Charismatic preacher and traditional healer: Syncretic competitors for spirituality

Background: Some charismatic pastors consult traditional healers to obtain power, prosperity and protection against the cosmic powers and social attacks. Objectives: This article unpacks the rationale behind charismatic preachers’ engagement with African spirituality. This syncretic practice is not only done by preachers, but by their followers too. The objectives are basically to identify reasons for syncretism within or by charismatic pastors. Method: Through the literature study and social media, three major reasons for this engagement, which are power, prosperity and protection are identified, analysed and unpacked for scholarly research. Pentecostal and charismatic hermeneutics briefly highlighted and pointed out as a loophole that leads to these syncretic practices. The lack of mentoring and competition in the spiritual realm will also be highlighted as the power working against genuine Christian spirituality. Results: African spirituality is still an ongoing field of research for scholars, especially those in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. A lack of theological in-depth, mentoring and spirit of competition are addressed to alleviate syncretism. Conclusion: It is proposed that the pastor pursue sound theological education, submit themself under spiritually mature mentor for ministerial formation and desist from the competing forces of darkness by consulting a traditional healer. These three proposals are a measuring tool that charismatics should utilise in order to outweigh the deceptions embedded in and through syncretism. Contribution: This article warns against syncretic religion within charismatic faith that comes through deceptive desires for followership, fame, miracles and control.