a constitutionally protected right and the people of South Africa practice many denominations and styles. The main faiths of the region are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, traditional African religions and Hinduism.[1]

Christianity and Islam, in particular, have grown tremendously in the last 100 years! Christianity has increased seventy-fold and Islam twenty- fold. [2] South Africa now houses about 20% of the world's Christians and 15% of the world's Muslims.[2] In general, more Muslims live in the Northern part of Africa with more Christians in the Southern part. According to a recent report "many Africans are deeply committed to Islam or Christianity and yet continue to practice elements of traditional African religions". [2] For many, the tensions between these two religions are seen as reason for much of the violence, while others see the tolerance of differing views as a sign of hope for the future. 

The religious sect unique to this nation is the traditional African religion. This is largely developed by oral story-telling throughout generations. This religion emphasizes community and moral actions. Above and beyond the regular traditions of priests, teachers, and preachers, the African people often attribute power to "mystics" or "sangomas" [1] which are particularly prominent in Zulu tradition. These people are supposed healers who have been chosen by the ancestors as counselors and healers. 

This leads into the great pitfall of traditional African religions which truly breaks my heart. Most African people do not believe that they have direct access to God or their "supreme being" and therefore they put great trust in the ancestors as intercessors. The African people do not live in the freedom and grace that we know to be true which allows us to worship our King directly. Ancestor worship and sacrifices are widely practiced examples of the darkness and bondage that are widely present in African culture. 

I remember far too many times seeing sweet baby goats on the side of the road and asking our driver why they were selling them there, only to discover the people were buying them on the way to the temple to sacrifice. It is my sincere hope and prayer that the African people will be exposed to and accept the gospel. What freedom is found in the knowledge of a personal Savior who already made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf!

Sources:

[1] "African Traditional Religion" http://www.sahistory.org.za/african-traditional-religion
[2] "Tolerance and Tension: Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa" http://www.pewforum.org/2010/04/15/executive-summary-islam-and-christianity-in-sub-saharan-africa/