“When Blood Cries Louder Than Grace: The Enduring Impact of Avenging Spirits on Cultural Christianity in Zimbabweâ€

Henry Wasosa and Yvonne Sanyanga
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Henry Wasosa: Arrupe Jesuit University
Yvonne Sanyanga: Arrupe Jesuit University

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 7, 1840-1850

Abstract: In contemporary Zimbabwe, the intersection of traditional belief systems and Christianity forms a complex and often paradoxical worldview, particularly concerning moral transgressions such as murder. This study explores the psychological and sociocultural impact of avenging spirits (ngozi) on individuals and communities who identify as Christians but remain deeply influenced by indigenous African cosmologies. Using qualitative interviews and ethnographic methods, the research investigates how Zimbabweans reconcile the Christian doctrine of forgiveness and salvation with the culturally entrenched belief that an unsettled spirit must be appeased through traditional rituals. Findings suggest that fear of ngozi exerts a significant influence on behaviour, decision-making, and mental well-being, even among self-professed Christians. The study demonstrates that traditional African spiritual beliefs remain deeply woven into the Zimbabwean psyche, highlighting the need for culturally contextualized psychological models that incorporate both religious and ancestral belief systems. The article contributes to Afrocentric psychology by affirming that African spiritual consciousness continues to shape identity, morality, and coping mechanisms in the face of transgression and trauma.

Date: 2025
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