Karma and spiritual warfare: The ‘back to sender’ practice in South African New Prophetic Churches

Abstract

Background: This article discusses the rapid rise of New Prophetic Churches (NPCs) in South Africa, a charismatic Christian movement focusing on spiritual gifts, prosperity and deliverance. It highlights the practice of ‘back to sender’, which involves prayers designed to reverse perceived spiritual attacks or misfortunes, often attributed to evil spirits or human enemies. The ‘back to sender’ concept emphasises divine intervention rather than fate and illustrates connections among African Neo-Pentecostal Christianity, African spiritualities and the idea of karma.
Objectives: This study aims to analyse the ‘back to sender’ concept within NPCs and its sociocultural implications.
Method: This article explores the dynamic world of NPCs, using a combination of descriptive and analytical methods to reveal its unique characteristics and the influence of syncretism as its theoretical framework.
Results: The findings reveal that the ‘back to sender’ prayers not only serve as a coping mechanism for believers facing societal challenges, but also contribute to social tensions regarding accusations of witchcraft.
Conclusion: The practice effectively blends African Traditional Religions with Neo-Pentecostal beliefs, offering a unique framework for addressing spiritual and social issues.
Contribution: This article is crafted from a perspective rooted in the study of religion. This study enhances understanding of the intersection between religion, culture and social justice in contemporary South Africa, highlighting the role of spirituality in navigating real-world crises.