ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on popular scepticism towards both traditional healers and Pentecostal/Charismatic preachers. The study of traditional healing in Africa has provided a solid empirical foundation for challenging views of tradition as static and bounded. Iringa is a pluralist city in terms of religion and ethnicity. Although locally rooted beliefs and practices are still common, most people, including all traditional healers have some institutional affiliation with one of the world religions. Healers have also successfully adapted to the needs and demands of both large-and small-scale entrepreneurs in Tanzania's neoliberal economy. As described, the burgeoning post-liberalization market of occult, spiritual services and products provides consumers with a range of options. But it also inspires an increased scepticism and an awareness of the necessity of distinguishing between genuine healers or prosperity preachers and frauds. Most prosperity ministries preserve a classical Pentecostal emphasis on personal salvation, a sanctified lifestyle, and the continuous manifestations of the Holy Spirit in ritual life.
