spirit and healing in africa - University of the Free State

and materiality. The answers to this question are contributions to Reformed language for the link
between God and healing.
Chapter nine is an exploration of the concept of quality of life in relation to the doctrine of
creation. A pneumatological view on creation and its vulnerability generates a redefinition of
quality of life: the Holy Spirit reveals that quality of life means owning one’s vulnerable life as
life that belongs to God. One’s consent to being vulnerable also means that one becomes
involved in the Spirit’s mission of beautifying creation. The pneumatological orientation with its
redefinition of vulnerability and beauty allows for Reformed language for the link between God
and healing.
Chapter ten is an exploration of the concept of power. In contrast to Pentecostal theology, this
concept is not well-developed in Reformed pneumatology. The exploration revolves around the
meaning of divine power in relation to healing. A pneumatological orientation shows that the
dialectics of cross and resurrection is embraced by the power of the Spirit, which implies a
redefinition of power. This redefinition leads to suggestions for Reformed language for the link
between God and healing.
This study offers an account of Spirit and healing in the African context. It is meant as a
response to the challenge posed to Reformed theology by African Reformed believers like Grace
Banda.
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