Shepherds and Demons: A Study of Exorcism as Practised and Understood by Shepherds in the Malagasy Lutheran Church (Bible and Theology in Africa)

Austnaberg, Hans

ISBN 10: 0820497177 / ISBN 13: 9780820497174

Published by Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers, 2007

About this Item

Mild bump to upper corners, otherwise clean, tight copy in glossy boards. 410pp.

Seller Inventory # 065956

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Shepherds and Demons: A Study of Exorcism as Practised and Understood by Shepherds in the Malagasy Lutheran Church (Bible and Theology in Africa)
• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0820497177
• ISBN 13: 9780820497174
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • E.S.P./Psychic Phenomena
  • Religion
  • Occult

About this title

Synopsis

The Malagasy revival movement, which started in 1894 and operates within the structure of the historical churches, continues to have a profound impact on Protestant church life. This book focuses on exorcism as practised and understood by the so-called shepherds (lay, unsalaried, consecrated church workers) and defines «exorcism» as the expulsion of demons and prayer with the laying on of hands. This study, with Malagasy actors at its centre, argues that exorcism constitutes a synthesis between the biblical message and the traditional Malagasy culture. The shepherds, who vehemently oppose traditional religion, understand exorcism as a practice appropriate for people with a wide variety of problems, and they assert that the purpose of exorcism is to create a living faith in Jesus. The shepherds consider the battle with demons absolutely decisive because it concerns nothing less than salvation or condemnation.

About the Author

The Author: Hans Austnaberg holds a Ph.D. from the School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger, where he is now Associate Professor of Practical Theology. He has previously worked as a seminary teacher in Madagascar and as a pastor in Norway.