Miracle Healing and Christian Theology

|

Miracle Healing and Christian Theology

If you have been wondering how the early apostles spread the gospel, there is one simple reason why. Their abilities to heal were limited. They could not accomplish the miracles that are associated with Christianity. The apostles had to limit their mission to the apostles’ abilities and teachings. Fortunately, the message of Christianity stayed true to its core principles. So what was it that the apostles did that other religious leaders didn’t?

As a consequence, the charismatic third wave was born. John Wimber and C. Peter Wagner formulated charismatic theology. Their ideas were tested in a controversial, popular Fuller School of Missions course. The charismatic third wave was born of a core group of evangelicals, who crossed denominational lines to become influential. But it also has implications for Christian theology. For example, it is the basis of dominionist evangelism.

Many charismatic Christians focus on evangelism and conversion, persevering in the faith of the saved, and knowing that they are locked in a battle with the demonic. They believe that Satan is real, that the satanic powers are in full control of entire nations, and that their goal is to undermine Christian evangelism. This is an inherently threatening scenario for Christians and should be taken seriously. But the question remains: who is evangelizing whom?

While charismatic faith is a form of apostolic praxis, it also involves a globalized spiritual warfare. Globalized charismatic Christianity, with over half a billion adherents, has made Christian life more militant than ever. Prayer is central to the redemptive praxis of Christianity. But it is also a weapon against evil spirits. There is no doubt that Christian faith is a political religion, but it can be difficult to define and track.