A Biblical and Theological Strategy for Dealing with Spiritualism in the Zambian Context
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Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2014 A Biblical and Theological Strategy for Dealing with Spiritualism in the Zambian Context Peter Chulu Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Chulu, Peter, "A Biblical and Theological Strategy for Dealing with Spiritualism in the Zambian Context" (2014). Dissertation Projects DMin. 265. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/265 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH SPIRITUALISM IN THE ZAMBIAN CONTEXT by Peter Chulu Adviser: Nancy Vyhmeister ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH SPIRITUALISM IN THE ZAMBIAN CONTEXT Name of researcher: Peter Chulu Name and degree of faculty adviser: Nancy Vyhmeister, EdD Date completed: October 2014 Problem Rusangu Secondary School has experienced many incidents in recent years where dorm students were harassed by evil spiritual forces, causing fear and uncertainty among the students. Method A systematic study of the Bible, commentaries, books, journals, and articles concerning spiritualism was undertaken. Once theological and historical data on spiritualism was identified, it was utilized for training, equipping, and empowering prayer band members on how to deal with demonic harassment at the school. Results The school and church experienced revitalization. Members learned how to utilize a prayer band ministry to pray for the students who were being harassed by evil forces. Those prayed for experienced peace which provided a favorable learning atmosphere at the school. Conclusions God’s power, prayer, and good biblical teaching can change an atmosphere of fear, to one where students learn to trust in God’s protection from evil spiritual forces. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH SPIRITUALISM IN THE ZAMBIAN CONTEXT A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Peter Chulu October 2014 © Copyright by Peter Chulu 2014 All Rights Reserved A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH SPIRITUALISM IN THE ZAMBIAN CONTEXT A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry by Peter Chulu APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: ________________________________ _________________________________ Adviser, Director, DMin Program, Nancy Vyhmeister Skip Bell ________________________________ _________________________________ Bruce L. Bauer Dean, SDA Theological Seminary, Jir̂í Moskala ________________________________ _________________________________ Boubakar Sanou Date approved Dedication I dedicate my dissertation work to the Master Missiologist Jesus Christ for considering and enabling me worthy to be part of global eschatological missionaries to reach those who are lost for Him. I also dedicate this dissertation to my companion, my loving wife Rosey, and my beautiful daughters Pelegia and Pililo, and handsome sons Maulao and Mapeto. These have never left my side and have endured lack, loss, and pain to see me achieve incursions for our Loving Savior They are very special and indispensable partners in my mission on earth. A special feeling of gratitude to my loving mother who taught me early in my life the joy of love and service to the Lord, whose words of encouragement and push for tenacity still ring in my ears. I also dedicate this dissertation to my beloved and God’s remnant church—the Seventh-day Adventist Church—for offering me a platform to serve God. I will always appreciate all the church has done for me. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ...................................................................................... ix LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................ x ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................................................................... xi Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1 Background................................................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ........................................................................ 1 Purpose of the Project .............................................................................. 2 Significance of the Project ........................................................................ 2 Limitations of the Study .......................................................................... 2 Delimitations of the Study ....................................................................... 3 Definitions ................................................................................................. 3 Personal Basis for Ministry ....................................................................... 4 General Background .................................................................................. 4 Personal Profile ......................................................................................... 4 Six Subplots in My Life ...................................................................... 5 Culture ........................................................................................... 5 Call ................................................................................................ 5 Community ................................................................................... 6 Communion ................................................................................... 6 Conflict ......................................................................................... 7 Commonplace ............................................................................... 9 Specific Personal Assessments ................................................................... 9 My Spiritual Pilgrimage ....................................................................... 9 Conversion and Assurance of Salvation ....................................... 9 Time and Resources ...................................................................... 9 Spiritual Path................................................................................. 12 Spiritual Stage ............................................................................... 12 Spiritual or Devotional Life .......................................................... 13 Plans for My Spirituality............................................................... 13 Worldview .................................................................................... 14 Temperament/MBTI ..................................................................... 14 Damage Factor .............................................................................. 14 Assessments in Relation to Others ............................................................. 17 iv Spiritual Gifts ...................................................................................... 17 Leadership/Interaction Styles .............................................................. 17 Task Type Preferences ......................................................................... 18 Impact of Self-Assessment on My Project ................................................ 18 Negative Impact................................................................................... 18 Positive Impact .................................................................................... 19 Overview of the Paper ................................................................................ 20 2. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUALISM ........ 21 Introduction ............................................................................................... 21 Definitions of Bible Demonological Terminologies ................................. 22 God’s Principles on Spiritualism in the Old Testament ............................ 25 Principles in the Ten Commandments ................................................. 26 Divine Protection Assured Against Evil Forces—Ps 34:7; 41:1-2 ..... 27 God’s Displeasure Towards Spiritualism—Deut 31:15-27 ................. 27 Spiritualism Prevented Israel From Completing God’s Purpose— I Kings 11:33 ................................................................................. 28 Association With the Heathen Weakened Israel’s Commitment to God—1 Kings 11:1-2 .................................................................... 28 King Saul ....................................................................................... 29 Solomon ........................................................................................