Title: Zandé Oracles and Spirituality: A “Stepping-Stone” for Prophetism in Modern Zandé Christianity
Author: Plaisance Rivoli M’bara
Publisher: Generis Publishing
Description
This book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the Zandé people of the CAR, demonstrating how their rich spiritual heritage of oracles and divination provided the essential framework for the emergence of a unique, indigenous Christianity. Moving beyond E. E. Evans-Pritchard’s classic anthropological work, the study delves into the theological significance of these practices. It focuses on the prophetic movement of Mama Awa, which syncretically blended traditional beliefs with Christian elements to address communal needs for healing, decision-making, and conflict resolution. The book argues that this syncretism is not a corruption of faith but a profound process of contextualization, offering a model for how the Christan gospel can engage meaningfully with African worldviews. It is a vital contribution to discussions on inculturation, syncretism, and the dynamic nature of African Christianity. This book examines the intricate relationship between Zandé traditional spirituality, centered on oracles, and the rise of modern prophetic movements such as Mama Awa’s Mission du Saint-Esprit par la prophétie (MSEP).
Endorsements
The author rightly underscores that Scripture remains the normative reference point for interpreting African traditions. Therefore, in evaluating the theological signifiance of Zandé traditional and religious practices for Christianity in the Central African Republic, he points out that elements of pre-Christian tradition, which align with the divine purpose, may legitimately bear witness to God. A critical re-examination of Zandé religious practices is therefore indispensible for discerning their theological implications for Christian faith in Africa.
Rev. Daniel Aniwe
CEEC Church, Bangui, Central African Republic
