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

Those living with a partner without the sanctity of marriage are expected to marry theirpartner as a sign of moving to a new and renewed life in Christ. The family is a stronginfluence in the person‟s life. Although written policy is not explicit, if the family becomesan obstacle to the person becoming a born again Christian, the family may be abandonedand the person becomes adopted by a church family.The rule in COGIC is total abstinence from alcohol. Someone who abuses alcohol on aregular basis will not be offered membership status and if they are a member and resort toa „drunn way of life‟ they will be excommunicated as this is regarded as a sin and onewhich is not accepted by the church community, whereas in the URC someone whooveruses alcohol and smokes can remain in membership, even as an elder although everyeffort will be made to help this person overcome their „demonic‟ habit.Mental imbalance as a form of suffering appears to be more accepted in the URC and thepresence of mental illness is not a deterrent to membership providing it is not disruptive tothe church and it members. Any disruptive behaviour is monitored closely and the personwill be asked to refrain from these behaviours. If they do not respond to the request to theywill be asked not to attend the services. There is no talk of possession by demonic spirits.The person with a mental imbalance will be referred to a doctor for depression, AlcoholicsAnonymous for alcohol abuse or a drug rehabilitation program for drug abuse.In many human societies, some people believe in spirit possession and this belief can be afundamental part of the health beliefs. Indeed, if we see poor sanitation, microbes, virusesas possible manifestations of evil and demonic forces; liberal Christians could also arguethat suffering, sicknesses and death in Third World countries have been visited on them by213