Shepherds and Demons: A Study of Exorcism as Practised and Understood by Shepherds in the Malagasy Lutheran Church

ISBN-13: 9780820497174 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 410 str.

Holter, Knut

Opis

The Malagasy revival movement, which started in 1894 and operates within the structure of the historical churches, continues to have a profound impact on Protestant church life. This book focuses on exorcism as practised and understood by the so-called shepherds (lay, unsalaried, consecrated church workers) and defines -exorcism- as the expulsion of demons and prayer with the laying on of hands. This study, with Malagasy actors at its centre, argues that exorcism constitutes a synthesis between the biblical message and the traditional Malagasy culture. The shepherds, who vehemently oppose traditional religion, understand exorcism as a practice appropriate for people with a wide variety of problems, and they assert that the purpose of exorcism is to create a living faith in Jesus. The shepherds consider the battle with demons absolutely decisive because it concerns nothing less than salvation or condemnation."

O autorze

The Author: Hans Austnaberg holds a Ph.D. from the School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger, where he is now Associate Professor of Practical Theology. He has previously worked as a seminary teacher in Madagascar and as a pastor in Norway.