The search for a new liberating consiousness and a spirituality of healing in the context of Black Christians joining White led charismatic churches : a critical discourse on push and pull factors

Abstract

For quite some time now the phenomenon of black Christians joining white charismatic churches has been prevalent. The extent to which this has happened has been reflected in some of these white-led churches showing a majority of black members. The study is about investigating both the push and pull factors causing the movement. In an attempt at developing a balanced and critical academic understanding of the reality under discussion in the thesis. Data has been gathered from divergent categories of black Christians. These categories include young black Christians from Rhema North Bible church, members from Christians such as the Christian Revival Church, black charismatic Christians who joined white led charismatic churches but returned to the black-led churches and a sizable number of black pastors. The world café as a distinct research methodological instrument is used for the gathering of data. The thesis is however not only a technical study and interpretation of push and pull factors, but also a serious investigation into mentalities and pathologies resulting from colonialism and apartheid. Based on an analysis of whiteness and blackness, a proposal is made for a new liberating consciousness and a spirituality of healing. To achieve this the pastoral or praxis circle is called into service as a vehicle of social and pastoral analysis, theological reflection and strategic planning.