Family and Religious Studies questions and answers

Witness Dingani

QUESTION
“The actions of pre-canonical prophets led to the deaths of so many people that we cannot regard these prophets as good men.” Examine this view. To what extent are Zimbabwean prophets involved in life saving activities? (25)

COMMENT OVERVIEW

I HAVE noted that there are June Divinity candidates, therefore it is important to discuss past exam Divinity Questions. Today the author is addressing the above question. The question requires one to show that the pre-canonical prophets were involved in the death of many people.

The question further invites one to address the contemporary issues pertaining Zimbabwean prophets involved in the life saving. In order to answer this question learners should be able to address the following fundamental questions

(a) Who were the pre-canonical prophets?

(b) Were they involved in life saving or in death?

(d) Should we not regard them as good men?

(e) Are the Zimbabwean prophets involved in the life saving?

SUGGESTED ANSWERS

-Moses killed an Egyptian, after he condemned the Egyptian for ill-treating a Hebrew. This is recorded in Exodus 2:11. Therefore, this indicates that pre-canonical prophets were involved in the death of so many people.

-Moses was involved in the holy wars with Amalekites during the exodus event on which so many innocent people lost their lives. This is evidenced in Exodus 17:9 “And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow . . .’’’ It has been submitted that while Israel was fighting Moses was standing on top of the mountain with Aaron with a rod, hence, he was praying for a victory.

As a result Israel defeated the Amalekites (Amalek grandson of Esau). This has been further supported by scholar Thomas Constable citing in his Exodus notes page 104 paragraph 4, who submitted that a lot of Amalekites perished. Therefore, this indicates that pre-canonical prophets led to the death of so many people.

-Elijah butchered 450 Baal prophets and 400 Asherah goddesses during the Mount Carmel contest. This is evidenced in 1 Kings 18 v 36-44. Elijah might have been fighting for Yahwehism, but the point is that he was involved in the death of so many people. Elijah went on to baptise captains with fire. A number of soldiers died in this war, Elijah can be blamed because he advocated for this. This can be supported by the following extract 2rd Kings 1:10 (But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty). Therefore, this authenticates the view that pre-canonical prophets were invoked in the death of so many people.

-Samuel the man who had four offices, prophet being one of them championed holy wars. This is evidenced when he prayed and offered sacrifices in Mizpah, so that Yahweh will give strength to Israel in order to fight against the Philistines. This is recorded in 1 Samuel 7:5-10. As a result the Israelites won the battle. Samuel as a prophet, instituted school of prophecy, the internal evidence reveals that Samuel was always standing as the head, this is indicated in 1 Samuel 19:20. Scholar B W Anderson submitted that the other role of sons of prophets with their head was to champion holy wars; giving soldiers a patriotic feeling. This is also the reason why the guild was always stationed in garrisons. As a result many soldiers perished, hence, this proves that pre-canonical prophets were involved in the death of so many people — Nathan over the issue of David’s son with Bathsheba the wife of Uriah. (can be added as well)

NB: There are so many examples which can be added to support the above claim.

HOWEVER PART

-In as much as pre-canonical prophets were involved in death of so many people, it will be a mislead if one ignore the other side of the coin. This will be demonstrated in the ongoing article. Pre-canonical prophets were also involved in life saving for instance Moses prayed for the Israelites when Yahweh had punished them with fire. This can be supported by the following extract Numbers 11:2 (Then the people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire abated). Therefore, this indicates that pre-canonical prophets were not totally involved in the death of so many prophets. (There are so many points which can be added).

IN ZIMBABWEAN CONTEXT

-Zimbabwean prophets just like Israel prophets were involved in the death of so many people. For instance, the famous stampede which happened during Magaya’s crusade at Mbizo stadium. Local newspapers such as Chronicle, Bulawayo24.com recorded this incident. The story was even published by Herald newspaper on 22 November 2014 “Magaya stampede claims 11 . . . The 11 people, who included three minors, died after they were trampled on by frightened congregants escaping the teargas. When The Herald arrived at the scene, bodies of the deceased and the injured had been taken to Kwekwe District Hospital.

Therefore, this proves to us that Zimbabwean prophets are also involved in the death of so many people. In 2010 there were rumours that some of the Zionist prophets were involved in the loss of the soul, it is said that the sick church member was being baptised at Masuwe River which is 10km away from Victoria Falls along Bulawayo road. The church member died during the baptism rite.

HOWEVER

In as much as Zimbabwean prophets are involved in the death of so many people, it will be miscarriage of justice if one ignores the view that they are some Zimbabwean prophets who partake in life saving. This will be fully displayed in the ongoing article. Magaya prays for so many ill people and as a result they are healed, this happens on a daily basis in Harare where the church of the prophet “man of cloth” is situated. “Major Provovo man of style” and his wife “Bebe” Angel claim to have raised more than 24 dead people. The point in this case is that Zimbabwean prophets are involved in life saving.