Basotho Spiritual Beliefs

Over the weekend, I went to Johannesburg to help pick-up a team from LifeChurch.tv, and then provided them with cultural and ministry training in preparation for their week in Qwa Qwa. The Basotho culture is infused with spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, Basothos believe that when a person dies their spirit remains nearby. Most Basothos believe in God (Modimo) as a Supreme Being, and that ancestral spirits are an essential link between this world and the spirit world, between people and God.

Such spirits are believed to have supernatural powers to bless or curse, therefore people strive to honor and appease them. For example, they may set aside gifts or ritual offerings in order to receive various blessings such as wealth, health, children, protection, etc. Because of their special powers and nearness to God, such ancestral spirits are also considered to be the mediators between people and God. People will often pray to their ancestors asking them to go to God on their behalf rather than praying to God directly. And it’s these traditional beliefs that keep people from a saving faith in Christ alone, from living a life according to His purpose.

As we talked about Basotho cultural and religious beliefs, we also realized that barriers to faith come in all shapes and sizes, and you don’t have to be a “professional Christian” to teach others about Christ. It’s something we are all called and equipped to do.