These are excerpts from an article on Conrad Mbewe’s blog.
Dressing African Traditional Religion in Biblical Garments?
Many explanations have been given for the explosion of the Charismatic movement in Africa. Many have seen this as a powerful visitation of the Holy Spirit. Whereas there is probably more than one reason, I want to add my own observation to this for what it is worth. In this blog post, I do not refer to the old conservative form of Pentecostalism once represented by the Assemblies of God churches. I have in mind the current extreme form that is mushrooming literally under every shrub and tree in Africa. How can one explain this phenomenon?……………………………………………..
Whichever way, the power of the witchdoctor is not in explaining truth but in mindless frenzy. His grip upon the popular mind is his eerie mysteriousness and his capacity to knock you out of your senses and then pronounce you delivered. Of course, this is never done by benevolence. You pay for his services…………………………………………………………………………
Whichever way, the power of the witchdoctor is not in explaining truth but in mindless frenzy. His grip upon the popular mind is his eerie mysteriousness and his capacity to knock you out of your senses and then pronounce you delivered. Of course, this is never done by benevolence. You pay for his services…………………………………………………………………..
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I do not mean to be unkind, but what the modern Charismatic movement in Africa has done is to simply take this entire erroneous superstructure of African religious worldview and baptise it with wrongly applied Bible verses and Christian language. The only difference is that the layer of dead ancestors and evil spirits is now one hotchpotch of confusion. This is why the nonsense of demons becoming spirit husbands and wives, and wrecking havoc in marriages,……………………………………………………………………………………………
In the African Charismatic circles, the “man of God” has replaced the witchdoctor. He is the one who oozes with mysterious power that enables him to break through those two impregnable layers, which us lesser mortals cannot penetrate. So, when blessings are not flowing our way despite our prayers, we make a beeline to his quarters or his church for help. This explains the throngs in these circles. The crowds are not looking for someone to explain to them the way to find pardon with God. No! They want the “man of God” to pray for them.
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Read the the rest of the article herehttp://www.conradmbewe.com/2013/07/why-is-charismatic-movement-thriving-in.html
will be interested in knowing what your views are about this article from Conrad Mbewe. All debate should be civil.
The Bible Matters 
I have just read this article myself, and found it very helpful. (I listen to Pastor Mbewe’s sermons too, they are excellent). I feel great concern for my brothers and sisters around the world who are also experiencing the destructive fruit of these wolves.
Here in Australia (and in the USA) we are seeing the blending of the Charismatic movement with the most hardcore pagan and new age teachings. The syncretism is becoming very blatant, yet few see it. It is helpful to talk with other brothers and issters in Christ around the wolrd about the false teachings that are poisoning our churches and deceiving countless numbers of people.
In particular I find the ‘prosperity gospel’ (which is really no gospel at all!) particularly offensive. I gew up in the Philippines amongst some very materially poor people (including the missionaries themselves), I myself have experienced financial blessing and more recently great financial harship and a chronic, painful illness. Are we to believe that the Bible teaches that we who suffer in such ways aren’t blessed by God, or just need to pray harder or have more faith? NO! Perhaps we just are speaking too many negative words?NO! What an outrageous, offensive message to share with anyone who loves the Lord Jesus and is in the midst of difficult circumstances. I am sure you will agree that to suffer for Christ is worth more than any of the empty promises these ravenous wolves offer. To offer a cross-free, suffering-free version of salvation is to lead people to hell.
Thank you brothers, for having the faith and courage to speak out, and stand firm defending the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we can share information, reflect on God’s word together and support each other, it builds up the Body of Christ and is an encouragement as we persevere in hardship. It is also wonderful to share our faith in the context of our different cultures. There truly is the most beautiful unity in the Gospel of our dear Lord Jesus Christ!
May the Lord richly bless you with spiritual blessings as you share his precious and holy Word with others. Sherryn