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11 US-China L. Rev. 1499 (2014)
Theo-Political Dominance of Afro-Pentecostalism in the 21st Century: Lessons from the Kenyan Socio-Ecclesial Context

handle is hein.journals/uschinalrw11 and id is 1499 raw text is: THEO-POLITICAL DOMINANCE OF AFRO- PENTECOSTALISM IN THE 21 ST CENTURY: LESSONS FROM THE KENYAN SOCIO-ECCLESIAL CONTEXT Julius Gathogo* The article seeks to build the case for the rise of afro-Pentecostalism, as the dominant ecclesiastical paradigm in the Kenya of the 21st century; which has now surpassed the traditional ecclesiological axis (refer to Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterian and other mainline churches). Their social influence can no longer be underestimated as they have also abandoned their traditional exclusivist approach to inclusive and holistic approaches in dispensing their spirituality discourses. Following Kenya's independence from the British, in 1963, the mission churches continued with their holistic and socially influential ministries to the last half of the 20th century. In the twenty-first century however, the article argues, Pentecostalism, which has repackaged itself as the real guardians of the African heritage and spirituality has however taken over some of the critical socio-political roles previously dominated by some of the mainline churches. In its methodology, the article surveys the changing patterns of Pentecostalism wherein its ability to capture African ethos of wholeness where religion provides solution to every life problem, such as disunity, health and economy among others-is now manifest. Does afro- Pentecostalism have any relevance in the post August 2010 Kenyan national referendum which ushered in a new socio-political dynamics following the promulgation of the new constitution? Addressing cutting- edge issues facing the African society, without necessarily losing their gospel constituency makes the emerging Christianities become afro- Pentecostalism. The article covers a wide range of issues, scholarly literature and reports (including newspaper articles and blogs etc.), and other background materials. Formal methods employed focused on short surveys and semi-structured interviews; informal observations and meetings that complemented these methods. IN TR O D U C T IO N .......................................................................................... 15 0 0 I. JU ST IF IC A T IO N ....................................................................................... 15 0 3 II. AFRO-PENTECOSTALISM VIS-A-VIS OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL STRUCTURES .................................................................................................................. 1 5 0 4 III. THE SEARCH FOR RELEVANCE WITHIN THE DEVOLVED GOVERNMENTS * Julius Gathogo, Dr., Senior lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, of Kenyatta University, Kenya. Research fields: New Religious Movements, Political Theology, Religion and Social Discourses, Key Contributors in Religious Histories; and Religion and Its Contribution to the Modern Society. 1499

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