Hermeneutical practices amongst African Neo- Pentecostal churches in Southern Africa : a critical review

Abstract

African Pentecostalism is a diverse movement, that has become popular within African Christianity. However, in more recent years there have been concerning developments in some neo- Pentecostal practices, where stories of snake-eating, petrol-drinking and Doom-spraying are prevalent. A critical consideration is what motivates and makes possible such practices? The researcher set out to answer this question by conducting a critical review through a literature study about hermeneutical practices amongst African neo-Pentecostal churches in Southern Africa and compared this to the classical form of Pentecostalism. The comparison between classic and neo- Pentecostal hermeneutics shows that although there is a commonality between the two, there are differences that set them apart. African Pentecostalism is rooted in the hermeneutical discussion of the centrality of the Holy Spirit in reading the Bible, the eschatological lens, and the faith community as normative for the interpretation of the Bible. However, hermeneutical abuses carried out by some of these self-titled prophets, and the misuse of authority is rampant within African neo- Pentecostalism. The research aims to provide guidance and corrective measures for doctrine and practice on how this situation can be remedied. It concludes by suggesting a potential exegetical method when interpreting Scripture to ensure Biblical thinking, and hermeneutical guidelines to elevate against hermeneutical religious abuses. The researcher desires to raise awareness and educate the African Pentecostal community about the richness of Christianity within its cultural context, but at the same time to promote Biblical thinking and practice that would lessen, if not eradicate hermeneutical religious abuses.