This book has been needed for a long time. The Pentecostal Charismatic circles often shy away from criticizing themselves or others, whether it is because of an unhealthy fear of ‘men of God’ or unconcern with what is happening to others, I will let others decide. Madalitso Banja takes a courageous step – he refuses to “spare the rod” and “spoil the child”. He speaks openly and frankly about strengths and weaknesses in modern, Zambian Charismatic congregations.
His first comments about Pastors are, to me, the most revolutionary. “Calling, Bible college training and ministry” form the backbone of good pastoral work, in his analysis. He points out that greed and “money career” thinking has caused much ministry suffering. His solutions are: a Pastoral code of conduct that should apply in all denominations. The Pastors need to be accountable. The second (and even more revolutionary) is the call to have church authority shared in the church. He quotes A. Chalwe; ‘Zambian churches must abandon the “one man show” or chieftain type of church leadership and pattern themselves after the Antioch church. The Antioch church which had a multiple leadership.’ For Zambia, there are indeed many one man shows. Are they ready to bow down to joint elder rule?
He takes a chapter to look at dressing, and points out three wrong motives in dressing to kill, dressing to show off and dressing to ‘define’ ones figure. On this chapter I am left unsure that his handling of the proof texts is in context, though I perceive his good intentions.
Elsewhere he points out the confusion over praise and entertainment, and that much to day passing fro worship music is no more than entertainment.
The Youth, Social responsibility and church splits are also areas he focuses on. He advocates the end of the “spiritual island” Christianity, and that churches hold people accountable, disciple them and work towards building them up. In this day and age of individualism, where “my beliefs are my personal business”, he calls people back to the church model of discipleship for spiritual growth.
I have two reservations about the book. Firstly, he claims Pentecostals and Charismatic believe in both ‘the immaculate conception’. I was honestly shocked when I read this. Either he does not know what Immaculate Conception means or this is bad news! Immaculate conception is a Roman Catholic teaching that says Mary was born without sin and never sinned; (This despite the fact that she calls God her “Saviour” in Luke 1:46,47). How has this uniquely Roman doctrine been included as one of the core Pentecostal beliefs? The virgin birth of Jesus is a different doctrine, but the Immaculate conception is ancient dogma that was first optional (take it or leave it) in the Roman Catholic Church, then made official dogma in 1854! I hope he can re-examine this and remove it from future publications.
Secondly, he has said nothing about how Pentecostal and charismatic churches should relate to non-Charismatic churches, and how to relate to interdenominational events and groups like Scripture Union and ZAFES. A word of wisdom and encouragement on handling differences would have been good.
All in all, this is a good start, as it shifts away from the ‘money and tithe’ over-emphasis to a balanced view of the landscape of challenges facing the churches, and the many ways God wants his people to glorify his name on earth. Hopefully this is the first in a chain of honest, perceptive and influential books. There is a greater need for wisdom in social life and careers, as well as accountability in brotherly love. After all, when one section of Christendom is strengthened and purified, even aside from the other doctrine and practice differences, all their neighbours will benefit as well, from a society of more principled and caring members of society! We are called to be a “light to the world” and not only to our own little corners of friends!
Availiable at major book outlets buy a copy.
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