A Spirituality of Joy Evangelii Gaudium in the Context of Zimbabwe

The author appreciates the great hope and spiritual joy of the people of Zimbabwe despite challenges of political and economic nature. This research exposes some important epochs of history from the Rhodesian time and the Zimbabwean era after independence which led to the socio-economic impoverishment of Zimbabwe. The findings suggest that the Rhodesian socio-economic impoverishment of the black population was mainly based on a discriminatory Law, among other factors. The independent Zimbabwe’s socio-economic decadence is mainly based on poor fiscal policy, destructive politics, and corruption, among other factors. The Zimbabwean traditional cultures of harmony among people, peace with the ancestors and fellowship with God have provided the foundation for resilience, hope and joy among Zimbabweans. Christian religiosity and popular devotion find in traditional cultures a bedrock on which to foster a spirituality of joy. The Church in Zimbabwe finds itself standing at an opportune time to proclaim the gospel hope of the God of Jesus Christ who is always on the side of the disadvantaged poor.