This study explores how gay Christian men in the pentecostal/charismatic movement reinterpret their spirituality as a reaction to the discourse about homosexuality in this movement. The spiritual experience of gay men is contextualized within the particular emphasis on individual experience found in pentecostal/charismatic spirituality. Practical theological research is conducted within a postmodern discourse set in context of a Participatory Action Research project. A narrative therapeutical approach served to identify harmful discourses and encourage the continuing deconstruction of such discourses.
The extent to which power/knowledge relationships affect gay Christians' spiritual relationships became apparent. Conflict between the church's discourse about homosexuality and the gay Christian appears to start a process of deconstruction of fundamentalist pentecostal/charismatic hermeneutical approaches to the Bible. The research process facilitated a process of reconstruction of gay spirituality and created opportunities for spiritual and social growth. This research may inspire gay Christian voices in pentecostal/charismatic circles to become heard. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/2503 |
| Date | 30 June 2006 |
| Creators | Bosman, John-Eduard |
| Contributors | Louw, A. F. (Dr.), Theron, J. P. J. (Prof.) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (v, 144 leaves) |
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