This section gives an introduction to the Shona people of Zimbabwe, and especially to their society, culture and healing practices before the encounter with Christianity. There is also a chapter on the role of women, especially in relation to traditional religion and healing.

There is some overlap in the material in these chapters, because they were written by different authors, who cover some of the same ground. This can give a more rounded picture, however, as they approach the material from different viewpoints, and also to some extent examine different Shona groups. It also makes it possible to compare and contrast pre-Christian understandings and methods of healing, to see how they have been changed by Christian approaches.

Lilian Dube begins by giving a general introduction to Shona religion, paying special attention to the Budya people, where women play a more important role than elsewhere, and this is later compared to the role of women in African Independent Churches.

Tabona Shoko gives an introduction to healing in traditional Shona society, going into more detail on the kinds of ailments people suffered from, and how they were treated.