Pentecostal Theology, Identity Politics, and Racialized Xenophobia: Claiming A New Social Order

Abstract Applying the methodological lens of ethnographic theology, the article argues that grounded Pentecostal theologies participate in reimagining a new social order, particularly in relation to racialized xenophobia. This argument is made in the specific context of two Pentecostal churches in J...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of religion in Africa
Main Author: Hankela, Elina (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2020
In: Journal of religion in Africa
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Wariboko, Nimi 1962- / Blacks / Johannesburg / Pentecostal churches / Theology / Social norms / Ethnic identity / Cultural identity / Xenophobia
RelBib Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
CG Christianity and Politics
CH Christianity and Society
KBN Sub-Saharan Africa
KDG Free church
ZB Sociology
Further subjects:B Social Change
B Social Justice
B Pentecostalism
B ethnographic theology
B South Africa
B Xenophobia
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Description
Summary:Abstract Applying the methodological lens of ethnographic theology, the article argues that grounded Pentecostal theologies participate in reimagining a new social order, particularly in relation to racialized xenophobia. This argument is made in the specific context of two Pentecostal churches in Johannesburg, South Africa, both led and frequented by people who have come to Johannesburg from other parts of the African continent. The argument is outlined by unpacking three theological themes prominent in the collected ethnographic data: positive confession, Word-centred ecclesiology, and Christlike lifestyle. Taken together, these themes highlight a social conscience that other societal actors would do well to take seriously when considering combatting xenophobia. Overall, the article challenges the scholarly emphasis on Pentecostal theologies as uninterested in life-affirming structural change, building on Nimi Wariboko’s formulation of blackness, chosenness, and Nigerian Pentecostalism ‘that reads against the existing social order’ within the particular context of xenophobia in urban South Africa.
ISSN:1570-0666
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of religion in Africa
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15700666-12340193