Reinterpreting the spiritual relationships of gay men in Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches

• Main Author: Bosman, John-Eduard
• Other Authors: Louw, A. F. (Dr.)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Pentecostal; Charismatic; Spirituality; Homosexuality; Gay Men; Postmodern; Discourse; Practical Theology; Narrative analysis; Participatory Research; 261.835766; Gay men > Religious life; Christian gay men > Religious life; Homosexuality > Religious aspects > Pentecostal churches; Spiritual life > Pentecostal churches; Male homosexuality > Religious aspects > Pentecostal churches
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2503

This study explores how gay Christian men in the pentecostal/charismatic movement reinterpret their spirituality as a reaction to the discourse about homosexuality in this movement. The spiritual experience of gay men is contextualized within the particular emphasis on individual experience found in pentecostal/charismatic spirituality. Practical theological research is conducted within a postmodern discourse set in context of a Participatory Action Research project. A narrative therapeutical approach served to identify harmful discourses and encourage the continuing deconstruction of such discourses. The extent to which power/knowledge relationships affect gay Christians' spiritual relationships became apparent. Conflict between the church's discourse about homosexuality and the gay Christian appears to start a process of deconstruction of fundamentalist pentecostal/charismatic hermeneutical approaches to the Bible. The research process facilitated a process of reconstruction of gay spirituality and created opportunities for spiritual and social growth. This research may inspire gay Christian voices in pentecostal/charismatic circles to become heard. === Practical Theology === M.Th.