Region
The Zulu are the largest South African ethnic group, with 10-11 million people living in the in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Origins & historical significance
The AmaZulu believe that they are the direct descendants of the patriarch Zulu, who was born to a Nguni chief in the Congo Basin area. In the 16th century the Zulu migrated southward to their present location, incorporating many of the customs of the San, including the well-known linguistic clicking sounds of the region. During the reign of King Shaka (1816-1828), the Zulu became the mightiest military force in southern Africa, increasing their land holdings from 100 square miles to 11,500. Shaka was followed by Dingaan, who tentatively entered into treaties with English colonizers.
Theology
Zulu religion includes belief in a creator god (Nkulunkulu), who is above interacting in day-to-day human affairs. It is possible to appeal to the spirit world only by invoking the ancestors (AmaDlozi) through divination processes. As such, the diviner, who is almost always a woman, plays an important part in the daily lives of the Zulu. It is believed that all bad things, including death, are the result of evil sorcery or offended spirits. No misfortune is ever seen as the result of natural causes. Another important aspect of Zulu religion is cleanliness. Separate utensils and plates were used for different foods, and bathing often occurred up to three times a day. Christianity had difficulty gaining a foothold among the Zulu, and when it did it was in a syncretic fashion. Isaiah Shambe, considered the Zulu messiah, presented a form of Christianity which incorporated traditional customs. Although now, most Zulu people state their beliefs to be Christian.
Ideologies/core beliefs
The Zulu people essentially did not have a belief system before colonization. When missionaries came they created/used the word Nkulunkulu, meaning grand or great father, to help explain what god was. So current beliefs are solely Christian.
Evolution of religion over time
Zulu did not really have a religion until the colonizers came with missionaries and pushed christian beliefs on the people.