@article {1992,
	title = {Religious testimonial narratives and social construction of identity: Insights from prophetic ministries in Botswana },
	journal = {Cogent Social Sciences},
	volume = {3},
	year = {2017},
	month = {07/2017},
	pages = {15},
	type = {Research},
	chapter = {1},
	abstract = {Giving a testimony forms a central part of the religious practices among Pentecostal churches including prophetic ministries. Testimony links the understanding of one{\textquoteright}s religious experience and the configuration of the divine intervention. Utilizing data collected through ethnographic observation among prophetic ministries in Botswana and digital ethnography of the testimonial narratives circulated online through various new media outlets of these ministries, this paper examines the ways in which religious identity is constructed and understood through the testimonial performance in various religious services. Informed by the premise that narrative is closely related to identity, the paper pays particular attention to the extent to which religious testimonies influence the dynamic relationship between
individual, communal and institutional religious identity. The following questions are central to the analysis: In what ways does a religious testimony inform us about the construction and negotiation of religious identity? To what extent does a religious testimony influence the dynamic relationship between individual, communal and institutional religious identity? While suggesting that religious identity constructions and negotiations are embedded within the sharing of religious testimonies, I also argue that the sharing of a religious testimony has an agentive function of extending the social relationship between an individual believer, other believers and the religious community within which the testimony is shared.},
	keywords = {Facebook, identity, prophetic ministries, testimony},
	doi = {doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2017.1356620},
	author = {Faimau, G.}
}
@article {1991,
	title = {The dynamics and digitisation of religious testimonies: a case of prophetic ministries in Botswana},
	journal = {Anthropology Southern Africa},
	volume = {40},
	year = {2017},
	month = {07/2017},
	pages = {10},
	type = {Research},
	chapter = {85},
	abstract = {A major element in the religious practice of believers in prophetic Christianity is the sharing of religious testimonies. Focusing on prophetic ministries in Botswana, this paper examines the nature and function of religious testimonies and the dynamics of their digitisation and online circulation. It explores the ways in which religious testimonies mediate or extend the reach of prophetic ministries. Using data collected through fieldwork observation, in-depth interviews and digital ethnography, I argue that the sharing of testimony within Pentecostal Christian circles can be described as a system of institutional performance that aims to direct the spiritual development of believers, reinforce the central place and authority of a prophet and advance the institutional identity of a prophetic ministry.},
	author = {Faimau, Gabriel}
}
@article {1993,
	title = {Facebooking Religion and the Technologization of the Religious Discourse: A Case Study of a Botswana-based Prophetic Church},
	journal = {Heidelberg Journal of Religions on the Internet},
	volume = {11},
	year = {2016},
	month = {12/2016},
	pages = {26},
	type = {Research},
	chapter = {66},
	abstract = {Technologization of discourse is generally conceptualized as a process of influencing people{\textquoteright}s way of thinking through the use of certain linguistic strategies. In this process, power is exercised through the use of linguistic strategies that shape the construction of identity as well as socio-religious vision. This study analyzes the ways in which certain linguistic strategies and religious discourses used in Facebook posts, reviews and comments on a religion-based Facebook page create and shape the narratives of religious authority, religious identity and religious community. Using the Facebook page of a popular prophetic Christian church in Botswana, Gospel of God{\textquoteright}s Grace (3G Ministries), as a case study, this study examines the following questions: in what ways can an active religion-based Facebook page reconfigure and provide a platform for religious practice? To what extent does the use of various linguistic strategies inform and shape religious discourses found in various Facebook postings and comments? And how does a religious Facebook page provide a venue for the discursive interpretation of religious authority, the negotiation of religious identity and the development of socio-religious vision?},
	keywords = {Facebook, identity construction, religious authority, technologization},
	doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.17885/heiup.rel.2016.0.23628	},
	author = {Faimau, Gabriel},
	editor = {Behrens, Camden}
}
