A critical analysis of ‘submit to the governing authority’ (RM 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia

Abstract

This study focuses on a critical analysis of the usage of 'submit to the governing authority' (Romans 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia. The study deals with the role ordinary citizens in Zambia play in keeping their political leadership accountable, or otherwise, by looking at how biblical texts in Zambia are used in the democratic dispensation. In Zambia, Romans 13:1-7 is widely used to support the political status quo; any political government that comes into power is assumed to have been ushered in by the will of God. Hence, in some circles it is assumed that whatever these leaders say or do is divinely proclaimed, therefore, criticising them is tantamount to fighting the will of God. African Pentecostal preachers are widely accused of being the ones championing this kind of teaching. Thus, the research questions; how do African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7? Is their interpretation of the text legitimate? In my view, the way scriptures are interpreted, coupled with the consciousness drawn thereof, they influence citizens actions and decisions. Therefore, the way in which an understanding of Romans 13:1-7 by African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia is arrived at and grounded is the concern this study has thoroughly investigated. In Chapter 2, a summary is given on how some selected scholars have interpreted and analysed Romans 13:1-7, using different lenses and approaches. This history of interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 will then be used to identify the research gap that will be addressed in the study. In Chapter 3 a discussion on the theoretical perspectives of this study has been given. The chapter begins with a discussion on the meaning of social-scientific criticism (SSC), and an overview or description of social-scientific criticism. Secondly, in this chapter a detailed discussion on “African enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” theories have been given. The description of the above-mentioned theoretical perspectives is necessary because it will be against this understanding of the approach that the understanding and interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 among African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia will be undertaken. In Chapter 4 an analysis of Romans 13:1-7 is presented in order to uncover its possible original intended (contextual) meaning and purpose. This is done by discussing the socio-cultural-, economic- and political situation in which Paul’s letter to the Romans was applicable. In order to achieve this, the study engages with social-scientific models and theories that are designed to unlock the meaning entrenched in ancient texts. Chapter 5 provides an overview on the role African Pentecostals play in the Zambian political dispensation. The Chapter has given a brief history of Pentecostalism and African Pentecostalism respectively. Furthermore, the chapter paints a vivid picture of the church and state relationship championed by African Pentecostals in Zambia. Additionally, the Chapter attempts to outline the impact of such church and state relations model on the democratic dispensation of the country. Chapter 6 provides an overview on how some selected African Pentecostal preachers understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7. Using “enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” analytical lenses, the chapter analyses how these selected preachers interpret and understand Romans 13:1-7 and how such interpretation and understanding impacts on the democratization of the country: Zambia. Chapter 7 outlines the findings of the study, as well as recommendations for further research.