Divine Intervention: The Influence of Pentecostal Sermons on Democratic Values Evidence from Zambia

Abstract

Pentecostalism has grown immensely over the last 20 years in many African states, but we have little systematic understanding of how this growth affects democratic development. Drawing on democratic theories that emphasise the impact of individual values on democratic consolidation and Hirschman’s theory of exit, voice and loyalty, this thesis explores how the growth of Pentecostalism may have implications for citizen political attitudes in countries experiencing democratic backsliding. Specifically, it asks how Pentecostal teachings might influence attitudes towards democracy in Zambia. Methodologically, this thesis mostly draws on a qualitative framework, but also includes a preliminary quantitative analysis to justify the need for an in-depth analysis of Pentecostal religious teachings in Zambia, a Christian nation