BiAS 7 – The Bible and Politics in Africa
Conclusion
As the Zimbabwean crisis threatened to spiral out of control, many citi-
zens turned to the bible for answers. Calls for national days of prayer in
newspapers and on television cited biblical texts. Political parties bor-
rowed heavily from the bible. Commuter omnibuses (makombi) had
biblical verses inscribed on them, promising beleaguered citizens “a
future and a hope.” Gospel musicians retrieved biblical texts, infused a
fast beat and invited those who were weary and heavy-laden to loosen up.
Struck down by inflation, paralysed by uncertainty and intimidated by
violence, millions of Zimbabweans pondered over this particular pas-
sage:
If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chron 7: 14).
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