This study was set up to determine how the concept of biblical salvation is
understood within liberation theology and how the concept is perceived from
Pentecostal standpoint with the aim of developing a theological framework to
challenge the dehumanising influences in contemporary society. The central
argument of this thesis is that, there are irreconcilable differences between
the salvation espoused by liberation theology's praxeological epistemology
and the Pentecostal understanding of the concept etymologically and
hermeneutically speaking. The study further probes whether Pentecostalism
can provide the necessary theological framework that can be used to
challenge the perceived dehumanising influences in contemporary society.
The study achieved its purpose by setting meaningful objectives and following
the appropriate research methodologies. Firstly, the study employed in-depth
textual analysis, historiography, lexicology, and hermeneutic principles to
understand the etymology of salvation from previous scholarship. This effort
helped to elucidate differences that exist between liberation theology and
Pentecostal renderings of the concept. Secondly, the concerns of existing
contributors on the subject were evaluated by researching historical, linguistic
and textual materials as well as exegetical analysis of relevant texts of
Scripture. Thirdly, an in-depth literature analysis was undertaken to ascertain
liberation theology's hermeneutic methodologies. This is necessary to
establish whether the movement is more interested in promoting its ideologies
and preunderstandings rather than biblical salvation.
Fourthly, it was necessary to review the deep concerns expressed by
liberation theology epistemology without compromising the message of the
Gospel. This was achieved by a thorough analysis of social ministries
undertaken by Progressive Pentecostals across the globe. Fifthly, the study
evaluated the Pentecostal criticisms of liberation theology to see if there is
any justification for that. This was achieved through an in-depth exegetical
and hermeneutic analysis using word studies, theological dictionaries, bible commentaries, and by reviewing scholarly articles on the subject matter.
Lastly, by analysing the difference between Pentecostal and liberation
theologies, it was clear that their methods of operations are different. This
goes to explain why Pentecostalism is growing exponentially while liberation
theology is declining. The outcome of this analysis also explains why
Pentecostalism is a better alternative in addressing the challenges facing our
global community. / PhD (Dogmatics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/13087 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Amechi, Leonard Asonye |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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