The Friday Masowe apostolics of Zimbabwe claim they do not need the Bible because they receive the Word of God 'live and direct' from the Holy Spirit. This book documents how this rejection of scripture speaks to longstanding concerns within Christianity over mediation and authority. Series: The Anthropology of Christianity. Num Pages: 321 pages, 3 b/w photographs, 1 map. BIC Classification: 1HFMW; HRC; JFSR. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22. Weight in Grams: 454. . 2007. First. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780520249042

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Problem of Presence: Beyond Scripture in an African Church
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication Date: 2007
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0520249046
ISBN 13: 9780520249042
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The Friday Masowe apostolics of Zimbabwe refer to themselves as “the Christians who don’t read the Bible.” They claim they do not need the Bible because they receive the Word of God “live and direct” from the Holy Spirit. In this insightful and sensitive historical ethnography, Matthew Engelke documents how this rejection of scripture speaks to longstanding concerns within Christianity over mediation and authority. The Bible, of course, has been a key medium through which Christians have recognized God’s presence. But the apostolics perceive scripture as an unnecessary, even dangerous, mediator. For them, the materiality of the Bible marks a distance from the divine and prohibits the realization of a live and direct faith.

Situating the Masowe case within a broad comparative framework, Engelke shows how their rejection of textual authority poses a problem of presence―which is to say, how the religious subject defines, and claims to construct, a relationship with the spiritual world through the semiotic potentials of language, actions, and objects. Written in a lively and accessible style, A Problem of Presence makes important contributions to the anthropology of Christianity, the history of religions in Africa, semiotics, and material culture studies.

About the Author

Matthew Engelke is a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at London School of Economics and Political Science.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We carry a comprehensive range of out of print and rare books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshops and Art Galleries Limited
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, GY, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks websites.

If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.

For any queries please use the contact seller link or send an email to books@kennys.ie

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

All books securely packaged. Some books ship from Ireland.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 20 business days	13 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 10.50	US$ 21.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.