The Healer-Prophet in Afro-Christian Churches

The AIC movement (African Independent/Indigenous Churches) is the most dynamic Church movement in many parts of Africa. The largest section among the more than 4000 denominations and eight million adherents came into the AIC movement during the past three decades, mainly from the traditional African religious background. This work deals with the role of the healer in the AIC. The important role of the diviner in the traditional society has been replaced by that of the prophet in the AIC; the prophet understands the worldview of their people, especially the cultural diseases. In some Churches the office of prophet-cum-diviner is represented by one person. This study highlights the healing procedures at grassroot level, which accounts for much of the consistent growth of these Churches. Dr Oosthuizen approaches healing from various angles, as sickness is not ony determined by physocal and psychological factors, but also by disturbed human relationships and socio-political and economic tensions.