Christianity, the country's main religion
Introduced in the late 19th century by Protestant missionaries, Christianity spread rapidly in Botswana, unlike its neighbouring countries. Seeing the missionaries as protectors against the colonizers, the tribal chiefs easily adopted the religion and then spread it among their people. As Protestantism flourished, Bible schools multiplied and other churches were established such as the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Methodist churches. Today, more than 70% of the population of Botswana is Christian, but only about 20% is reportedly practicing. The Zion Christian Church is said to be one of the most represented, with several million followers throughout southern Africa. The followers are identified by the metal star they wear on a piece of green felt. They usually meet on Sundays, sometimes until very late at night. With prayers, sermons by a preacher and lots of singing and dancing, the services are lively and cheerful, messy and full of an incredible mystical fervour that is communicated throughout the audience. The Zion Church is unique in that it incorporates traditional beliefs into its services and also welcomes a diverse and colourful crowd, sometimes including some whites. As for Catholicism, it was only in the 1930s that it spread in the country, with the arrival of Christian missionaries, rejected for a time by the tribal chiefs who saw their preference in Protestantism. Today they represent about 4% of the population
Minority religions
A country where religious freedom is generally respected, Botswana welcomes several communities on its territory. Although they were a minority, their beliefs and practices were tolerated by the State, which did not interfere in any religion. Muslims, Hindus and Baha'is are thus free to practice their religion and to set up establishments to promote their beliefs. The Baha'i faith, which is monotheistic and independent, is the largest minority religion in Botswana, with nearly 20,000 adherents. It was established in Botswana in 1955 by Baha'i pioneers, who quickly befriended the Africans. The principles of this religion are based on the unity of humanity, universal education based on moral values. Islam was introduced by South Asian immigrants who came to work in the country during the British protectorate. There are some 8,000 adherents throughout the country, which represents less than 1% of the population. Although a small percentage of the population, Hinduism, the world's oldest religion, is also practiced in Botswana. Most adherents are of Indian origin. Most of them are found in the Gaborone area, which has no less than three Hindu temples
Strong animist beliefs
Despite the importance of the Christian churches, traditional beliefs are still largely dominant, although less visibly. The traditional doctor is consulted as much as the modern doctor. Moreover, the spiritual life is lived on a daily basis, more than the religious life. An illness or a great misfortune has, as in a large part of the continent, a rational explanation and a more "magical" explanation. The witch doctor is feared, because it is through him that we can receive a bad spell that someone has cast on us. Similarly, the spirits of the elders are greatly respected. They manifest themselves in dreams and their influence is important in the lives of the living. However, each ethnic group has its own cult and animist practices. The San believe in a supernatural being, Mantis, who would have helped the Creator in his arduous task. According to the beliefs, he often takes on the appearance of a praying mantis and in most stories, he is endowed with supernatural powers, can change into an animal, a rock or a tree. He also has very human characters. He can be jealous and angry, likes to eat, drink and make love, and enjoys playing tricks and being tricked, especially by women! Among the Bakalanga, the religious system also revolves around a creator god, Mwali. Both feared and respected, he lived in a cave at the top of a hill and acted as an oracle. Able to control the forces of nature, he was approached only by high priests who came to ask him to make the rain fall, supporting their request with gifts and sacrifices. The family problems of daily life were entrusted to the protection of the ancestors, to whom gifts and sacrifices were made in exchange. Today, like many other peoples, the Bakalanga have been influenced by modern society and have become predominantly Christian
Badimo, a deeply rooted belief
The Tswana, the majority people in Botswana, many of whom are also Christians, still practice their animist religion, Badimo. This religion is based on the belief that an all-powerful god, called Modimo, controls the destiny of each person. The Tswana also believe that life continues after death in a world below ground, where the elders reward those who have worshipped them and punish the ungodly. However, the arrival of missionaries in the 19th century did not fail to undermine the Tswana belief system. While most of the rites and customs have disappeared, ancestor worship is still practiced, perhaps as a tribute to the wisdom and tenacity of all those great chiefs who succeeded in preserving the integrity of their people in the face of colonizing powers. In addition, witch doctors continue to have an important position in Tswana culture. However, as Christianity dominates, at least in appearance, these 'ethnic' beliefs are kept confidential and Botswana people do not talk about them readily, emphasizing their membership of one church or another
