Faith Healing

Assessing the Ghanaian Pentecostal and Charismatic View through the Lens of John 11

Abstract

In many African Pentecostal and Charismatic contexts, particularly in Ghana, faith is often viewed as the central requirement for experiencing divine healing and miracles. As a result, when individuals do not receive healing, they are frequently blamed for lacking sufficient faith, which leads to stigma, emotional trauma, and feelings of spiritual inadequacy. This article critiques this prevailing blame theology among faith healers by exploring its roots in the teachings of Traditional African religion and African Independent Churches. The study uses a phenomenological approach to explore faith healing among Ghanaian Pentecostals and Charismatics. Drawing on the compassionate model of Jesus depicted in John 11, the study argues for a shift from a blame-oriented approach to a pastoral model that encourages faith without condemning those who struggle with it. It emphasizes that while faith can facilitate healing, divine sovereignty ultimately determines the outcomes of miraculous interventions. The article concludes by proposing a more balanced theology of healing that affirms human faith while recognising God's supreme will, aiming to promote spiritual, emotional, and social well-being within Ghanaian Pentecostal and Charismatic churches.