Miracles in the Neo-charismatic movement: Historical and theological critique

Kelebogile T Resane

doi:10.4102/ve.v38i1.1736

Abstract

The focus of this article was to explore the historical, theological and biblical miracles in light of the modern-day miracles in the Neo-charismatic churches. It is hereby intended to address and redress these manifestations to evaluate their authenticity and genuineness. The history regarding miracles in this article starts with the Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin. The historical scholarliness unfolds through the centuries to show how philosophies and theology grappled with this subject. The climax is the theological debate in the 20th century leading to the current miraculous signs in the Neo-charismatic churches in South Africa. The solution is the teaching on proper hermeneutics.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article focuses on interdisciplinary, that is, church history, systematic theology and ethics in ecclesiastical practices of the Neo-charismatic churches. The article contributes towards the historical knowledge, identifying some constructive theological understanding of authenticity of miracles, as opposed to the modern way of miracles. It opens opportunity for a systematic theological discussion on miracles in Neo-charismatic churches.

Highlights

South Africa is currently caught in amazement of some activities in the Neo-charismatic churches
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (Mt 7:16–17). This fact is taken further by Bate (2012) that: A local theology needs to provide a Theological Anthropology which incarnates the theology in the local context and culture, a Biblical Theology which roots the theology in the Scriptures and an Ecclesiology which roots the local theology in the tradition and teaching of the Church. (p. 80)
In Africa, miracles are seen as the validation of the Person and the Power of Jesus Christ

Summary

Introduction

South Africa is currently caught in amazement of some activities in the Neo-charismatic churches. The founder of the Reformation in Germany, Martin Luther (1483–1546), understood the miracles of Jesus as the divine works, wrought by the power of God himself. He claims: A miracle is a work of God (besides His operation by the way of nature, ordained in the Creation) done for the making manifest to His elect the mission of an extraordinary minister for their salvation.

Results

Conclusion