Walking in the Spirit a Pentecostal Reading of Romans 8.Pdf

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Walking in the Spirit a Pentecostal Reading of Romans 8.Pdf University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh UNIVERSITY OF GHANA COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES WALKING IN THE SPIRIT: A PENTECOSTAL READING OF ROMANS 8 BY SAMUEL OWUSU AGYARE (10600238) THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE AWARD OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS DEPARTMENT FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS JULY 2019 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DECLARATION This is to certify that this thesis is the result of research undertaken by Samuel Owusu Agyare under the supervision of Dr. Nicoletta Gatti and Rev. Prof. Eric B. Anum towards the award of MPhil Degree in the Study of Religions in the Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana (Legon). …………………………………… …………………………………….. SAMUEL OWUSU AGYARE Date (Student) …………………………… ……. …………………………………….. DR. NICOLETTA GATTI Date (Supervisor) …………………………………… ………………………………………… REV. PROF. ERIC B. ANUM Date (Co-Supervisor) ii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ABSTRACT The Church of Pentecost (CoP) is one of the fastest growing churches in Ghana. In the last decade, the church has encouraged ministers to undertake theological studies to reach an in-depth understanding of the tenets of faith. However, two aspects need more attention: the study of a ‘specific’ hermeneutical approach to the readings of Scripture; and an exegetical study of the ‘pneumatological’ New Testament texts, widely employed by CoP ministries in their teaching and preaching. Against this background, the thesis examines a text commonly known as ‘the gospel of the Spirit, Romans 8, to understand the perlocutory effect on the original readers, and the Church of Pentecost (CoP) understanding and appropriation for human and community transformation. The study employed the Contextual Bible Study (CBS) approach proposed by Gerald West as its theoretical framework. The approach proposed an inter-cultural study of the biblical text based on two-steps: the study of the ‘original readers’ context and the appropriation by the contemporary readers. To reach an informed understanding of the original readers’ context, the research employed Kennedy’s rhetorical method. The rhetorical situation, problem, structure and analysis of the text revealed that ‘Walking in the Spirit,’ according to Rom. 8, is a holistic process involving personal and community transformation, in which the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth are heard. To access the CoP ‘ordinary readers’ interpretation, three groups were selected: the ‘literate’ from Kasoa English Assembly, the ‘semi-literate’ from Amanfro Assembly and the ‘theological students’ from Pentecost University College (PUC). The CBS engagement showed that the ‘ecclesiastic lens’ employed by all participants offered a uniform approach to hermeneutics; in fact, the level of literacy and/or iii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh theological preparation seemed to have little or no impact on the reading of the text. Respondents described the Holy Spirit as registrar, encourager, deliverer, liberator, etc., and above all as the guide to divine sonship. Accordingly, ‘Walking in the Spirit’ was conceived as a ‘spiritual and experiential journey,’ in which the Spirit is encountered, and his presence ‘attested’ to by miraculous signs. The study discloses that CoP members’ approach to the reading reflects the main characteristics of Pentecostal Hermeneutics summarised by Green and Ellington, albeit with emphasis of some elements such influences of the spirits (good and evil); ‘literal’ approach to interpretation and ‘radical’ application of faith – informed by their African cultural background. Furthermore, the research indicated in the vivid experience of the Spirit; as a missionary tool a positive modality of contextualising the call to action of Romans 8 — ‘walking in the Spirit’ — by the CoP’s members. Finally, the researcher proposed a revision of the teachings of the CoP to include elements such as social justice; fight against corruption; ecological awareness, etc. as manifestation of the presence of the Spirit of truth in the life of the believers. iv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEDICATION To the late Rev. Professor Joseph Quayesi-Amakye, the former Dean of Theology and Missions, Pentecost University College for motivating me to continue this research when I was about to quit the studies due to personal challenges. v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to God Almighty for the opportunity granted me to embark on this study. I express my profound gratitude to Him for the wisdom, good health and peace of mind provided me. I enrolled on this programme during one of the turbulent times of my life, but in all, the Lord has been faithful. Besides, I acknowledge the efforts of my supervisors, Dr. Nicoletta Gatti and Rev. Professor Eric B. Anum. I appreciate their sincere love, care and counsel. They did not only play their roles as supervisors but also showed concern as parents with special interest in making sure that I finished the work on time. I equally recognise Rev. Prof. George Ossom-Batsa for his invaluable contributions and rare counsel. His contributions have immeasurably influenced my thinking and consequently shaped the outcome of this research. I also show sincere appreciation to my course mates: Abraham, Clement, Felix and Gabriel for their support and counsel. I thank them for their friendly relationship. Moreover, I thank my senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Ali, the former Dean (FTM- PUC), who had confidence in me and allowed me to understudy him during lectures in the Biblical Languages. The leadership of the CoP, Aps. Eric K. Nyamekye (Chairman - CoP), Rev. Professor Opoku Onyinah (Former Chairman - CoP), Rev. Dr. Daniel Walker (Rector - PUC), Rev. Dr. Ali, Rev Dr. Emmanuel Apea, Mr. Foster Amoani (Registrar -PUC), Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Asante and others who stood by me in difficult times by giving me employment and sponsorship opportunity for the study. Not forgetting Rev. Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, Rev Dr. Justice A. Arthur, Rev. Dr. Victor J.T. Zizer, Rev. Michael M. Kopah, Rev. Dr. Samuel Ofori, Rev. George Danquah, Rev. Jacob Asare, Mrs. Grace Danquah, Ms. Rebecca Arthur, and other lecturers in the vi University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Theology Department of Pentecost University College, for their immeasurable support in diverse ways. Finally, I am thankful to God for an understanding and supportive wife, Mrs. Mercy Owusu Agyare and our children Benedict, Matilda, Jonathan, Sammy, Alberta, Sarah and Awusi. Simon, Benedict and Michael were ‘the giants’ who stood with me during all-nights studies. I could not have done this without them. I appreciate them for being there for me when it mattered most. vii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... ii ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. iii DEDICATION ............................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................... vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................... viii CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTORY ISSUES………………………………………1 1.1 Background .......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................... 5 1.3 Research Questions .............................................................................................. 6 1.4 Review of Related Literature ............................................................................... 6 1.4.1 General Hermeneutics ................................................................................... 6 1.4.2 Pentecostal Hermeneutics ........................................................................... 11 1.4.3 Pentecostal Reading of Romans 8............................................................... 16 1.5 Contextual Bible Study Framework................................................................... 18 1.6 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 18 1.7 Organization of the Study .................................................................................. 19 CHAPTER TWO: PENTECOSTAL HERMENEUTICS……………………………20 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 20 2.2 History of Pentecostalism ................................................................................ 20 2.2.1 The ‘Black’ Origin of Pentecostalism ......................................................... 26 2.2.2 Pentecostalism in Ghana: Classification ..................................................... 27 viii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 2.3 Hermeneutics ..................................................................................................... 29 2.3.1 The Starting of the Debate on Pentecostal Hermeneutics ........................... 31 2.3.2 Possibility of Pentecostal Hermeneutics ..................................................... 33 2.3.3 What Hermeneutics Entails or Comprises .................................................
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