By Anne Gondo (MA Religion & Gender-UZ)
Religion
is a very complex terrain which many people have failed to completely and
clearly understand. On the other hand politics in Zimbabwe is something which
is scary, frightening and an arena which has claimed lives of many people who
dared to be politicians such that any citizen fears to say anything that oppose
the ruling elite. Furthermore, politics in this country means a tag of war and
survival of the fittest, as a result of this it becomes challenging to relate
religion with politics. However it has to be acknowledged that as human beings
our lives are religious no matter one is an adherent of a certain religion or
not. Our lives are political whether one is a member of any political party of
not. Our lives are affected by religion and politics one way or the other.
Despite all that is happening in Zimbabwe still it should be acknowledged that
there is a strong relationship between religion and politics. Religious leaders
should be engaged such that they address the calamities that have befall our
nation from a religious perspective. Taking part in politics from a religious
dimension does not mean being affiliated to any political party or upholding
ideologies of a certain political party
to suite ones interests but it means giving direction, condemning and
applauding any actions done by civil leaders which are against the will of God
or which God has commended.
Religion and politics are aspects which
permeate our lives as humanity and they have an impact on how we live.
Therefore religious leaders should perform their duty as intermediates between
God and the ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe especially this moment when the
country is in turmoil, when there is no certainty about tomorrow and when there
is confusion politically and economically. In times like this God is saying
something about the economic situation and the political as well therefore that
which God is saying needs anointed people of God; priests, pastors, bishops,
deacons, prophets and evangelists to interpret to the people and intercede for
the people. When the clergy perform this it does not mean they are bidding
farewell to the pulpit and will be saying ballot box here l come actually it is
part of their duty to see whether civil leaders are performing their duties in
ways that are not disgusting in the eyes of God.
Religious
leaders being involved in politics is not a new phenomenon in these
contemporary times but it is something which has been in existence for ages.
For instance in the Old Testament pre-canonical and canonical prophets
confronted, challenged and addressed various political situations of their
times basing on what God was saying to them. In 2 Samuel 12 Nathan the prophet
condemned David the King for taking Uriah’s wife and having had Uriah killed on
the battle front. Nathan confronted David without trembling and fearing because
it was the Lord who had revealed this to Nathan. This is clear in 2 Samuel 12
vs 1 ‘And the Lord sent Nathan to David.’ This shows that
religion and politics are intertwined. The immoral, unethical misdemeanors and
corrupt ways being done by some political leaders should be condemned as it has
caused many Zimbabweans to suffer. It is against the will of God and this was
not God’s intention when he created humanity.
The relationship between religion and politics
is also manifested in the message of prophet Amos. He advocated for an
egalitarian society in which social justice, equality would prevailed and he
condemned corruption. Most of these evil deeds were being perpetuated by the
rich, ruling elites and those who had become soothsayers in religion. During
the time of prophet Amos the rich were getting richer, the poor getting poorer
and in chapter 4vs 1 he even condemns the “the cows of Bashan” for oppressing
the poor. These “cows of Bashan” were the ruling class and the bourgeoisie who
had no heart for others but for themselves and their families at the expense of
the proletariat. Amos confronted the
situation because it was God who was saying that.
What happened during the time of Amos is what
we are witnessing at the moment in Zimbabwe. Civil leaders some of them have
become corrupt and selfish. Some of the rich are multiplying their wealth
through sweat and tears of the poor, they are getting huge profits whilst they
pay their laborers nuts. In a crisis like this God is saying something and it
might be difficult for the clergy to come openly and confront the status quo
just like what prophet Amos did because of the nature of politics in Zimbabwe.
It is politics by elimination. The political arena does not provide a conducive
platform for religious leaders to deal with the political and economic
situation in this country from a religious angle. From Amos’ time it was quite
better because the people could understand the meaning and value of one being
called a priest, overseer or prophet. These people were and are anointed by God
himself hence whatever word that comes from their mouth was not to be tempered
with. This is the reason why the bible says ‘touch not my anointed one.’ Same
with civil leaders from the history of the bible were chosen by God for example
Saul, David and Solomon to lead his people according to his ways. When a king
or leader deviated from leading God’s people in God ways surely God would send
prophets to condemn the evil deeds or he could denounce the king. Even in this
present day it is God who anoints presidents; but if they fail to lead his
people according to his ways he also denounces them. To say religion and politics
do not share a common ground is in gross of justice.
Witnessing
the clergy poking their nose in political issues for some it might be as if
these man white collar cease to be religious but that is not the issue it is
their duty to do so and it is not something new. Closer home in the African
Traditional Religion during the pre-colonial era be it in the Great Zimbabwe,
Mutapa or Rozvi state religious leaders and political leaders worked hand in
hand. Religious leaders linked the king with the spiritual world, installation
of a new king or chief was and it is still done by sacred religious
practitioners in rural areas such as masvikiro
spirit mediums and mhondoro lion
spirits. A king or chief cannot make any crucial decision without consulting
religious leaders. In urban areas priests, pastors or evangelists have been
witnessed gracing various national events like independence celebrations,
heroes’ day commemoration and the burial of heroes and heroines, giving the
word of prayer and preaching.
In
addition to this, the Johane Masowe WeChishanu Congregants are present at many
national events. This then shows the relationship that religion has with
politics. Furthermore, this relation reinforced by political leaders who flock
to pastors and prophets for help especially when they campaign and when
elections will be fast approaching. In this case political leaders use religion
as suitable ground to express their political ideologies. However, it is in
this context when some argue that religion and politics are not intertwined
because some political agendas are irreligious hence they cannot be partnered
with religion at all.
Religion
and politics have an effect upon each other hence religious leaders be it in
Christianity, Islam, African Traditional Religion, Judaism, Taoism,
Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism, Baha’i Faith and Jainism have
a crucial role to play in politics. They should act as torch bearers to civil
leaders thus giving them direction on how to lead people according to the good
will of the deity. They can make a change in the politics of today.
Annah Gondo is a Secondary School
Teacher with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. She holds a
Masters Degree in Religious Studies with
University of Zimbabwe (UZ). She writes in her personal capacity. She can be
contacted at annahgondo1@gmail.com
