The Variety of Holy Spirit Possession
PentecoStudies May 5, 2013 Jonathan Burrow-Branine
An analysis of ethnographic studies from Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, and Ghana shows that Emma Cohen's cross-cultural typology of spirit possession—executive possession and pathogenic possession—can usefully describe Holy Spirit possession in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian communities. Cohen's cognitive explanation for recurring possession patterns helps explain consistent behaviors and beliefs about the Holy Spirit across diverse cultural settings. The typology also expands the study of Holy Spirit possession beyond initial baptism to include the ongoing relationship many Pentecostals maintain as central to their religious experience. This work connects Pentecostal ritual to broader anthropological study of religion.