Mainline Christianity and Gender in Zimbabwe

Authors

  • Nisbert Taisekwa Taringa University of Zimbabwe
  • Clifford Mushishi United Theological College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/firn.v10i2.20267

Keywords:

Bible, Christianity, culture, gender, religion, women

Abstract

This research aimed to find out the actual situation on the ground regarding what mainline Christianity is actually doing in confronting or conforming to biblical and cultural norms regarding the role and position of women in their denominations. It is based on six mainline churches. This field research reveals that it may not be enough to concentrate on gender in missionary religions such as Christianity, without paying attention to the base culture: African traditional religio-culture which informs most people who are now Christians. It also illuminates how the churches are actually acting to break free of the oppressive biblical traditions and bringing about changes regarding the status of women in their churches. In some cases women are now being given more active roles in the churches, but on the other hand are still bound at home by an oppressive traditional Shona patriarchal culture and customs. Through a hybrid qualitative research design combining phenomenology and case study, what we are referring to as phenomenological case study, we argue that Christianity is a stimulus to change, an impetus to revolution, and a grounding for dignity and justice that supports and fosters gender equity efforts.

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Author Biographies

  • Nisbert Taisekwa Taringa, University of Zimbabwe

    Professor Nisbert Taisekwa Taringa is the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Classics and Philosophy at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare. He is a Fulbright Scholar, a member of the Bayreuth International Alumni Network and a Bayreuth Academy of Advanced African Studies Fellow. His research interests are in religions and contemporary ethical issues such as ecology, human rights, gender, sexuality, globalization and health and wellbeing.

  • Clifford Mushishi, United Theological College

    Dr Clifford Mushishi is an Adjunct Lecturer at The United Theological College in Harare. He teaches Church Administration and Christian Education. His research interests are on the interaction between Christianity and African traditional religion.

References

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Published

2016-03-29

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Taringa, N., & Mushishi, C. (2016). Mainline Christianity and Gender in Zimbabwe. Fieldwork in Religion, 10(2), 173-189. https://doi.org/10.1558/firn.v10i2.20267