14-15 October 2019
KLAW - Conference Center
Africa/Nairobi timezone

Kabarak Conferences 2019

Relationship between Understandings of God the Role of Paranormal Religious Experiences among Akurinu Believers in Nairobi County

Not scheduled
15m
KLAW/Ground-1 - KLAW 5 - Auditorium (KLAW - Conference Center)

KLAW/Ground-1 - KLAW 5 - Auditorium

KLAW - Conference Center

Kabarak University Main Campus Nakuru Eldama Ravine Road
500
Abstract for Research Paper Theology and Religious Studies

Description

Authentic hermeneutical procedure ought to inform Christians on all matters of doctrine, faith and practice which inform leadership, work,ethics,divine communication and contextual theology, among others.However,some African Independent Churches (AICs) have interpreted fulfilment of their special mission using paranormal religious experiences (prophecy, dreams and visions) as source of subjective communication from God and downplayed the role of God’s word as the only source of objective truth in their practice of hermeneutics (here called contextual theology).This study specifically investigated the relationship between understandings of God and the role of paranormal religious experiences
among the Akurinu believers in Nairobi County, Kenya.The research will be guided by Divine Command Theory (DCT) and Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT). The study adopted mixed methods research which used descriptive research design. The study was conducted among believers sampled from Akurinu congregations registered with General Conference of Akurinu Churches Assembly (GeCACA) in Nairobi County. The target population was 2600 Akurinu believers will be provided by GeCACA (2018). A sample size of 335 Akurinu believers was selected using simple random and proportionate sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 church leaders. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Validity and reliability was ensured through piloting and expert advice. Data were be analysed using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0, computer system to generate multivariate linear regression model at alpha=0.05 and then presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. Objective-based themes and critical narratives were used to analyse qualitative data. The results indicated that at r=0.659, alternative hypothesis was accepted that understanding of God increase had a strong positive effect on the role of Paranormal experiences. Based on findings, this study recommended that Akurinu leadership trains congregation on use of principles of biblical hermeneutics as basis for biblical contextualization of Akurinu theology.

Keywords Biblical hermeneutics, contextual theology, contextualization, diffusion, divine commands, paranormal religious experiences, culture

Primary authors

Mr Simon Nderitu (Student) Dr Esther Kibor (Supervisor) Dr William Koros (Supervisor)

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Paper