a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

6.4. Contextual Discernment
As mentioned earlier, I have attempted to sketch out the contours of a contextual
Pentecostal missiology. However, in order to develop such a contextual
missiology of the Spirit, it is important for Pentecostals to be sensitive to issues
that arise out of particular Indian situations. This is why I refer to it as ‘contextual
discernment’.
As the issue of the foreignness of Christianity in India, a product of colonialism, is
a serious concern, Pentecostals should be cautious about applying all western
charismatic ideologies and practices in local contexts in order to foster global
connections. Any attempt to do this without proper regard to local sensitivities
may have far reaching consequences, which in turn may affect the growth as well
as the image of the movement. For example, economic improvement is an
important concern in the poor tribal context of Rajasthan. However,
overemphasizing and importing prosperity theology from the West as it may
create problems. Therefore, a contextual discernment is very important. In other
words, it is necessary for Pentecostals to be sensitive to local cultural contexts
when making global Pentecostal connections. Imitation of western, especially
North American, Pentecostalism is to be avoided. Efforts should be made to avoid
any form of administrative and financial dependency on western Pentecostal
churches. While discussing the impact of colonialism on Indian Christianity,
Collins states that Christianity was ‘deeply embroiled in the exchange of
commodities which imperialism entails.’ Therefore, he warns, ‘any attempt to
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