The Sunday News
Divinity Digest, Witness Dingani
COMPARE and contrast Jesus’ methods of dealing with demons to how Zimbabweans address similar problems? (25)
COMMENT OVERVIEW
The above question requires one to have deep knowledge on the methods which were used by Jesus to deal with demons. The four gospels can be used to extract the information which can be relevant in answering the above question. It should be noted that Jesus used various methods in dealing with demons, for instance touching, command, violence to mention but few. In the Zimbabwean context, Zimbabweans deal with demons in various ways this include touch, command and transferring (kurasirira/ ukulahlisa). It will be loss of memory if one ignores the view that the above question was submitted to the author by Mr Siameka from Hwange.
ANSWERS
Jesus used various methods in dealing with demons, one notable example is the transferring demons from a person to pigs. It is recorded that a man who claimed to be Legion according to Mark, was freed. It should be noted that Jesus had to transfer Legion’s demons to the pigs. Some scholars like Dr Thomas Constable believe that the reason why Jesus transferred the demons to the pigs was perhaps because the shepherds were sinners. The point which should be noted is that Jesus dealt with demons by transferring them to the pigs, it is recorded in Mark 5:13ff. In Zimbabwean context, it is recorded that different people deal with demons by transferring them to anything. In Ndebele and Shona religion, the demons can be transferred to the domesticated animals which will be later killed.This method is called ukulahlisa in Ndebele whereas in Shona language it is called kurasirira. Therefore, this indicates that there are similarities between Jesus’ and the Zimbabwean when dealing with demons is concerned.
Jesus expelled demons by way of command, in some point when the disciples had failed to deal with the epileptic boy, Jesus had to cast out the demon through the command, as a result the demon disappeared, this is recorded in Mark 9:25. And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” All this demonstrates how Jesus Christ dealt with demons.In Zimbabwean context it is recorded that a number of prophets like Walter Magaya, Eubert Angel and Emmanuel Makandiwa command demons. This can be well supported by their TV stations which broadcast them during their live sessions, as a result the demons separated from the possessed after a command. Yadah TV has even recorded Magaya saying “Come out, You Marine Spirit”. Therefore, this indicates that Zimbabweans deal with demons by the command just like Jesus Christ, hence there are similarities basing on the above information.
Jesus dealt with demons by touch, this is evidenced when Jesus healed a single leper in Mathew 8:3. According to Constable page 147, leprosy was a disease which was associated with ritual uncleanliness. Pentecost— The Words page 148 submitted that “leprosy is viewed in the Old Testament not so much as a type of a sin as of the uncleanness and separation that sin produces”.The argument is that Jesus dealt with demons even though some scholars doubt that leprosy was a demon. In Zimbabwean context, it has been recorded that the likes of Fordrick Fordrick “the Apple Prophet”, Freddy the Spectacle prophet and Prophet Mish deal with demons by touching the possessed. All this indicates that there are similarities between Jesus methods in dealing with demons and that of the above named Zimbabwean prophets.
The however part
In as much as there are similarities between Jesus and Zimbabweans in dealing with demons, it will be miscarriage of justice if one ignores the minor differences. In Zimbabwean context, it is recorded that Zimbabwean prophets sometimes use anointed materials to deal with demons. Magaya has been broadcasted by Yadah TV to have been using anointed oil, bangles, water, chairs, voice and stickers to deal with different demons which even testify during the church service. Fordrick “the Apple Prophet”, “Major Provovo man of style” can be added as the examples. It is not recorded among the four gospels that Jesus once used the anointed materials for exorcism, hence proving that there are differences between Jesus and Zimbabweans when dealing with demons.
N.B More examples can be added. This include use of TV screens
Question demands
Compare and Contrast
Witness Dingani is an author, columnist, cricketer, youth coach. He is the founder of a charity organisation “Dingani Charity Organisation” which was launched to transform the lives of orphans and the vulnerable. He is also studying Theology and Religious Studies at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). He can be contacted on his mobile number, +2363777896159 or like his Facebook page Witness Dingani. Questions can be submitted using the above contacts.
