The freedom of the Spirit
Subtitle: African indigenous churches in Kenya
By: Francis Kimani Githieya.
Series: American Academy of Religion academy series ;; no. 94
Publisher: Scholars Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Atlanta, Ga
Language: eng
Number of pages: 304
Subjects: African Orthodox Church of Kenya -- Case studies.; Orthodox Eastern Church -- Kenya -- History -- 20th century.; Christian sects -- Kenya -- History -- 20th century -- Case studies.; Kikuyu Spirit churches -- Case studies.; Kikuyu (African people) -- Religion.; Kenya -- Church history -- 20th century.
Description: The Freedom of the Spirit examines the history and ecclesiology of two African Independent Churches in Kenya, namely, the African Orthodox Church (AOC) and the Arathi (Agikuyu Spirit Churches). Do these churches understand themselves as Christian or as ethnocentric movements?

In deciding whether these bodies are to be called "Christian churches," the author argues that the "true church" is not confined to the traditions inherent in this or that denomination, or in this or that country, but in the redeeming and liberating power of Jesus Christ. Thus the church is a liberated community whose identity is provided by its relationship to God; at once Christian, African, and new.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 267-287) and index.
Rivision of thesis (Ph. D.)--Emory University, 1992.