Understanding World Religions Chapter Five God in Zulu

Understanding World Religions Chapter Five: God in Zulu Religion © 2011 Irving Hexham

God in Zulu Religion The Tugela River that traditionally marked the southern boundary of Zululand.

God in Zulu Religion Captain Allen Gardiner (1794 -1851), left, the first missionary to the Zulu. On the right is a photograph of Henry Callaway (1817 -1890)who carefully recorded Zulu traditions and beliefs.

God in Zulu Religion In one of his papers Callaway noted that the introduction of European ploughs led to a decline in polygamy and drastic changes in traditional society.

God in Zulu Religion Traditional Zulu dance

God in Zulu Religion A baptism in the see on the Durban beach. In African Independent Churches baptism serves many purposes in addition to admission to the church. One of the main ones is as a healing ritual.

God in Zulu Religion Xhosa boys participating in a traditional initiation ceremony during the 1970’s. At this time they learnt the history of their clan and the responsibilities of manhood.

God in Zulu Religion Xhosa boys at the end of the period of initiatn being led back to their families by members of their clan. At this time they cannot look back to the initiation hut which represented the end of childhood. .

God in Zulu Religion The initiation hut goes up in flames as the boys assume the rights and responsibilities of men. Many rituals in Zulu and other churches reflect the influence of such traditions of initiation.

God in Zulu Religion Professor G. C. Oosthuizen the Dean of academic researchers working on Independent Churches in Southern Africa.

God in Zulu Religion The ground of the historically important Catholic mission Marianhill outside of Durban, South Africa.

God in Zulu Religion Ekuphakameni one of the sacred places of the ama-Nazarites.