The Holy spirit, the church and daily life : a theological search for an integrated pneumatology in the light of Chewa views of the spirit

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study reviews the need to re-articulate the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) Nkhoma Synod by incorporating certain traditional concepts. The research seeks to integrate certain traditional concepts (e.g. belief in spirits) with the biblical view of the Holy Spirit, with the aim of constructing a holistic pneumatology. It is argued that the Spirit is mostly viewed among Chewa people as being active and present in church related matters, and not in ordinary daily activities outside of church life. For this reason, the proposed pneumatology (apart from the conception of the traditional view of the spirits) will be approached from an African perspective, based on the views of John Mbiti and Jürgen Moltmann. Included in this process, are some important traditional concepts, i.e. the rite of birth and the rite of initiation held by Chewa people to establish the central role of spirits. This was then related to the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life as a way of enculturation, i.e. regeneration and sanctification, and how this relates to the doctrine of Holy Spirit. It is envisaged that the outcome of this research will positively contribute to the ongoing debate and articulate a relevant pneumatology in the African context. The following pertinent observations are also made: Firstly, the traditional belief in the spirits still has a significant influence on Chewa Christians. Secondly, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit taught by the CCAP Nkhoma Synod is in need of a fuller expression that is more holistic. Thirdly, for the proposed holistic pneumatology to be relevant to the local context it needs to include various traditional concepts on the integral role of spirits and relate these to the biblical notion of the cosmic spirit. In conclusion, the research established that the mainline traditions, to which the CCAP Nkhoma Synod belongs, should be more open to a holistic pneumatology, yet sensitive to the local context by incorporating certain traditional concepts.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University