Thesis (M.A. Theology (Pastoral Studies)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This study is a biblical evaluation of avenging spirits (ngozi) among the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It investigates the Shona understanding of ngozi, the biblical teaching on the spirits that manifest as those of the dead and how the church in Zimbabwe can effectively respond to the ngozi crisis with a pastoral care that is biblically informed and in a practically effective way. The study commences with an evaluation of the biblical teaching on the communication of the living with the dead. This is followed by other related questions to the subject such as the biblical teaching on vengeance for murder and the identity of the spirits that manifest as those of the dead. The Shona traditional understanding of ngozi is examined, giving attention to its types and the way the traditional Shona and the church in Zimbabwe currently address the ngozi crisis. Additionally, the interaction between the belief in ngozi among the Shona and the biblical teaching of spirits that manifest as those of the dead is examined. The outcome of this interaction leads to a proposal on practical guidelines for helping those affected by ngozi crisis and preventing a continuation of the crisis in the present and future Shona generations. / Thesis (M.A. Theology (Pastoral Studies)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This study is a biblical evaluation of avenging spirits (ngozi) among the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It investigates the Shona understanding of ngozi, the biblical teaching on the spirits that manifest as those of the dead and how the church in Zimbabwe can effectively respond to the ngozi crisis with a pastoral care that is biblically informed and in a practically effective way. The study commences with an evaluation of the biblical teaching on the communication of the living with the dead. This is followed by other related questions to the subject such as the biblical teaching on vengeance for murder and the identity of the spirits that manifest as those of the dead. The Shona traditional understanding of ngozi is examined, giving attention to its types and the way the traditional Shona and the church in Zimbabwe currently address the ngozi crisis. Additionally, the interaction between the belief in ngozi among the Shona and the biblical teaching of spirits that manifest as those of the dead is examined. The outcome of this interaction leads to a proposal on practical guidelines for helping those affected by ngozi crisis and preventing a continuation of the crisis in the present and future Shona generations. / Thesis (M.A. Theology (Pastoral Studies)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This study was about death rituals among the Karanga of Nyajena, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, who are a sub-group of the Shona people. This inquiry’s primary purpose was tripartite in outlook. First, it described the Karanga causes of sickness and death, and Karanga death rituals. Second, it explored the significance of these rituals to the Karanga people. Third, the study traced and identified the changes in the practice and significance of some of the rituals. The overall goal of this inquiry was to compose a brief manual for the performance of some of the Karanga death rituals. The inquiry divided the Karanga death rituals into three major categories, namely, pre-burial rituals, burial rituals, and post-burial rituals. The investigation employed qualitative research traditions, particularly ethnography, in the collection and interpretation of the relevant research data, in pursuit of the goals mentioned above. Postcolonial theory was used to give a theoretical framework to this study. This study was necessitated by the need of a written manual on the performance of Karanga death rituals. The study compiled the participants’ narratives concerning the praxis, meaning, and changes in the Karanga death rituals in an attempt to analyze and write them down for posterity. The inquiry found out that although the praxis of the rituals was still rememberd by many Karanga people, some of them were no longer performed, and their significance had been lost. Although the study acknowledged the inevitable dynamism of culture, it held that every ethnicity should have some cultural or religious constants so that its identity is not lost. Hence, the Karanga of Nyajena should retrace their footsteps back to their death rituals in order to rediscover and reaffirm their battered cultural identity and integrity. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Phil. (Religious Studies)