Return to search

In search of an Ecumenical Pentecostal Ecclesiology: a critical analysis of Kӓrkkӓinen’s Ecclesiology

Pentecostalism has always been regarded as a movement that does not have all the
ecclesiastical qualities that qualify it to be called a fully-fledged tradition alongside other
major streams of Protestantism. Contrary to popular theologies that undermine the great
role that the Pentecostal tradition can play in the global church, modern Pentecostal
theologies agree that most of the misconceptions and assumption are misplaced because
the Pentecostal tradition is a rich tradition with vital elements and symbols necessary to
advance the ecumenical goal of unity and reconciliation. Based on this perception that
Pentecostal ecclesiology is ecumenical, this research critically analyses Pentecostal
ecclesiology as portrayed by Kärkkäinen in order to determine its ecumenicity or relevance
to the ecumenical goals of unity, tolerance and reconciliation. This research confronts the
paternalistic assumptions and misconception that regard Pentecostalism as simply a
superstitious and naive sect which is only relevant to the lower class by bringing out the
different elements and symbols within the tradition that are vital for the success and
development of the global church in a modern global context. Some of the critical elements
and symbols within the Pentecostal tradition that are explored within this study include÷
unity in diversity, the mission nature of the church, experiences of the Spirit as portrayed in
its Pneumatological Christology and Soteriology, its rapid adaptation to new global south
contexts and critical elements of inclusivity and plurality as portrayed in the foundations of
the tradition. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/27085
Date January 2020
CreatorsMiti, Bambo
ContributorsVan Wyngaard, George Jacobus
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Formatapplication/pdf

Page generated in 0.0023 seconds