A Strategy to Achieve a Christocentric Deliverance Praxis in the Churches of Matatiele and Maluti, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This small-scale empirical study, conducted in the forty-eight churches of Matatiele and Maluti, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, outlines normative Christocentric deliverance and highlights relevant ecclesial best praxis. It also reveals areas of disturbing abuse and identifies other non-optimal deliverance practices which need to be reviewed. Given that these churches arguably comprise a microcosm of the general South African Church scene, in terms of diversity and retrospectivity, it issues a clarion call for prayerful introspection on a broader scale, and in certain cases a conceptual paradigm shift. In the quest to mediate the Gospel message of deliverance to the African community, presenting Jesus as liberator of the poor and marginalised, rather than ancestor and traditional healer is paramount. Elimination of religious syncretism and abuse associated with deliverance will only be effected when church leaders follow the Christocentric biblical mandate, rather than relying on man-instituted denominational ritual and validation from historical Church precedent. The use of a self-regulatory diagnostic tool will assist in creating a more God-glorifying deliverance praxis, and negate the need for Church or State intervention.