This study deals with how E.W. Kenyon’s use of the Bible was the foundation used by Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland to build the Word of Faith Movement. Kenyon could be considered the grandfather of this movement, while Hagin can be regarded as the father and Copeland, the one on whose shoulders Hagin’s mantle has fallen since his death. It includes brief biographies of Kenyon, Hagin and Copeland and their ministries. It looks into how influential Kenyon’s use of the Bible is in developing his doctrines, which have been copied by both Hagin and Copeland and the Word of Faith's pastors throughout the world. This study is not an exhaustive examination of Kenyon’s doctrines but enough is studied to show he does not conform to traditional reformed theological hermeneutics. Kenyon’s writings date back to the early twentieth century. Hagin’s writings are from the mid- and late twentieth century, while Copeland writes from the late twentieth century to the present day. It will be shown that Hagin and Copeland copied Kenyon’s use of the Bible almost verbatim, resulting in them promoting doctrines in the Word of Faith Movement similar to his doctrines. This study deals with Kenyon’s writings in Chapter 2, while Chapter 3 deals with Hagin’s and Copeland’s teachings. Chapter 4 compares the three’s teachings from a reformed theological perspective, using literature by fairly modern-day writers on reformed theology. Chapter 5 evaluates and concludes and offers recommendations for further study. Finally, Kenyon’s and his two followers’ teachings are summarised and evaluated. The study will also examine some of the effects these teachings have on the individual who attends Word of Faith Movement churches. Future research topics that could help in understanding the attraction these teachings have for people and the danger they pose to reformed churches today are suggested. / Thesis (MA (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This study deals with how E.W. Kenyon’s use of the Bible was the foundation used by Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland to build the Word of Faith Movement. Kenyon could be considered the grandfather of this movement, while Hagin can be regarded as the father and Copeland, the one on whose shoulders Hagin’s mantle has fallen since his death. It includes brief biographies of Kenyon, Hagin and Copeland and their ministries. It looks into how influential Kenyon’s use of the Bible is in developing his doctrines, which have been copied by both Hagin and Copeland and the Word of Faith's pastors throughout the world. This study is not an exhaustive examination of Kenyon’s doctrines but enough is studied to show he does not conform to traditional reformed theological hermeneutics. Kenyon’s writings date back to the early twentieth century. Hagin’s writings are from the mid- and late twentieth century, while Copeland writes from the late twentieth century to the present day. It will be shown that Hagin and Copeland copied Kenyon’s use of the Bible almost verbatim, resulting in them promoting doctrines in the Word of Faith Movement similar to his doctrines. This study deals with Kenyon’s writings in Chapter 2, while Chapter 3 deals with Hagin’s and Copeland’s teachings. Chapter 4 compares the three’s teachings from a reformed theological perspective, using literature by fairly modern-day writers on reformed theology. Chapter 5 evaluates and concludes and offers recommendations for further study. Finally, Kenyon’s and his two followers’ teachings are summarised and evaluated. The study will also examine some of the effects these teachings have on the individual who attends Word of Faith Movement churches. Future research topics that could help in understanding the attraction these teachings have for people and the danger they pose to reformed churches today are suggested. / Thesis (MA (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Esta pesquisa busca identificar e analisar o uso do método texto-prova de interpretação bíblica entre os adventistas do sétimo dia (1986-2013) a partir dos materiais de orientação sobre o estilo de vida do jovem adventista, e sua influência sobre a hermenêutica da juventude adventista. O primeiro capítulo faz uma descrição histórica do "método texto-prova", sua origem e presença no cristianismo em geral e no adventismo em particular. Também faz uma distinção entre tal método e outros recursos hermenêuticos utilizados na teologia adventista, e uma breve avaliação do método à luz dos princípios hermenêuticos oficiais da Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia. O segundo capítulo verifica a presença do método texto-prova em materiais de orientação sobre o estilo de vida do jovem adventista, produzidos e divulgados pela Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia no período de 1986-2013. Finalmente, o terceiro capítulo avalia a influência do uso do "método texto-prova na espiritualidade e na formação hermenêutica dos jovens adventistas, utilizando-se da teoria dos Estágios da fé, de James Fowler. / This research aims to identify and analyze the use of the biblical interpretation method named "proof-text method" among Seventh-day Adventists (1986-2013) in the literature about the lifestyle of young Adventist, and its influence on the hermeneutics of Adventist youth. The first chapter is a historical description of the "proof-text method", its origins and presence in Christianity in general and in particular in Adventism. It also makes a distinction between this method and other hermeneutical resources used in Adventist theology, and a brief review of the method in the light of adventist official hermeneutical principles. The second chapter assesses the presence of the "proof-text method" in guidance materials on the lifestyle of young Adventist, produced and published by the Adventist Church Seventh Day in the 1986-2013 period. Finally, the third chapter analyzes the influence of the use of the "proof-text method" in spirituality and hermeneutical training of young Adventists, using the theory of "Stages of Faith" proposed by James Fowler.