article

Curing what ails them: individual circumstances and religious choice among the Zulu-speakers in Durban, South Africa

Africa52 (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).
Subjects
Functional and adaptational interpretations
Cultural participation
Music
Social relationships and groups
Cult of the dead
Spirits and gods
Prayers and sacrifices
Purification and atonement
Revelation and divination
Congregations
Religious denominations
Organized ceremonial
culture
Zulu
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)