The focus of this paper is to point out some doctrines of Branham , the morning star of the Latter Rain Movement that left some impact on the current Neo-Charismatic Movement. Through the solid literature review which was undertaken, an investigation in the historical development of this movement, and its impact on the current Neo-Charismatic churches is interrogated to obtain the facts. The NeoCharismatic Movement is a general term for independent charismatic formations that evolved after Pentecostalism that is these days dubbed Classical Pentecostalism. Since William Branham is noted for different teachings and practices pertaining to Pentecostalism, he is closely associated with the Latter Rain Movement of the forties and the fifties. There is no intention to lay out or elaborate on all Branham’s dogmatic dictums and practices, but only six are selected to complete the research question of this paper. These doctrines are the restorationist theology, deliverance, fivefold ministry, anti-cultural establishment, extra-biblical prophecies, and personality cult. It is discovered through this research that all these doctrines or practices are familiar within the Neo-Charismatic churches, especially those known as New Prophetic Churches.
This article focuses on one of the branches of Charismatic Movement known as Positive Confession or Word of Faith Movement. The movement is called with some other names due to its emphasis on faith confession or claiming by faith whatever one needs, especially in areas of wealth and health. The fundamental message of the movement is that a believer has the power or authority to unshackle himself from sickness, poverty, or any negative circumstances that may steal away happiness and peace. The intention is to trace its influence on the modern NeoCharismatic Movement. To understand the movement fully, research has been done on its history, identity, message, dogma, and why its dogma is attractive to Neo-Charismatic Movement. The basic reason for this African proclivity to Positive Confession Movement is that Africans look for the faith that can enhance their privileges and power. The tenets of faith for this movement are identified as its main distinctive, therefore making some impression that the movement is a credible alternative for people in poverty, seeking some way out this dire situation of lacking material goods. The conclusion captures some positives and weaknesses in the movement. An appeal is made for the movement to draw the balance between its prosperity gospel and the evangelical values of commitment, character, sacrifice, holiness, and contentment.
The Jehoshaphat-Ahab narrative is used as a textual base for popularity, populism and prophetism in the current political landscape and in the Neo-Pentecostal Movement. The two kings formed a political alliance strengthened through marriage. The alliance was subtly and subliminally influenced by a foreign power in the name of the Phoenician Queen Jezebel, who was an embodiment of state capture. At the height of this alliance, stepped in the prophetism that took two strands of popular prophets who saw socio-political life from the prosperity viewpoint, and the unpopular but authentic prophecy embodied in a character known as Micaiah. The modern Neo-Pentecostal Movement is characterised with popularity, populism and prophetism that may be popular or unpopular due to its humanistic proclivities. The discussions start with Jehoshaphat (popularity), followed by Ahab (populism), Jezebel the state capturer, then Israel’s prophets who sided with populism, and Micaiah who is the representative of Yahweh’s authentic prophetism. Ahab’s prophets were prophesying in the name of the Lord. They were either backsliders or syncretic believers due to Phoenician idolatry that had ‘slithered’ itself into Israel. This pictures the modern prophets who do almost everything in God’s name, but their prophecies are often highly questionable. The narrative is put into the context of Neo-Pentecostal Prophetism, exposing their activities – strange practices that disregard human dignity; and their proclivity to the political powers that are populist oriented. Weaknesses identified are poor hermeneutics, and the shift from Christ as the object of faith to objects such as water, oil etc. Recommendations made include the return to the fundamentals of faith, and sensible consideration of church regulation in South Africa.
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