Black Pentecostal reflections on the inward-looking approach in classical Pentecostalism

This article problematises the inward-looking approach adopted by classical Pentecostalism in a South African context. A literature review on White-led classical Pentecostal churches reveals that in their early development, these churches were inward-looking and only concentrated on their theology o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kgatle, Mookgo Solomon (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group 2024
In: Black theology
Year: 2024, Volume: 22, Issue: 2, Pages: 159–170
Further subjects:B Blackness
B African Independent Pentecostal Churches
B Social Action
B Classical pentecostalism
B outward-looking
B inward-looking
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This article problematises the inward-looking approach adopted by classical Pentecostalism in a South African context. A literature review on White-led classical Pentecostal churches reveals that in their early development, these churches were inward-looking and only concentrated on their theology of Spirit baptism, evangelism, and eschatological expectations. This inward-looking approach made classical Pentecostalism passive in response to socio-economic and socio-political issues. Issues such as racial segregation and economic challenges are highlighted here to demonstrate classical Pentecostalism’s non-engagement. The aim of this article is the rationale the benefits for classical Pentecostal churches in broadening their ways of engaging with South African society. This can be done by learning from African Independent Pentecostal Churches whose theology on socio-economic and socio-political issues is exceedingly outward-looking. These lessons have implications for Blackness as they demonstrate that Black leaders can change their circumstances without the supervision of Whiteness.
ISSN:1743-1670
Contains:Enthalten in: Black theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/14769948.2024.2365009