MYSTICAL POWERS IN AFRICA AND IN ADVENTIST ESCHATOLOGY

Abstract

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has become aware of the presence and operations of mystical powers in the church, particularly in Africa. The realization of this phenomenon must be anchored on Adventist dogma. This is to be found in Adventist eschatological theology as it relates to activities of supernatural powers and last day events. This paper will, therefore, focus on the African Seventh-day Adventist experience of spiritual manifestations, and the church’s position on mystical powers in the context of Adventist eschatological theology. Four main issues will be discussed in the paper, covering (1) the global view on mystical powers, (2) the nature of mystical powers in Africa, (3) the manifestations of mystical powers in Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Africa, and (4) mystical powers in Adventist eschatological theology. The present day prevalence of the activities of demonic forces in the church globally, and particularly in Africa, is assumed by the church as evidence and demonstration of the controversy between Satan and God via His Church.