Reforming Pentecostal marriage theology in the aftermath of a schism

Abstract

Background: Several scholars have mentioned the Pentecostal paradox, in which Pentecostal churches seem to be liberatory and at the same time very oppressive. Pentecostal churches have been observed to encourage the oppression of women in marriages through their literal translation of the Bible and the support of oppressive cultural practices. The theology of marriage in the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFMOZ), a Pentecostal church, changed because of the schism in 2018.
Objectives: This article explores how the theology of marriage changed because of a schism in the AFMOZ.
Method: Qualitative data were collected from the 35 purposively selected members of the AFMOZ.
Results: Contrary to the oppressive teaching on marriage, which most Pentecostal churches are associated with, the AFMOZ is now teaching sharing of household chores, submission from both husband and wife, and divorcing or separating in case of gender-based violence, among other things.
Conclusion: The article concludes that this teaching on marriage ushers a positive amendment in the attitude of AFMOZ to marriage, although it still manifests fundamental patriarchal assumptions.
Contribution: This article fills that gap in the literature by highlighting how the AFMOZ Pentecostal church has changed from being oppressive to being liberatory through teaching a marriage theology that gives women agency.