Zugl.: Bayreuth, Univ., Diss., 2012

This volume was passed as doctoral thesis by the University of Bayreuth (Germany) in February 2012. The author presents a new way of looking at leadership, history, culture and the reading of scripture in light of theme of The Messianic Feeding of the Masses. The author examines how the Zimbabwean president has embraced some messianic titles and statements ascribed to him for liberating Zimbabwe from her colonial masters and the feeding of the people. The book makes a comparative and sociological analysis of kingship in ancient traditions so as to demonstrate how the ‘sacredness’ associated and ascribed to the reign of Mugabe was not uncommon. As the bearer of the charisma, Mugabe takes some radical measures to assume the task of a saviour. He embraces the praises accorded to him by his admirers and commands obedience and a following in virtue of his mission. Some aspects examined in this study may be highly controversial but eye-opening. The author does not attempt to convert anyone to a particular side but through the way he articulates issues and supports arguments with Historical, Biblical and current material, he invites people to debate even in a larger arena.

Dieser Band präsentiert eine Kontextuelle Lektüre von Joh 6 im Kontext messianischer Führungsansprüche im postkolonialen Simbabwe. Zur Analyse werden nicht nur altorientalische Herrschaftstraditionen herangezogen, auch das Alte Testament, das Frühjudentum und die Königstraditionen der Schona-Kultur finden Beachtung. Im Zentrum des Interesses steht dabei das Motiv der Ernährung der Massen durch den Herrscher.