An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

The different emphases in soteriology and eschatology are the filters for the practice ofspiritual healing. For the Pentecostal denominations, there is the expectation of healing,and other doctrines to explain why it may not happen. In the URC, there is an emphasis onforgiveness achieved now, but total healing from sickness, to be realised in a future age.There are further cultural filters that can be identified as shaping the codification ofreligion in these denominations, as I have begun to identity later in this chapter. Fullyanalysing the interplay between cultures, theology is far too great a task for this thesis, butwithout appreciating the theological as well as cultural context of these congregations itwould not be possible fully to understand the differences in their approaches to spiritualhealing.Archer (2007) suggests that “For Pentecostals of all persuasions, the pursuits of holiness inlifestyle is not an option but a command. The Pentecostal story shapes our identity, guidesour activity and reflects our understanding of salvation for all of God‟s creation.”Warrington (2008) asserts that it is the „baptism of the Spirit that set Pentecostals apartfrom other evangelical churches‟. In recent years this has created a great deal of discussionas well as diversity of opinion. Pentecostal doctrine/ theology and therefore healing andworship are a way of church life unlike in the High Anglican and Roman Catholicchurches. Warrington (2008) further asserts that „Much of the debate between Pentecostalsand those expressing their views is about whether the gift of the Spirit recorded in Actswas subsequent to Salvation‟. As it is believed that the gift of healing is given to the churchand not to individuals, those who practise their gift of healing have to operate it within thedoctrine and organisational culture of the church. This may have the consequence that96