A decolonial analysis of religious medicalisation of same-sex practices in South African Pentecostalism
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Authors
Shingange, Themba
Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Issue Date
2023-05-23
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Religious medicalisation , Same-sex , Christianity , Pentecostalism , Decoloniality
Alternative Title
Abstract
Same-sex practices are commonly medicalised in various global spaces. Some societies
view same-sex practices as some form of disease that needs to be cured. In Africa, the
influence of Christianity has prompted many communities to conclude that there are
spiritual forces behind same-sex orientations and practices. Therefore, same-sex
practices are demonised, and those identifying with these sexualities and gender
identities are viewed as sick, or as having some form of mental illness. As a fast-growing and
influential movement in South Africa, Christianity plays a critical role in this narrative.
Against this backdrop, this article examined how some Pentecostal pastors in South Africa
use God-talk to propel the narrative that medicalises same-sex practices and how these
pastors claim to have miraculous powers to heal these practices. Consequently, the gender
and sexuality commonly accepted within African religiosity and spirituality are pushed to
the peripheries. Therefore, it is argued in this article that the colonial-missionary discourses
regarding African sexualities and genders are at play within the religious medicalisation
of same-sex narratives. Thus, there is a need to problematise and transform this narrative.
This act can contribute to delinking African genders and sexualities from Western
repressions and subjugation agendas. The discussion moved from the premise of decoloniality
while adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated theology, gender and
sexuality studies, psychology, health, and socio-political sciences. Again, the article used
secondary literature analysis to examine this phenomenon and to gain a thorough
understanding of how African Pentecostalism continues to use God-talk to medicalise same sex practices in contemporary South Africa and the repercussions thereof.
Contribution: The study contributed to the existing knowledge that addresses religious
challenges faced by people identifying with non-normative sexualities and genders in
Africa. This can contribute to the transformation of religious medicalisation of same-sex
practices in South Africa, and elsewhere
Description
Citation
Shingange, T. & Mavhandu Mudzusi, A.H., 2024, ‘A decolonial analysis of religious medicalisation of same-sex practices in South African Pentecostalism’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 80(1), a9014. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/hts.v80i1.9014
Publisher
AOSIS