Learning to Prosper by Wrestling and by Negotiation:

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Learning to Prosper by Wrestling and by Negotiation: "
J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1079596
Doc. No	:	LA123225
Call No	:	‭10.1163/174552512x633303‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
Title & Author	:	Learning to Prosper by Wrestling and by Negotiation: [Article] : Jacob and Esau in Contemporary African Pentecostal Hermeneutics\ J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Journal of Pentecostal Theology
Date	:	2012
Volume/ Issue Number	:	21/1
Page No	:	64–86
Abstract	:	Pentecostalism in Africa has evolved as different streams characterized by particular modes of articulating the Christian message. The older independent churches were known for their emphasis on healing and prophecy and the classical Pentecostals talked much about speaking in tongues and holiness. Although these themes are present in contemporary Pentecostal discourse the new churches are best known for their messages of empowerment and prosperity that are meant to address the aspirations of Africa’s upwardly mobile youth. Using the writings of two of the movements most influential leaders from Ghana, this article discusses the ways in which the story of the Patriarchs, especially Jacob, has been reinterpreted to fit into the message of upward mobility and the principles that are meant to lead up to it. It is argued here that although the authors did not intend to misapply Scripture, by reinterpreting the schemes of Jacob in terms of the principles of success, they fail to take account of the element of ‘grace’ which is able to turn the worst of sinners into saints. Jacob did not succeed because he applied the principles of success but because God touched him with his grace during the time of wrestling with the angel. Pentecostalism in Africa has evolved as different streams characterized by particular modes of articulating the Christian message. The older independent churches were known for their emphasis on healing and prophecy and the classical Pentecostals talked much about speaking in tongues and holiness. Although these themes are present in contemporary Pentecostal discourse the new churches are best known for their messages of empowerment and prosperity that are meant to address the aspirations of Africa’s upwardly mobile youth. Using the writings of two of the movements most influential leaders from Ghana, this article discusses the ways in which the story of the Patriarchs, especially Jacob, has been reinterpreted to fit into the message of upward mobility and the principles that are meant to lead up to it. It is argued here that although the authors did not intend to misapply Scripture, by reinterpreting the schemes of Jacob in terms of the principles of success, they fail to take account of the element of ‘grace’ which is able to turn the worst of sinners into saints. Jacob did not succeed because he applied the principles of success but because God touched him with his grace during the time of wrestling with the angel.
Descriptor	:	charismatic
Descriptor	:	Esau
Descriptor	:	grace
Descriptor	:	hermeneutics
Descriptor	:	Jacob
Descriptor	:	Pentecostalism
Descriptor	:	prosperity gospel
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/174552512x633303‬