article
Curing what ails them: individual circumstances and religious choice among the Zulu-speakers in Durban, South Africa
Africa • 52 (2) • Published In 1982 • Pages: 77-89
By: Rounds, John C..
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the rise and development of two religious movements among Zulu speakers in the Durban area of South Africa -- a nativistic religion called 'the Zulu way', centered around spiritual healing, and the Pentecostal religion, based on concepts of morality, sin, and salvation. Rounds compares and contrasts these two religions and notes their many basic similarities. According to the author differences between the two arise in the different postures taken toward the city (Durban) and the different decisions made by individuals before conversion about the permanence of their stay in the city. Converts to the nativistic religion were mostly migrants, while converts to the Pentecostal congregation were generally immigrants. 'Activity at the nativist centre appeared to provide solutions to the problems which confront any migrant, especially financial responsibility, maintaining links with home, and the choice of suitable friends and entertainments. On the other hand, activity in the Pentecostal congregation appeared to provide solutions to the parallel problems confronting any immigrant to the city, especially a different and more burdensome financial responsibility, the choice of a different set of friends and entertainment, and the lack of firm guides to proper conduct in a potentially anomic situation' (p. 87).
- HRAF PubDate
- 2005
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Southern Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 2004
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- ca.1910-1970s
- Coverage Place
- Durban, South Africa
- Notes
- John C. Rounds
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 88)
- LCCN
- 29010790
- LCSH
- Zulu (African people)