African Pentecostal spirituality as a mystical tradition: How regaining its roots could benefit Pentecostals
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies June 23, 2020 M. Nel 10 citations
Western academic theology fails to explain the identity and faith culture of African Pentecostals because the movement grew from Pietism and emphasizes holistic effective spirituality, and because it links with African traditional religions and worldview that share aspects of Old Testament realism. African Pentecostalism requires a different language to describe its unique way of doing theology in conjunction with spirituality. The language of mysticism is suitable for explaining this spirituality. Theology and spirituality should mutually inform each other, as in mystical theology, for Pentecostal theology to reflect on the experience of God's involvement. Aspects of Pentecostal spirituality, such as sanctification, affections, ecstatic speech, and personal encounter with the Spirit, demonstrate this relation.