Exploring the influence of pentecostalism on Chipata college of education students in eastern province of Zambia.
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Date
2017
Authors
Ngoma, Christopher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study explored the influence of Pentecostalism on students of Chipata College of
Education (CCE) in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The study was guided by Emile
Durkheim’s Functionalist theory of religion and the following objectives: to establish the
influence of Pentecostalism on students at CCE, to ascertain elements of Pentecostalism
that attract students and to determine the challenges, if any, that come along with
Pentecostalism at CCE. This study employed a case study design and applied a qualitative
approach. Focus Group discussion and semi-structured interviews were used to generate
data. The study had a sample of thirty (30) participants. Twenty (20) students were
selected randomly from both Pentecostal and mainline churches. Purposive sampling was
utilized to select 3 administrators and 7 lecturers from the relevant departments. Data were
analysed thematically according to emerging themes.
The findings of the study revealed that Pentecostalism is very popular among the students
and lecturers at CCE. Elements that attract students to Pentecostalism include: freedom of
worship, deliverance, healing, prosperity messages and prophecy which are believed to
offer immediate solutions to problems mostly faced by the students of the modern
generation. However, the findings also disclosed that few students were not attracted to
these elements as they were deeply rooted in the teachings of their denominations.
The conclusion of the study was that Pentecostalism has influenced some students
positively and holistically while some were negatively affected in that they did not like
loud prayers, preaching and music. According to them, the academic space was not a
spiritual space. Pentecostal students acted in the manner that was perceived by the non-
Pentecostal students as being holier than thou. The non- Pentecostals did not like this and
describe them as ‘Pharisees’. As such, the research recommended that patrons of
Pentecostals and non- Pentecostals must work towards maintaining the spirit of ecumenism
for it has been in existence for a long time. The attitude of ‘holier than thou’ could prove
repugnant to those of different denominational affiliation. Future research should consider
exploring the influence of non-Pentecostal denominations onto secular college of education
students.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Pentecostalism--Impact colleges--Zambia , Evangelistic work--Colleges--Zambia