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Godfrey Harold

Cape Town Baptist Seminary, Practical Theology, Faculty Member

University of Pretoria, Practical Theology, Associate Researcher

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Papers by Godfrey Harold

An apologia for embodied presence in the midst of persecution in India

International Journal for Religious Freedom, 2024

Apologetics, in general, is commonly known as the logical establishment of the truthfulness of th... more Apologetics, in general, is commonly known as the logical establishment of the truthfulness of the Christian faith. The approach taken towards apologetics involves a combination of various methods and a conversational style, while still emphasizing the importance of reason, rational inference, and consensus as the objectives of this apologetic engagement. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the Western approach to apologetics, which solely focuses on propositional truth. This article aims to find ways to accurately represent Jesus in the Global South, with a specific focus on India. The intention is to develop an approach that can effectively connect with individuals of different faiths, following the example of Jesus, particularly in situations where the Christian community is a minority and persecution is heightened.

A critical engagement with theological education in Africa: A South African perspective

Reformed Theology in Africa Series, 2021

In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book ... more In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book originates from South Africa, it is presented from a South African perspective although contributors are situated accross the African continent and abroad. The common denominator is, however, that all contributers are, in some way or another, invested in theological education in Africa. The main contribution of this collaborative work is to be sought in the insights it offers on four main areas of theological education: a historical and current orientation on theological edcuation in Africa, some paradigm shifts in theological education in Africa, ministerial formation needs versus theological education challenges and a critical reflection on elective models and methods. This book presents an original and innovative research of scholars involved in theological higher education, as it is grounded in the respective fields of interest of each contributor. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex African theological higher education landscape, a complex landscape that is experiencing even greater challenges since the dawn of COVID-19, which is noted in the research findings. Methodologically, the work draws on a combination of methods, including literature studies, empirical work and, in some cases, sectional offerings from doctoral studies, as indicated in the various chapters. The centre target consists of scholars in the field of higher theological education in Africa. No part of the book was plagiarised from another publication or published elsewhere before.

A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God

by Connie Johnson and Godfrey Harold

The South African Baptist Journal of Theology, 2023

This research, entitled "A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's... more This research, entitled "A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God", sought to evaluate the soteriological provision in the theodicy. Upon identifying inherent weaknesses in the soteriology, the research aimed to revise Little's Creation-Order Theodicy to account for a soteriology that is in harmony with the coexistence of gratuitous evil with the benevolence and sovereignty of God. The integrative theology methodology proposed by Lewis and Demarest was utilized for the research. The chosen methodology allowed for the integration of information from various disciplines. The methodological steps followed were: (1) evaluation of Little's theodicy, (2) evaluation of major Christian monotheistic theodicies, both historical and contemporary, (3) exegetical analysis of pertinent biblical texts, (4) construction of theologically formulated revisions to the Creation-Order Theodicy, (5) apologetic interaction of the revised Creation-Order Theodicy with major Christian monotheistic theodicies, and (6) evaluation of theological relevance of revised the Creation-Order Theodicy.

An Investigation on Demonic influences on human beings: Demonic Oppression or Demonic Possession: The Role of the Holy Spirit

by Godfrey Harold and Euginio Nel

Pharos journal of theology, Nov 1, 2022

It is not always easy when first approaching a troubled person to know the source of their distre... more It is not always easy when first approaching a troubled person to know the source of their distress. For instance, how does one differentiate between demonic possession and demonic oppression? Is there a difference? This article contends that there is a difference, and an explanation of this will be presented in this chapter. The article will probe the differences between demonic influence and psychological disorders because they can present with similar symptoms. It will also highlight the importance of considering the possibility of prior occultic involvement by seemingly mentally ill persons during counselling. In this article, attention will be given to the central and indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in discerning the presence of demonic activity in any given situation. Certain key occultic terms and practices will be unpacked to inform and empower helpers in their bid to facilitate the deliverance of occult dabblers from bondage, with special consideration given to witchcraft due to its unfortunate prevalence in the African context. In this article, a literature review methodology is employed.

Reuniting Humanity and the Cosmos in Barth's Theology: Natural Disasters and The Fall

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

Using literature, this article argues that Karl Barth's (1886-1968 CE) concept of an "assumed fal... more Using literature, this article argues that Karl Barth's (1886-1968 CE) concept of an "assumed fall" could be helpful if applied to the cosmos and humanity. Barth's conception of the created order is that it is perfect exactly the way it is, natural disasters included. Further, the fall did not affect the creation. Barth does however argue for fallen humanity. Nevertheless, the fall is assumed in the Election of Jesus Christ. There was never a time in which humans did not need a Saviour. Barth, therefore, places a separation between humanity and the created order. A close reading of Romans 8 and a look at Christian interpretative tradition, argue for an inseparability between humankind and the cosmos. In other words, fallen humans live in a fallen cosmos, and redeemed humans will live in a redeemed universe. If Barth's concept of the assumed fall of humanity could be applied to the cosmos as well, then the concept could fit well within the traditional reading of Romans 8 and could be beneficial for scientific/theological engagement.

Polity of the New Apostolic Movement considering Biblical and Historical Precedents in the Christian Church 1

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

The New Apostolic Movement (NAM) is marked by two tenets: the legitimacy of the ministry of moder... more The New Apostolic Movement (NAM) is marked by two tenets: the legitimacy of the ministry of modern-day apostles and "theocratic single-headship" of churches by apostolic leaders. There is a lack of specialized research regarding the polity of NAM networks and NAM churches. What is the polity of the New Apostolic Movement and how can that polity be evaluated in the light of biblical and historical precedents? New research found that local-church polity in NAM churches is consistently autocratic but with enough plurocratic function to provide a measure of accountability. There is little to no democratic function in NAM churches. Research into the polity of the trans-local networks of the New Apostolic Movement found an absence of autocratic control, contradicting previous assumptions in the literature. Biblical exegesis concluded that the primacy of apostolic ministry is given to building the church, not governing it, and that the governing role of New Testament apostles was conducted collegially, not autocratically.

A study on the lived experience of Koinōnia in a postapartheid, post-Armstrong congregation: A transition from power-imbalance to Koinōnia 1

by Godfrey Harold and Candida Millar

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

The triune God reaches from within his perichoretic unity (Eugenio, 2014:156), into his creation,... more The triune God reaches from within his perichoretic unity (Eugenio, 2014:156), into his creation, inviting all of humanity to participate in the Triune community of "shared participation-a participation together-in the perichoretic community of Trinitarian persons" (Grenz, 2003:268). Within this community, humanity finds it is made-in-God's-image value and can live in the freedom of God's communion (Knight, 2007:1).This article considers the experience of koinōnia in a church where membership lived through transitions of both apartheid and legalistic religion simultaneously, based on the research question, "What is the lived experience of koinōnia in the post-apartheid, post-Armstrong Grace Communion International Johannesburg Congregation". Where genuine, evangelical, Trinitarian koinōnia exists, there appear to be blockages in the progressively deepening life in community. With significant input from the work of Lincoln (Lincoln, 2009) Koinōnia is explored through five considerations: identity, common life of believers, virtuous life, ubuntu, and practical sharing. Koinōnia in the lived experience of people who have traversed the ills of apartheid and the transitions of legalistic religion are encountered, exposing the beauty of diversity, the need for common values, and the commitment of time together in Scripture. Responding to meaningfull moments (Frankl, 2006) towards Christlikeness by the power of the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:13-22), appears to significantly draw believers into the unity that Jesus prays in John 17. A more faithful practice is envisioned where believers build trust in the Spirit's unifying power and presence and, from within the identity of Christ, are encouraged to explore various responses to meaningful moments towards Christlikeness. As the article and antecedent research suggests, widening and deepening individuals' awareness of common life may build the connectivity of the visible vessel fulfilling its mandate to reflect God to the world. The Church is like a diverse tapestry attending to the calling of mending what was broken by harmful religious and political practices.

The Impact of Open Theism on Evangelical Theology

South African Baptist Journal of theology, 2022

Open theism holds the view that the future is open to God and therefore cannot be known as certai... more Open theism holds the view that the future is open to God and therefore cannot be known as certainly as traditionally thought. And if God does not know the future, then His knowledge, in one sense, could be limited. How will this impact Evangelical Theology if God does not know the future? This article shall attempt to demonstrate that the precursors to Open Theism come from philosophers outside of the Christian faith and is contrary to the orthodox Christian belief concerning the attributes of God. In exploring this subject, the research will show that Open Theism and its understanding of God and His attributes are contrary to Evangelical Theology, especially that of the knowledge of God. Simultaneously, it is important that Evangelical Theology does not fall prey to philosophical Determinism in the understanding of God. An accurate review may be needed when the revealed Covenant God of the Bible can on occasion be phrased in static deterministic concepts that are equally harmful to sound biblical theology.

Compassionate Acts as Missional Theosis: A Call to the Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (ECSA

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2022

The Church is God's agency to bring about well-being in the world (Harold, 2018a). This bringing ... more The Church is God's agency to bring about well-being in the world (Harold, 2018a). This bringing out of well-being to humanity call for an understanding of justice and compassion through a missional reading of the Bible and its intersection with "actions" of the Evangelical Church in post-apartheid South Africa. The aim of this article is twofold , the first, is to examine the praxis of the Evangelical Church and its relevance to the marginalised in South Africa critically, and the second, is to help the ECSA understand that a missional reading or a missional hermeneutic through theosis brings about a correct understanding (orthodoxy) of compassion, justice and the Missio Dei leading to the right action (orthopraxis). Using literature, this article will explore and recommend ways the ECSA can act prophetically by speaking to and on behalf of the voiceless in South Africa. The researcher then employs the notion of Theosis to show that by acting compassionately, the Church reflects the very nature of God.

Developing an African Evangelical Theology

Pharos Theological Journal, 2022

Evangelicalism in Africa is an export of American theology and therefore considered inadequate fo... more Evangelicalism in Africa is an export of American theology and therefore considered inadequate for the African situation because it is shaped by Western culture. Consequently, I argue that Evangelical theology contains cultural elements from the dominant cultures of the West that apply only to those cultures. This article argues that if Evangelical theology is relevant in Africa, it must consider the cultural context. In most cases, references to Evangelical theology in the writings of sub-Saharan African theologians seem to mean previous theology done by Western theologians. In particular, the debate centres on the type of Christianity transmitted to Africa through Western theologies in the 21 Century. African theologians such as Bujo (1992:43) accuse Western theologians of being ethnocentric and paternalistic. This is perhaps the most prominent critique of Western Evangelical theologians' approach to Africa as if it had no heritage. For this reason, Western Evangelical theology fails to understand that African anthropology treats a person through the community. (Maimela, 1994: 4-5). The lived realities of poverty and suffering must be taken seriously in developing a praxis of Evangelical Theology for Africa. A qualitative methodology is employed in this article by using the works of African and Latin American theologians to understand how their works may assist in developing an African Evangelical theology that focuses on an integral mission.

Faith, Hope and Love: A Theological Approach to Reconciliation within Evangelicalism

Pharos Theological Journal, 2022

Evangelicalism in South Africa does not have the luxury of operating according to a modernistic e... more Evangelicalism in South Africa does not have the luxury of operating according to a modernistic epistemology if it is to be relevant in a secular, post-Christian South African context. People want to live in peace, and the issue is how the Evangelical Church can contribute to nation-building. This article attempts to reframe the theological understanding of reconciliation by adding to Western Evangelicalism's presuppositions that focus predominately on divine-human reconciliation-the proclamation of the gospel at the expense of human-human reconciliationthe demonstration of the gospel, namely social/racial reconciliation. In this paper, it is argued that using faith, hope, and love will aid in a biblical and holistic understanding of reconciliation by deconstructing how this term is understood within Evangelicalism. This approach will hopefully free evangelicals from individualism, fundamentalism and fideism. Using Vorster's sense of reconciliation, this paper adds a fourth aspect that is negated within Evangelicalism, namely social reconciliation. This paper thus seeks to ask the important question, how do Evangelicals understand restitution in relation to reconciliation?

Domestic violence and pastoral counselling

The importance/precondition of calling for ministerial training in private higher education theological in South Africa

by Godfrey Harold and Ronnie Davis

A Critical engagement with theological education in Africa, 2021

God's Omnipotence: A Literary Investigation

January , 2022

The omnipotence of God can be defined as the perfect ability of God to do all things that are con... more The omnipotence of God can be defined as the perfect ability of God to do all things that are consistent with the divine character. Open theists see God as one who is influenced as God interacts with human beings in time and space (temporally). Thus, for Open Theists, God is affected and influenced by the world. This paper revisits the historical, biblical and theological grounds for the doctrine of omnipotence with the aim of re-establishing the relevance of divine omnipotence. Using a literary investigation this article traces the developments of the doctrine of God's power from the Early Church Fathers to the Reformers to establish whether the articulation of God's power within Open Theism resonates with Orthodox Theology and Evangelicalism.

Constructing Afro-Descendant Christianities: Towards Hemispheric Histories for Racial and Ethnic Solidarity

South African Baptist Journal of Theology, 2021

Collective memories are connected to one's racial and ethnic identities. As such, ethnic identiti... more Collective memories are connected to one's racial and ethnic identities. As such, ethnic identities are developed in conversation with the history of particular groups. Creating cross-border identities that foster constructions of racial and ethnic solidarity, therefore, means, among other things, articulating historical narratives. This article reflects on the importance of constructing a hemispheric history of "Afro-descendant Christianity" that attempts to open spaces for greater racial and ethnic solidarity among Afro-descendant Christians in general and Black and Brown populations in the Américas in particular. Reflecting on the history of Brazil, the country with the largest number of Afro-descendants in the Américas, the authors trace connections between Afro-descendant Brazilian Protestantism and the Black Church in the United States.

Potential or Threat?: Adopting Cultural Hybridity as a Concept for Diaspora Missiology

South African Baptist Journal Of Theology, 2019

This paper reflects on the growing interest of hybridity within certain mission circles and post-... more This paper reflects on the growing interest of hybridity within certain mission circles and post-colonial studies and argues that it may provide a robust framework through which we can interpret complex social and cultural processes involved in Christian mission. However, there is also a danger that the hybridity concept might merely replace old jargons and become a new one that quickly loses its relevance or persuasion. It would be necessary, therefore, for mission scholars to challenge any attempts to reduce the hybridity concept to an easy, simplistic ministry model or any misuse of the concept that could create a harmful pseudo-racial category that privileges a particular grouping of people

The Place and Meaning of Suffering in Evangelical Theology

Pharos Journal Of Theology, 2021

The Evangelical view of God is rooted in Orthodox Theology. The article posits that it is within ... more The Evangelical view of God is rooted in Orthodox Theology. The article posits that it is within the classical understanding of God that Christians can find their best resources for dealing with the problem of evil from theological, practical and even philosophical perspectives. The present suffering that COVID-19 has brought to the world requires us to answer the question, 'what on earth is God doing?' With over two million officially recorded deaths in the world and over 63000 deaths in South Africa, the present suffering requires an investigation on one of the most serious objections to a belief in a loving God. In this article, attention is given to how Evangelicals understand the implications, meaning and relevance of suffering. In developing a theology and meaning of suffering, I propose the approach that is rooted in the classical understanding of God is best suited to address this dilemma. Focusing on the works of Augustine, and Evangelical theologians, an Evangelical Theology on the meaning and relevance of human suffering which includes suffering as non-punitive and punitive is developed by concluding that God allows evil and punishment for development and discipline.

The Doctrine of God's Immutability: A Literary Investigation

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2021

In recent years the doctrine of God's Immutability has come under attack within Evangelicalism fr... more In recent years the doctrine of God's Immutability has come under attack within Evangelicalism from the proponents of process theology and open theism, who claim that the doctrine of immutability is based on an Aristotelian philosophy concerning God. This article engages a literary investigation to prove that the doctrine of God's immutability as understood within Evangelicalism finds its tradition within Christian orthodoxy. In an endeavour to take the attribute of God's immutability seriously, an investigation from early Church Fathers to later Reformers is undertaken to posit that the Evangelical understanding of the doctrine of God's immutability is Orthodox, namely that God is both independent and self-sufficient and hence immutable in respect of his supreme existence. Therefore, the doctrine of God's immutability brings hope and comfort to present Christians as it did in the past.

An interlocutory engagement on Barth's Shadow Side of Creation and Boyd's Warfare Theodicy as it relates to the origin of natural evil

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2020

Over recent years, renewed interest in the Theology of Karl Barth has emerged among Evangelicals.... more Over recent years, renewed interest in the Theology of Karl Barth has emerged among Evangelicals. Barth's Christocentric Theology seems to resonate with Evangelicals, especially with regards to Christ being the full and final revelation of God or Barth's Christocentric theological focus. In this paper, attention will be given to Barth's understanding of the Shadow side of creation in comparison with Gregory Boyd's Warfare theodicy as it relates to natural evil. While there is quite exhaustive scholarly attention given to the Barth's understanding of the Nothingness of evil, which is a modified engagement of St Augustine's Privation of God, and Gregory Boyd's Open theism which in many ways is an antithesis to St. Augustine. This article is the first to bring both Barth and Boyd into dialogue. Barth sees natural disasters in the world as part of God's divine work, thus good, to which he refers to as the Shadow Side of Creation. However, Boyd, who writes from within a broadly Evangelical tradition, sees calamity in nature as the work of the Devil, which he terms Warfare theodicy or Spiritual Warfare. In bringing into dialogue Barth and Boyd, this article will try to ascertain whether both views resonate with the understanding of natural evil within Evangelicalism.

Motus Dei (The Move of God): A Theology and Missiology for a Moving World

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2021

This article engages Christian doctrines to introduce and develop the concept of Motus Dei by arg... more This article engages Christian doctrines to introduce and develop the concept of Motus Dei by arguing that God of the Bible is continually on the move and as one who beckons his followers to come alongside to see what God is doing in the world. Thus, the mission is about moving with God to see all things made new as we harmonize our wandering steps to be in sync with a moving God. The mission is following God, moving in, and catching up with God in many different cultural and geographical spaces all over the world, and to grow in our appreciation of God's work in, through and around us as we move. The authors venture into the domains of theology (proper), anthropology, soteriology, pneumatology, and eschatology, as they attempt to construct a new theology and missiology for a world in motion. The work draws from the rich resources of the Christian faith to try to comprehend God and His work in a world of unprecedented human mobility and consequent societal and global transformations brought about by what is now considered an 'age of migration'.

An apologia for embodied presence in the midst of persecution in India

International Journal for Religious Freedom, 2024

Apologetics, in general, is commonly known as the logical establishment of the truthfulness of th... more Apologetics, in general, is commonly known as the logical establishment of the truthfulness of the Christian faith. The approach taken towards apologetics involves a combination of various methods and a conversational style, while still emphasizing the importance of reason, rational inference, and consensus as the objectives of this apologetic engagement. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the Western approach to apologetics, which solely focuses on propositional truth. This article aims to find ways to accurately represent Jesus in the Global South, with a specific focus on India. The intention is to develop an approach that can effectively connect with individuals of different faiths, following the example of Jesus, particularly in situations where the Christian community is a minority and persecution is heightened.

A critical engagement with theological education in Africa: A South African perspective

Reformed Theology in Africa Series, 2021

In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book ... more In this book, a critical engagement with theological education in Africa is offered. As the book originates from South Africa, it is presented from a South African perspective although contributors are situated accross the African continent and abroad. The common denominator is, however, that all contributers are, in some way or another, invested in theological education in Africa. The main contribution of this collaborative work is to be sought in the insights it offers on four main areas of theological education: a historical and current orientation on theological edcuation in Africa, some paradigm shifts in theological education in Africa, ministerial formation needs versus theological education challenges and a critical reflection on elective models and methods. This book presents an original and innovative research of scholars involved in theological higher education, as it is grounded in the respective fields of interest of each contributor. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex African theological higher education landscape, a complex landscape that is experiencing even greater challenges since the dawn of COVID-19, which is noted in the research findings. Methodologically, the work draws on a combination of methods, including literature studies, empirical work and, in some cases, sectional offerings from doctoral studies, as indicated in the various chapters. The centre target consists of scholars in the field of higher theological education in Africa. No part of the book was plagiarised from another publication or published elsewhere before.

A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God

by Connie Johnson and Godfrey Harold

The South African Baptist Journal of Theology, 2023

This research, entitled "A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's... more This research, entitled "A Critical Theological Examination of Little's Creation-Order Theodicy's Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God", sought to evaluate the soteriological provision in the theodicy. Upon identifying inherent weaknesses in the soteriology, the research aimed to revise Little's Creation-Order Theodicy to account for a soteriology that is in harmony with the coexistence of gratuitous evil with the benevolence and sovereignty of God. The integrative theology methodology proposed by Lewis and Demarest was utilized for the research. The chosen methodology allowed for the integration of information from various disciplines. The methodological steps followed were: (1) evaluation of Little's theodicy, (2) evaluation of major Christian monotheistic theodicies, both historical and contemporary, (3) exegetical analysis of pertinent biblical texts, (4) construction of theologically formulated revisions to the Creation-Order Theodicy, (5) apologetic interaction of the revised Creation-Order Theodicy with major Christian monotheistic theodicies, and (6) evaluation of theological relevance of revised the Creation-Order Theodicy.

An Investigation on Demonic influences on human beings: Demonic Oppression or Demonic Possession: The Role of the Holy Spirit

by Godfrey Harold and Euginio Nel

Pharos journal of theology, Nov 1, 2022

It is not always easy when first approaching a troubled person to know the source of their distre... more It is not always easy when first approaching a troubled person to know the source of their distress. For instance, how does one differentiate between demonic possession and demonic oppression? Is there a difference? This article contends that there is a difference, and an explanation of this will be presented in this chapter. The article will probe the differences between demonic influence and psychological disorders because they can present with similar symptoms. It will also highlight the importance of considering the possibility of prior occultic involvement by seemingly mentally ill persons during counselling. In this article, attention will be given to the central and indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in discerning the presence of demonic activity in any given situation. Certain key occultic terms and practices will be unpacked to inform and empower helpers in their bid to facilitate the deliverance of occult dabblers from bondage, with special consideration given to witchcraft due to its unfortunate prevalence in the African context. In this article, a literature review methodology is employed.

Reuniting Humanity and the Cosmos in Barth's Theology: Natural Disasters and The Fall

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

Using literature, this article argues that Karl Barth's (1886-1968 CE) concept of an "assumed fal... more Using literature, this article argues that Karl Barth's (1886-1968 CE) concept of an "assumed fall" could be helpful if applied to the cosmos and humanity. Barth's conception of the created order is that it is perfect exactly the way it is, natural disasters included. Further, the fall did not affect the creation. Barth does however argue for fallen humanity. Nevertheless, the fall is assumed in the Election of Jesus Christ. There was never a time in which humans did not need a Saviour. Barth, therefore, places a separation between humanity and the created order. A close reading of Romans 8 and a look at Christian interpretative tradition, argue for an inseparability between humankind and the cosmos. In other words, fallen humans live in a fallen cosmos, and redeemed humans will live in a redeemed universe. If Barth's concept of the assumed fall of humanity could be applied to the cosmos as well, then the concept could fit well within the traditional reading of Romans 8 and could be beneficial for scientific/theological engagement.

Polity of the New Apostolic Movement considering Biblical and Historical Precedents in the Christian Church 1

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

The New Apostolic Movement (NAM) is marked by two tenets: the legitimacy of the ministry of moder... more The New Apostolic Movement (NAM) is marked by two tenets: the legitimacy of the ministry of modern-day apostles and "theocratic single-headship" of churches by apostolic leaders. There is a lack of specialized research regarding the polity of NAM networks and NAM churches. What is the polity of the New Apostolic Movement and how can that polity be evaluated in the light of biblical and historical precedents? New research found that local-church polity in NAM churches is consistently autocratic but with enough plurocratic function to provide a measure of accountability. There is little to no democratic function in NAM churches. Research into the polity of the trans-local networks of the New Apostolic Movement found an absence of autocratic control, contradicting previous assumptions in the literature. Biblical exegesis concluded that the primacy of apostolic ministry is given to building the church, not governing it, and that the governing role of New Testament apostles was conducted collegially, not autocratically.

A study on the lived experience of Koinōnia in a postapartheid, post-Armstrong congregation: A transition from power-imbalance to Koinōnia 1

by Godfrey Harold and Candida Millar

PHAROS JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY, 2023

The triune God reaches from within his perichoretic unity (Eugenio, 2014:156), into his creation,... more The triune God reaches from within his perichoretic unity (Eugenio, 2014:156), into his creation, inviting all of humanity to participate in the Triune community of "shared participation-a participation together-in the perichoretic community of Trinitarian persons" (Grenz, 2003:268). Within this community, humanity finds it is made-in-God's-image value and can live in the freedom of God's communion (Knight, 2007:1).This article considers the experience of koinōnia in a church where membership lived through transitions of both apartheid and legalistic religion simultaneously, based on the research question, "What is the lived experience of koinōnia in the post-apartheid, post-Armstrong Grace Communion International Johannesburg Congregation". Where genuine, evangelical, Trinitarian koinōnia exists, there appear to be blockages in the progressively deepening life in community. With significant input from the work of Lincoln (Lincoln, 2009) Koinōnia is explored through five considerations: identity, common life of believers, virtuous life, ubuntu, and practical sharing. Koinōnia in the lived experience of people who have traversed the ills of apartheid and the transitions of legalistic religion are encountered, exposing the beauty of diversity, the need for common values, and the commitment of time together in Scripture. Responding to meaningfull moments (Frankl, 2006) towards Christlikeness by the power of the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:13-22), appears to significantly draw believers into the unity that Jesus prays in John 17. A more faithful practice is envisioned where believers build trust in the Spirit's unifying power and presence and, from within the identity of Christ, are encouraged to explore various responses to meaningful moments towards Christlikeness. As the article and antecedent research suggests, widening and deepening individuals' awareness of common life may build the connectivity of the visible vessel fulfilling its mandate to reflect God to the world. The Church is like a diverse tapestry attending to the calling of mending what was broken by harmful religious and political practices.

The Impact of Open Theism on Evangelical Theology

South African Baptist Journal of theology, 2022

Open theism holds the view that the future is open to God and therefore cannot be known as certai... more Open theism holds the view that the future is open to God and therefore cannot be known as certainly as traditionally thought. And if God does not know the future, then His knowledge, in one sense, could be limited. How will this impact Evangelical Theology if God does not know the future? This article shall attempt to demonstrate that the precursors to Open Theism come from philosophers outside of the Christian faith and is contrary to the orthodox Christian belief concerning the attributes of God. In exploring this subject, the research will show that Open Theism and its understanding of God and His attributes are contrary to Evangelical Theology, especially that of the knowledge of God. Simultaneously, it is important that Evangelical Theology does not fall prey to philosophical Determinism in the understanding of God. An accurate review may be needed when the revealed Covenant God of the Bible can on occasion be phrased in static deterministic concepts that are equally harmful to sound biblical theology.

Compassionate Acts as Missional Theosis: A Call to the Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (ECSA

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2022

The Church is God's agency to bring about well-being in the world (Harold, 2018a). This bringing ... more The Church is God's agency to bring about well-being in the world (Harold, 2018a). This bringing out of well-being to humanity call for an understanding of justice and compassion through a missional reading of the Bible and its intersection with "actions" of the Evangelical Church in post-apartheid South Africa. The aim of this article is twofold , the first, is to examine the praxis of the Evangelical Church and its relevance to the marginalised in South Africa critically, and the second, is to help the ECSA understand that a missional reading or a missional hermeneutic through theosis brings about a correct understanding (orthodoxy) of compassion, justice and the Missio Dei leading to the right action (orthopraxis). Using literature, this article will explore and recommend ways the ECSA can act prophetically by speaking to and on behalf of the voiceless in South Africa. The researcher then employs the notion of Theosis to show that by acting compassionately, the Church reflects the very nature of God.

Developing an African Evangelical Theology

Pharos Theological Journal, 2022

Evangelicalism in Africa is an export of American theology and therefore considered inadequate fo... more Evangelicalism in Africa is an export of American theology and therefore considered inadequate for the African situation because it is shaped by Western culture. Consequently, I argue that Evangelical theology contains cultural elements from the dominant cultures of the West that apply only to those cultures. This article argues that if Evangelical theology is relevant in Africa, it must consider the cultural context. In most cases, references to Evangelical theology in the writings of sub-Saharan African theologians seem to mean previous theology done by Western theologians. In particular, the debate centres on the type of Christianity transmitted to Africa through Western theologies in the 21 Century. African theologians such as Bujo (1992:43) accuse Western theologians of being ethnocentric and paternalistic. This is perhaps the most prominent critique of Western Evangelical theologians' approach to Africa as if it had no heritage. For this reason, Western Evangelical theology fails to understand that African anthropology treats a person through the community. (Maimela, 1994: 4-5). The lived realities of poverty and suffering must be taken seriously in developing a praxis of Evangelical Theology for Africa. A qualitative methodology is employed in this article by using the works of African and Latin American theologians to understand how their works may assist in developing an African Evangelical theology that focuses on an integral mission.

Faith, Hope and Love: A Theological Approach to Reconciliation within Evangelicalism

Pharos Theological Journal, 2022

Evangelicalism in South Africa does not have the luxury of operating according to a modernistic e... more Evangelicalism in South Africa does not have the luxury of operating according to a modernistic epistemology if it is to be relevant in a secular, post-Christian South African context. People want to live in peace, and the issue is how the Evangelical Church can contribute to nation-building. This article attempts to reframe the theological understanding of reconciliation by adding to Western Evangelicalism's presuppositions that focus predominately on divine-human reconciliation-the proclamation of the gospel at the expense of human-human reconciliationthe demonstration of the gospel, namely social/racial reconciliation. In this paper, it is argued that using faith, hope, and love will aid in a biblical and holistic understanding of reconciliation by deconstructing how this term is understood within Evangelicalism. This approach will hopefully free evangelicals from individualism, fundamentalism and fideism. Using Vorster's sense of reconciliation, this paper adds a fourth aspect that is negated within Evangelicalism, namely social reconciliation. This paper thus seeks to ask the important question, how do Evangelicals understand restitution in relation to reconciliation?

Domestic violence and pastoral counselling

The importance/precondition of calling for ministerial training in private higher education theological in South Africa

by Godfrey Harold and Ronnie Davis

A Critical engagement with theological education in Africa, 2021

God's Omnipotence: A Literary Investigation

January , 2022

The omnipotence of God can be defined as the perfect ability of God to do all things that are con... more The omnipotence of God can be defined as the perfect ability of God to do all things that are consistent with the divine character. Open theists see God as one who is influenced as God interacts with human beings in time and space (temporally). Thus, for Open Theists, God is affected and influenced by the world. This paper revisits the historical, biblical and theological grounds for the doctrine of omnipotence with the aim of re-establishing the relevance of divine omnipotence. Using a literary investigation this article traces the developments of the doctrine of God's power from the Early Church Fathers to the Reformers to establish whether the articulation of God's power within Open Theism resonates with Orthodox Theology and Evangelicalism.

Constructing Afro-Descendant Christianities: Towards Hemispheric Histories for Racial and Ethnic Solidarity

South African Baptist Journal of Theology, 2021

Collective memories are connected to one's racial and ethnic identities. As such, ethnic identiti... more Collective memories are connected to one's racial and ethnic identities. As such, ethnic identities are developed in conversation with the history of particular groups. Creating cross-border identities that foster constructions of racial and ethnic solidarity, therefore, means, among other things, articulating historical narratives. This article reflects on the importance of constructing a hemispheric history of "Afro-descendant Christianity" that attempts to open spaces for greater racial and ethnic solidarity among Afro-descendant Christians in general and Black and Brown populations in the Américas in particular. Reflecting on the history of Brazil, the country with the largest number of Afro-descendants in the Américas, the authors trace connections between Afro-descendant Brazilian Protestantism and the Black Church in the United States.

Potential or Threat?: Adopting Cultural Hybridity as a Concept for Diaspora Missiology

South African Baptist Journal Of Theology, 2019

This paper reflects on the growing interest of hybridity within certain mission circles and post-... more This paper reflects on the growing interest of hybridity within certain mission circles and post-colonial studies and argues that it may provide a robust framework through which we can interpret complex social and cultural processes involved in Christian mission. However, there is also a danger that the hybridity concept might merely replace old jargons and become a new one that quickly loses its relevance or persuasion. It would be necessary, therefore, for mission scholars to challenge any attempts to reduce the hybridity concept to an easy, simplistic ministry model or any misuse of the concept that could create a harmful pseudo-racial category that privileges a particular grouping of people

The Place and Meaning of Suffering in Evangelical Theology

Pharos Journal Of Theology, 2021

The Evangelical view of God is rooted in Orthodox Theology. The article posits that it is within ... more The Evangelical view of God is rooted in Orthodox Theology. The article posits that it is within the classical understanding of God that Christians can find their best resources for dealing with the problem of evil from theological, practical and even philosophical perspectives. The present suffering that COVID-19 has brought to the world requires us to answer the question, 'what on earth is God doing?' With over two million officially recorded deaths in the world and over 63000 deaths in South Africa, the present suffering requires an investigation on one of the most serious objections to a belief in a loving God. In this article, attention is given to how Evangelicals understand the implications, meaning and relevance of suffering. In developing a theology and meaning of suffering, I propose the approach that is rooted in the classical understanding of God is best suited to address this dilemma. Focusing on the works of Augustine, and Evangelical theologians, an Evangelical Theology on the meaning and relevance of human suffering which includes suffering as non-punitive and punitive is developed by concluding that God allows evil and punishment for development and discipline.

The Doctrine of God's Immutability: A Literary Investigation

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2021

In recent years the doctrine of God's Immutability has come under attack within Evangelicalism fr... more In recent years the doctrine of God's Immutability has come under attack within Evangelicalism from the proponents of process theology and open theism, who claim that the doctrine of immutability is based on an Aristotelian philosophy concerning God. This article engages a literary investigation to prove that the doctrine of God's immutability as understood within Evangelicalism finds its tradition within Christian orthodoxy. In an endeavour to take the attribute of God's immutability seriously, an investigation from early Church Fathers to later Reformers is undertaken to posit that the Evangelical understanding of the doctrine of God's immutability is Orthodox, namely that God is both independent and self-sufficient and hence immutable in respect of his supreme existence. Therefore, the doctrine of God's immutability brings hope and comfort to present Christians as it did in the past.

An interlocutory engagement on Barth's Shadow Side of Creation and Boyd's Warfare Theodicy as it relates to the origin of natural evil

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2020

Over recent years, renewed interest in the Theology of Karl Barth has emerged among Evangelicals.... more Over recent years, renewed interest in the Theology of Karl Barth has emerged among Evangelicals. Barth's Christocentric Theology seems to resonate with Evangelicals, especially with regards to Christ being the full and final revelation of God or Barth's Christocentric theological focus. In this paper, attention will be given to Barth's understanding of the Shadow side of creation in comparison with Gregory Boyd's Warfare theodicy as it relates to natural evil. While there is quite exhaustive scholarly attention given to the Barth's understanding of the Nothingness of evil, which is a modified engagement of St Augustine's Privation of God, and Gregory Boyd's Open theism which in many ways is an antithesis to St. Augustine. This article is the first to bring both Barth and Boyd into dialogue. Barth sees natural disasters in the world as part of God's divine work, thus good, to which he refers to as the Shadow Side of Creation. However, Boyd, who writes from within a broadly Evangelical tradition, sees calamity in nature as the work of the Devil, which he terms Warfare theodicy or Spiritual Warfare. In bringing into dialogue Barth and Boyd, this article will try to ascertain whether both views resonate with the understanding of natural evil within Evangelicalism.

Motus Dei (The Move of God): A Theology and Missiology for a Moving World

Pharos Journal of Theology, 2021

This article engages Christian doctrines to introduce and develop the concept of Motus Dei by arg... more This article engages Christian doctrines to introduce and develop the concept of Motus Dei by arguing that God of the Bible is continually on the move and as one who beckons his followers to come alongside to see what God is doing in the world. Thus, the mission is about moving with God to see all things made new as we harmonize our wandering steps to be in sync with a moving God. The mission is following God, moving in, and catching up with God in many different cultural and geographical spaces all over the world, and to grow in our appreciation of God's work in, through and around us as we move. The authors venture into the domains of theology (proper), anthropology, soteriology, pneumatology, and eschatology, as they attempt to construct a new theology and missiology for a world in motion. The work draws from the rich resources of the Christian faith to try to comprehend God and His work in a world of unprecedented human mobility and consequent societal and global transformations brought about by what is now considered an 'age of migration'.

The Apostolic and Prophetic Reformation: A Critical Study

An Evangelical Discourse on Gods Foreknowledge in Relation to Moral Evil.

Pharos Theological Journal, 2019

Within the long tradition of Christian reflection on the problem of evil, different approaches to... more Within the long tradition of Christian reflection on the problem of evil, different approaches to justify God are developed. More specifically, this article focuses on the school of thought within evangelical theology known as "Open Theism" of which Gregory Boyd is one of the main exponents. Open theism is concerned with how God experiences the world. It asks and attempts to answer questions such as, "What does God know?" and "When does God know it?" The questions that open theists raise are not so much about how God knows the future, but if God knows it at all. To absolve God from the responsibility of suffering induced by human beings, Open Theist portrays God as taking risks by allowing human freedom since God cannot know the future actions of free moral agents. This article will examine the position adopted by Gregory Boyd 2 on the theodicy problem as it relates to God's foreknowledge. In this article, I shall ask whether Boyd's approach may be regarded as a fruitful extrapolation of an understanding of divine foreknowledge within the evangelical tradition in relation to human suffering.