Analysing perspectives on evil, enemy and divinatory consultation among Participants in Neo-prophetic movements in Pentecostal Ghana

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the concept of enemy evil and divinatory consultation among Ghanaian Neo-prophetic Churches in order to open up these concepts for further scholarly probe. The study employs the purposive sampling of participatory method of qualitative research methodology. The instruments used in data collection and analysis include interviews and participant observation. The study examines the historical antecedents of the prophetic phenomenon in Ghana and shows its root in the indigenous religion and also its recurrence in Ghanaian Christianity. It focuses on the current wave known as Neo-prophetism in the Neo-Prophetic Churches (NPCs) in Pentecostalism which constitutes Peripheral prophetism which forms the main thrust of the work. Neo-prophetism demonstrates how the interaction of Ghanaian Pentecostals’ biblical understanding and the Akan religio-cultural worldview informs their pursuit for meaning in life. It also reveals how the supernatural causal other undergirds Ghanaian Pentecostals’ understanding of evil and suffering. In dealing with the causal other or enemy neo-prophets propose resort to ritualistic symbolisms, known as prophetic rituals or practices. Amidst the challenge it poses to us Neo-prophetism offers hope to Ghanaian Christianity due to its ability to respond to soteriological and pastoral needs. The study in particular, challenges neo-prophets in Ghana to re-examine their spirituality in order to make their faith meaningful to the Ghanaian public life.