Marius Nel Bücher

Focusing on the rise of African Pentecostalism, this book explores its diverse yet unified movement centered on the baptism in the Spirit and its implications for daily life. It highlights how Pentecostals interpret the Bible through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, often prioritizing personal experience over strict doctrine. The author presents an African hermeneutic that addresses doctrinal excesses within the neo-Pentecostal movement, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role, an eschatological perspective, and the faith community's importance in biblical interpretation.

Focusing on the historical development of Pentecostalism in Africa during the Twentieth Century, this book examines the movement's nonviolent roots and advocates for a new biblical hermeneutic to reconnect with its pacifist traditions. It highlights the role of Pentecostalism in African society and its potential for fostering positive social change. Offering a fresh perspective on pacifism within world Christianity, this work is valuable for scholars in Pentecostal Studies, Theology, Religion and Violence, and African Studies.

The book explores the intersection of the prosperity gospel and African traditional beliefs, highlighting how American prosperity teachers have shaped contemporary African views on wealth. It examines the influence of this message within the African Pentecostal movement, emphasizing the risks it poses to believers' faith and the potential disillusionment that arises when followers invest their trust and resources in seemingly effective but ultimately misleading formulas. The research addresses the cultural and spiritual implications of this phenomenon in post-colonial Africa.

At the current rate of growth, some researchers predict there will be one billion Pentecostals by 2025, with most of them located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In this volume professor Marius Nel speaks his mind from an African perspective on what is distinctive about Pentecostal Theology in contradistinction to other theological paradigms. What makes a Pentecostal spirituality and hermeneutic different? Africa has much to contribute to the discussion of Pentecostal Theology, and this voice of Nel will not only stimulate this discussion, but will co-determine the progress and outcome. Marius Nel is Professor of New Testament at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. (Series: Theology in Africa) [Subject: African Studies, Religious Studies, Pentecostal Theology]