The history of missions in Zululand with special reference to Entumeni and Eshowe missions, 1835-1983

Abstract

When we speak of the history of missions in Zululand, it may appear as if we are dealing with the history of each and every undertaking by all missions to enter the Zulu country. It is thus of cardinal importance to give the aim and scope of this history of missions in Zululand. There had been, a feeling and a belief among the Zulus that the Zulus, as a nation, had the same belief in God as that one which was brought about by Christianity. This study will thus examine facts about the "Dazein" of the Zulu religion, customs, mores etc. versus those of Christian religion as propagated by Missions. Briefly stated this study will attempt to: 2.1 Uncover the Zulu traditional beliefs, social life, education and industrial life before the missions arrived in Zu1uland. 2.2 Analyse critically the Zulu versus the Christian ways of living i.e., Zulu culture versus Western culture. 2.3 Give a historical attitude of the Zulu kings towards the missions in Zululand and the obstacles which were given by the Zulu kings and their subjects towards Christianity. 2.4 Give the history of those mission bodies, their activities and contributions to the Zulus of Zululand, which successfully operated in Zululand. 2.5 Give an extensive history of Entumeni and Eshowe Missions. 2.6 Give the history of the attitudes of the unconverted Zulus towards those converted people and actions which were taken in order to dis= courage Zulus to become Christians. 2.7 Give the history of God's unfailing power and signs of His ever presence in missions.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculties of Theology and Arts, University of Zululand, (South Africa) in fulfilment for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the Department of Biblical Studies, 1984.