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Articles by Dion Forster
Christianity Is Changing In South Africa As Pentecostal And Indigenous Churches Grow - What’s Behind The Trend
Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa’s Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell us some interesting things about the religious, cultural, social and political sentiments of South Africans.
Christianity is changing in South Africa as Pentecostal and indigenous churches grow-what's behind the trend?
Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa's Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell us some interesting things about the religious, cultural, social and political sentiments of South Africans.
South Africa: Christianity Is Changing in South Africa As Pentecostal and Indigenous Churches Grow - What's Behind the Trend
analysis Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa's Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell us some interesting things about the religious, cultural, social and political sentiments of South Africans.
Christianity is changing in South Africa as pentecostal and indigenous churches grow - what’s behind the trend
Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa’s Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell us some interesting things about the religious, cultural, social and political sentiments of South Africans.
InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration: December 15-16-17, 2023
Image by Nino Souza Nino Watch the video version on YouTube. Narrated by Marie T. Russell. December 15-16-17, 2023 The focus for today (and the weekend) is: I choose to rediscover the "true spirit" of Christmas. Today's inspiration was written by Dion Forster: What might you do to rediscover the “true”, or at least the historical “spirit” of Christmas this year (whether you are religious or not)? Here are a few suggestions, based on sociological research.
How To Live Up to the True Spirit Of Christmas
If the media, popular entertainment, and retail habits are taken as indicators then the celebration of Christmas is no longer just the reserve of Christians. This has some consequences for the religious and non-religious alike. In popular culture and the media, Christmas is portrayed as a time of happiness, togetherness, generosity, and peace. In the “made for Christmas” movies, such as those on the popular Hallmark Channel, a “feel good” message is the order of the day.
How to live up to the true spirit of Christmas
If the media, popular entertainment, and retail habits are taken as indicators then the celebration of Christmas is no longer just the reserve of Christians. This has some consequences for the religious and non-religious alike. In popular culture and the media, Christmas is portrayed as a time of happiness, togetherness, generosity, and peace. In the “made for Christmas” movies, such as those on the popular Hallmark Channel, a “feel good” message is the order of the day.
10 jaar ná Marikana: Waardigheid dringend nodig in SA
Intekenare kan na hierdie artikel luister Tien jaar ná die Marikana-slagting moet Suid-Afrikaners dringend leer hoe om meer waardig in ’n onwaardige samelewing te leef, skryf Dion Forster. Op 16 Augustus sal mynwerkers, aktiviste en ongetwyfeld ’n paar politici op die nou berugte rotskoppie naby die voormalige Lonmin-platinummyn in Marikana, Noordwes, byeenkom om die Marikana-slagting van tien jaar gelede te gedenk.
South Africa needs to build a society that's decent and doesn't humiliate people
On 16 August mine workers, activists and no doubt a few politicians will gather on the now infamous rock outcrop near the former Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana, North West province, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Marikana massacre. This was the most lethal use of force by the South African police since the 1976 Soweto uprising against the then apartheid regime. At least 138 people died in three days.
‘Religion shouldn’t be used to unduly influence laws’
By Dion Forster The relationship between religion and the law is often complicated. It is sometimes even conflicted. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between freedom of belief and association, and protection from abuse. Story continues below Advertisement For example, the state has a responsibility to intervene when the beliefs or practices of religious individuals or communities are harmful or unlawful.
Religion and state need to be in balance to protect democracy in South Africa
The relationship between religion and the law is often complicated. It is sometimes even conflicted. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between freedom of belief and association, and protection from abuse. For example, the state has a responsibility to intervene when the beliefs or practices of religious individuals or communities are harmful or unlawful. The “state”, in this instance, refers to all three branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary.
South Africa: Religion and State Need to Be in Balance to Protect Democracy in South Africa
The relationship between religion and the law is often complicated. It is sometimes even conflicted. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between freedom of belief and association, and protection from abuse. For example, the state has a responsibility to intervene when the beliefs or practices of religious individuals or communities are harmful or unlawful. The "state", in this instance, refers to all three branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary.
Religion and state need to be in balance to protect democracy in South Africa
The relationship between religion and the law is often complicated. It is sometimes even conflicted. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between freedom of belief and association, and protection from abuse. For example, the state has a responsibility to intervene when the beliefs or practices of religious individuals or communities are harmful or unlawful. The “state”, in this instance, refers to all three branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary.
TB Joshua, Nigeria's controversial Pentecostal titan
The controversial Nigerian televangelist, faith healer, and neo-Pentecostal pastor Temitope Balogun (TB) Joshua has died at the age of 57. He was the leader of Nigeria-based The Synagogue Church of All Nations. Many will remember him, and his church, from the widely publicised 2014 tragedy in which 116 people died when a church building collapsed in Nigeria. His handling of the tragedy was problematic. He initially claimed that the building’s collapse was caused by a “strange aircraft”.
Trump is out, but US evangelicalism is alive and well in Africa
On the day before the 2020 US presidential election, Rev Kenneth Meshoe, the leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), tweeted: “Please pray … for President Donald Trump to be re-elected as the President of the United States of America.” It seems bizarre that a black African Christian would support an overt racist who disdains people who come from “shithole countries”. Meshoe exemplifies a type of political and theological reasoning among African evangelical Christians.
Trump is out, but US evangelicalism remains alive and well in Africa
On the day before the 2020 US presidential election, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, the leader of the African Christian Democratic Party in South Africa, tweeted: Please pray… for President Donald Trump to be re-elected…. It seems bizarre that a black African Christian would support an overt racist who disdains people who come from “shithole countries”. Meshoe exemplifies a type of political and theological reasoning among African evangelical Christians.
Putting Mary at the centre of Christmas is a challenge to South Africa's prosperity gospel
Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child is wonderful thing. The Christmas story has angels and special stars; kings who bring lavish gifts; donkeys, shepherds with their sheep; and of course a young couple who rejoice at the birth of their first baby –- a boy named Jesus. This story has for centuries been told throughout the world at Christmas. For many people it is a story of good news, faith, hope, and joy. However, this childlike understanding of the story has little to do with history.
Wanted: Moral choices on social media
By Dion Forster Recently a South African radio show asked, “If you had to choose between your mobile phone and your pet, which would choose?” Think about that for a moment. Many callers responded they would choose their phone. I was shocked… But to be honest, I give more attention to my phone than to my beloved dogs! Throughout history there have been discoveries that have changed society in unimaginable ways. Written language made it possible to communicate over space and time.
We must make moral choices about how we relate to social media apps
Recently a South African radio show asked, “If you had to choose between your mobile phone and your pet, which would choose?” Think about that for a moment. Many callers responded they would choose their phone. I was shocked… But to be honest, I give more attention to my phone than to my beloved dogs! Throughout history there have been discoveries that have changed society in unimaginable ways. Written language made it possible to communicate over space and time.
Compassion fatigue is normal during abnormal times
Honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness and compassion will carry humanity through any crisis. (Paul Joseph Brown/VillageReach) In recent weeks even the most cautious members of my family, friends and colleagues have started to relax their stringent adherence to Covid-19 safety measures. They are arranging social gatherings, travelling across the country, returning to work, shopping with greater freedom, washing their hands less frequently and even leaving their homes without wearing a mask.
Reflecting on the nature of work in contemporary South Africa: A public theological engagement with calling and vocation
Original Research - Special Collection: Christian Leadership Reflecting on the nature of work in contemporary South Africa: A public theological engagement with calling and vocation Dion A. Forster HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 76, No 2 | a5847 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i2.5847 | © 2020 Dion A. Forster | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 Submitted: 13 October 2019 | Published: 20 August 2020 About the author(s) Dion A.
Methodist Church elects Rev Malinga as first female presiding bishop
Opinion / 7 December 2019, 11:01am / DION FORSTER Reverend Purity Malinga is the first woman in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s 200-year history to be elected as Presiding Bishop. Having a woman in this position is of great significance, says the writer. Picture: Supplied Reverend Purity Malinga has just become the 100th presiding bishop to be elected by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. She is the first woman in the church’s 200-year history to be elected to this position.
Methodist Church Southern Africa Enters New Era with Women Leaders
Purity Malinga, the new Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Supplied Reverend Purity Malinga has just become the 100th Presiding Bishop to be elected by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. She is the first woman in the church’s 200-year history to be elected to this position. As Rev Jennifer Samdaan, a prominent female minister in the church points out, There had been 99 men before her. For her to be chosen to lead us is wonderful.
Southern Africa: Methodist Church Southern Africa Enters New Era As Women Take Up Top Positions
Reverend Purity Malinga has just become the 100th Presiding Bishop to be elected by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. She is the first woman in the church's 200-year history to be elected to this position. As Rev Jennifer Samdaan, a prominent female minister in the church, points out, There had been 99 men before her. For her to be chosen to lead us is wonderful. The Rev Madika Sibeko noted in isiXhosa: "zajiki'izinto" (things are changing). Indeed, things are changing in the Methodist church.
Methodist Church Southern Africa enters new era as women take up top positions
Reverend Purity Malinga has just become the 100th Presiding Bishop to be elected by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. She is the first woman in the church’s 200-year history to be elected to this position. As Rev Jennifer Samdaan, a prominent female minister in the church, points out, There had been 99 men before her. For her to be chosen to lead us is wonderful. The Rev Madika Sibeko noted in isiXhosa: “zajiki’izinto” (things are changing). Indeed, things are changing in the Methodist church.
Why South Africans are prone to falling for charlatans in the church
South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world. A video of Pastor Alph Lukau “raising” a man from the dead went viral and even sparked the #ResurrectionChallenge. Why do South Africans fall for these religious snakeskin oil salesmen (and women)?
South Africa: Why South Africans Are Prone to Falling for Religious Charlatans
analysis By Dion Forster, Stellenbosch University South Africans - like millions of people across the world - are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake "resurrection" made headlines around the world. A video of Pastor Alph Lukau "raising" a man from the dead went viral and even sparked the #ResurrectionChallenge.
Why South Africans are prone to falling for charlatans in the church
South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world. A video of Pastor Alph Lukau “raising” a man from the dead went viral and even sparked the #ResurrectionChallenge. Why do South Africans fall for these religious snakeskin oil salesmen (and women)?
Why SA falls for the likes of Alph Lukau on their pulpits and in their coffins
Dion Forster Pastor Alph Lukau - his “resurrection” of a man made world news. Alph Lukau/Facebook South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world.
South Africa: Why South Africans Are Prone to Falling for Charlatans in the Church
analysis By Dion Forster, Stellenbosch University South Africans - like millions of people across the world - are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake "resurrection" made headlines around the world. A video of Pastor Alph Lukau "raising" a man from the dead went viral and even sparked the #ResurrectionChallenge.
Why South Africans are prone to falling for charlatans in the church
By Dion Forster - 11 March 2019 - 11:48 Pastor Alph Lukau - his “resurrection” of a man made world news. Image: Alph Lukau/Facebook South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world.
Why South Africans are prone to falling for charlatans in the church
Pastor Alph Lukau - his “resurrection” of a man made world news. Photo: Alph Lukau/Facebook Form here By: Dion Forster, Stellenbosch University South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world.
Why South Africans are prone to falling for charlatans in the church
South Africans – like millions of people across the world – are seriously susceptible to religious abuse. The local media has once again been abuzz with a litany of shocking stories about manipulation, abuse and fraud by pastors. The latest one, a fake “resurrection” made headlines around the world. A video of Pastor Alph Lukau “raising” a man from the dead went viral and even sparked the #ResurrectionChallenge. Why do South Africans fall for these religious snakeskin oil salesmen (and women)?
Dangerous echoes of the past as church and state move closer in South Africa
The Global Values Survey shows that religious organisations remain among the most trusted institutions in South African society. They enjoy higher levels of public trust than either the state or the private sector. This trust should not be abused or manipulated. This is a challenge in most societies in the world. South Africa’s particular circumstances are complicated by a difficult historical relationship between the church and the state.
Dangerous echoes of the past as church and state move closer in South Africa
The Global Values Survey shows that religious organisations remain among the most trusted institutions in South African society. They enjoy higher levels of public trust than either the state or the private sector. This trust should not be abused or manipulated. This is a challenge in most societies in the world. South Africa’s particular circumstances are complicated by a difficult historical relationship between the church and the state.
South Africa: Dangerous Echoes of the Past As Church and State Move Closer in South Africa
analysis By Dion ForsterThe Global Values Survey shows that religious organisations remain among the most trusted institutions in South African society. They enjoy higher levels of public trust than either the state or the private sector. This trust should not be abused or manipulated. This is a challenge in most societies in the world. South Africa's particular circumstances are complicated by a difficult historical relationship between the church and the state.
Why the 'loss of faith' in heroes like Mandela may not be such a bad thing
The legacy of anti-apartheid activists no longer has currency for many of today’s youth. They believe that they have been failed by the older generation of political leaders, including Nelson Mandela. A recent Facebook post by the controversial Oxford University student and Mandela Rhodes scholar, Ntokozo Sbo Qwabe reflects this.
Why the ‘loss of faith’ in heroes like Mandela may not be such a bad thing
The legacy of anti-apartheid activists no longer has currency for many of today’s youth. They believe that they have been failed by the older generation of political leaders, including Nelson Mandela. A recent Facebook post by the controversial Oxford University student and Mandela Rhodes scholar, Ntokozo Sbo Qwabe reflects this.
Why the 'loss of faith' in heroes like Mandela may not be such a bad thing
The legacy of anti-apartheid activists no longer has currency for many of today’s youth. They believe that they have been failed by the older generation of political leaders, including Nelson Mandela. A recent Facebook post by the controversial Oxford University student and Mandela Rhodes scholar, Ntokozo Sbo Qwabe reflects this.
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