Pentecostalism, mainline churches, and theological education in Africa
Subtitle: the case of the United Church of Zambia
By: Jonathan Kangwa
Publisher: Saint Paul Press
Published: 2017
Place of publication: Dallas, Texas
Language: eng
Number of pages: 204
ISBN-13: 9781981758494
Copyright date: 2017
Subjects: Case studies; Education; Pentecostalism; Theology; Study and teaching; Christian education; United Church of Zambia
Description: "The present study investigates the impact of the Pentecostal-charismatic movement on theological education in mainline churches in Africa, taking the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) as a case study. The study reviews the understanding of theological education in the New and Old Testaments. It considers the development of Christian theology from the Apostolic era to postmodern times. It is argued that the fabric of contemporary Christian theology was developed during the patristic and reformation periods. The study points out that the UCZ, after its formation in 1965, inherited beliefs, practices, and a model of theological education from its mother-European mission churches. However, influence of the Pentecostal-charismatic movement has led to the adoption of Pentecostal beliefs and practices by many Christians in the UCZ. To accommodate like minded members of its congregations, the UCZ has welcomed certain Pentecostal-charismatic beliefs and practices in its services. The present study argues that mainline African churches such as the UCZ need to us a Pentecostal model of theological education that is open-minded and that takes serious account of certain features of the Pentecostal-charismatic movement in the continent such as the African worldview, de-clericalization, secularization, ecumenicity, inter-faith dialogue, and fresh expressions of faith."--Back cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-203)
Table of contents: title: General introduction; title: Biblical foundation of theological education; title: Development of Christian theology; title: Theological education in Zambia; title: The Goodhall-Nielsen report and the formation of the United Church of Zambia; title: Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements and theological education in Zambia; title: Towards a new model of theological education in Africa; title: Conclusion.