 | Politics and Religion in Zimbabwe: The Deification of Robert G. Mugabe Subjects: Area Studies; Humanities; Politics & International Relations; African Studies; Religion; Political Behavior and Participation; African Religion; African Politics; Religion & Politics; Religion in Context; This book illustrates how religion and ideology were used by Robert Mugabe to ward off opposition within his own party, in Zimbabwe and from the West. An interdisciplinary line up of contributors argue that Mugabe used a calculated narrative of deification - presenting himself as a divine figure who had the task of delivering land, freedom and confidence to black people across the world - to remain in power in Zimbabwe. The chapters highlight the appropriation and deployment of religious themes in Mugabe's domestic and international politics, reflect on the contestation around the deification of Mugabe in Zimbabwean politics across different forms of religious expression, including African Traditional Religions and various strands of Christianity and initiate further reflections on the interface between religion and politics in Africa and globally. Politics and Religion in Zimbabwe will be of interest to scholars of religion and politics, Southern Africa and African politics. Ezra Chitando is Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Religious Studies, Classics and Philosophy of the University of Zimbabwe and a Theology Consultant for the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA). |
