EXCHANGE BRILL Exchange 41 (2012) 335-351 brill.com/exch Prediction and Power: Prophets and Prophecy in the Old Testament and Zimbabwean Christianity Masiiwa Ragies Gunda Humboldt Research Fellow, New Testament Sciences University of Bamberg, Germany mrgunda2oo2@yahoo.co.uk Abstract The prominence of prophets such as TB Joshua of Nigeria and Immanuel Makandiwa of Zimba- bwe has triggered debates on the nature of prophets and prophecy. Through a socio-historical and reception historical analysis, this article contends that there are two major characteristics of prophets, that is, the ability to make accurate predictions and the ability to confound nature and normalcy by manifesting unrivalled power through healing and other activities. These character- istics are observable in the activities of Zimbabwean prophets both pioneers such as Masowe, Marange, Mutendi and contemporary ones like Makandiwa. It is also noted that the narratives of Old Testament prophets, especially Elijah and Elisha, are used by contemporary prophets to con- firm that their ovm 'signs and deeds' are in line with those of the great prophets of God. The extraordinary abilities of these prophets are seen as proof of their being divinely chosen, hence the multitude of followers who are in need of their 'signs and wonders'. Keywords prophet, prophecy, prediction, power, divine Introduction The phenomenon of prophecy* and 'prophets' has taken the African Christian landscape by storm,fi-omthe mega-church superstars like TB Joshua of Nigeria to Zimbabwean Immanuel Makandiwa, Africa has been exposed to a prophetic phenomenon that is difficult to ignore. This phenomenon is not pioneered by these mega-church superstars rather it has been in existence on the continent from the early days of African Initiated Churches (AICS) of the Apostolic or Zionist type. In Zimbabwe, Shonhiwa Masedza Tandi Moyo (Johanne Masowe) and Muchabaya Momberume (Johanne Marange) as well as Samuel Mutendi © Koninklijke Brill NV, Ulden, 2012 DOI: 10.1163/1572543X-12341237