Embodying the Spirit(s): Pentecostal Demonology and Deliverance Discourse in Ethiopia

Main author: Haustein, Jörg
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-17035
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description The article explores Pentecostal embodiment practices and concepts with regard to Holy Spirit baptism and demon possession. The studied material is connected to a specific and highly controversial debate in Ethiopian Pentecostalism, which revolves around the possibility of demon possession in born-again and Spirit-filled Christians. This debate runs through much of Ethiopian Pentecostal history and ultimately is concerned with whether or how Christians can host conflicting spiritual forces, in light of the strong dualism between God and evil in Pentecostal cosmology. The article shows that the embodiment of spirits and/or the Holy Spirit is related to theological concepts of the self, because these concepts define what may or may not be discerned in certain bodily manifestations. Moreover, the article contends that this debate thrives on a certain ambiguity in spirit embodiment, which invites the discernment of spiritual experts and thereby becomes a resource of power.
format Journal Article
author Haustein, Jörg
author_facet Haustein, Jörg
authorStr Haustein, Jörg
author_letter Haustein, Jörg
title Embodying the Spirit(s): Pentecostal Demonology and Deliverance Discourse in Ethiopia
publisher Taylor and Francis
publishDate 2011
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/17035/