Abstract
In the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) there is a school of
thought, which has a very simplistic viewpoint of the role of the Evil One in the
suffering in this world. Satan is seen as a very definite adversary who has to
be resisted by rebuke and positive confession of the promises in the Bible in
order for man to have a life free of any suffering.
The consequence of the extreme dualistic perspective is that Satan is
regarded as an independent entity. Man, as God’s representative, is the one
with the authority and responsibility to thwart the efforts of Satan to cause
suffering in the world. All suffering is the result of the direct onslaught of
Satan.
The Bible paints a different picture in both Testaments. Satan is a rebel, but
still a creature subjected to the supremacy of God. There is also no preoccupation
with Satan. He is an elusive foe, focusing his subtle attacks on the
relationship between God and man. The Old Testament shows his subtle and
illusive nature by using images of human enemies, mythical monsters and the
threat of death. The believer of both Testaments resists him by living a Godfocused
life.
The life and works of C.S. Lewis have been pivotal in changing the
perspective of the writer of this dissertation. Lewis shows that God is using
suffering as a scalpel as it were, to cut out the infection caused by evil
contamination in the heart of man. Until the Kingdom of God finally arrives in
fullness, this will be the situation. Suffering has not only one role-player. The
situation is more often than not of a very complex and mysterious nature. It is
suggested that the simplistic school of thought take notice of the insights of
Lewis.
This study has shown that the simplistic school of thought in the AFM lacks
the depth and balance found in the Bible and ingeniously expounded by C.S.
Lewis.
Dr. LP Mare