Developing a Theology of Discernment in Response to the Abuse of Religion by Some Pentecostal Churches in Postcolonial South Africa

Abstract

The focus of this article is on the current abuse of religion by some pastors of some Pentecostal churches in South Africa. These pastors have been involved in controversial, criminal and fake miracles practices that point to the abuse of religion. While these acts might be acceptable among some, in some contexts, the generic South African religious context perceive them as taboo. Thus, the main problem on this score is that many South Africans have become gullible to the abuse of religion, given their poor economic circumstances, gender injustices and, for many, their uninformed theological understandings, while, in some cases, there are psychological reasons. In response to these forms of gullibility, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (the CRL Rights Commission) has come up with a proposal that the government should regulate churches through an umbrella organization that will oversee the administration of churches, and the affiliation of churches to a mother church, which prescribes a minimum qualification for pastors, and addresses doctrinal issues and related matters. However, there are scholars and some sectors of society that argue against the regulation of religion. What then is the solution? This article argues that a theology of discernment, as found in the Bible in 1 John 4:1-3, can assist, 1) to deal with the abuse of religion; and 2) to deal with the gullibility of society in respect of the abuse of religion in South Africa.