Abstract
This research focuses on the current trend in isolated New Prophetic Pentecostal Churches (NPPCs) in South Africa to perform certain unusual ritual practices as an expression of their faith. The term “unusual” is not used here as a value judgment, but rather to indicate that the ritual practices considered in this study are unusual from the perspective of the other three waves of Pentecostalism, other mainline churches and society at large. The leaders of certain NPPCs perform rituals that are very unusual when compared to traditional church rituals and practices. These practices include eating grass, rats or snakes, drinking petrol and spraying Doom on people so that they would be healed and be closer to God. The trend to perform these unusual rituals has spread throughout the country. Such practices have drawn much attention and criticism from different avenues, including especially the media and religious communities. These critical voices question the character and integrity of NPPC leaders who perform these unconventional practices. The research will consider whether the New Testament Gospels could be taken to condone these practices, but will focus on three Gospel passages in particular: (1) Mark 7:1-23 (par. Matt 15:1-20), which says that nothing entering the mouth can defile a person; (2) Mark 16:14-20, which lists drinking harmful substances and handling snakes as signs that will accompany conversion to Christianity; and (3) John 14:8-14, which says that the disciples of Jesus will do the same (kinds of) miracles as Jesus, and even greater miracles than Jesus. In broad terms, this study will employ textual analysis as a method of research. This method will enable the researcher to examine data and messages as they are documented in the chosen biblical texts. The detailed analysis of religious texts is often referred to as “exegesis”, so that the current study may be termed “exegetical”.
M.A. (Biblical Studies)