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Two Imageries of Peace: Popular Psychology and Charismatic Christianity
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 September 2014
Abstract
This paper describes and compares two imageries for “peace” found in contemporary North America. Both arise within a context of “expressive individualism” as depicted by Bellah et al. and both attempt to ground values beyond subjective preferences. Popular psychology, especially represented by Maslow and self-help writings, relies primarily on the image of organic growth for a vision of peace and fulfillment. Language of unresolvable conflict and warfare is entirely avoided. In contrast, Charismatic Christianity, although it too employs the language of “health” and “growth” also advocates an imagery of peace focused on the triumphant Christ enthroned in heaven, after his defeat of spiritual enemies. The author suggests that the vigorous use of this language is best understood as a corrective and supplement to the “growth” themes more fully congruent with expressive individualism.
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- Copyright © The College Theology Society 1989
References
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19 The specific groups with which I have been involved and am most familiar fall into this second grouping. They are Living Word Community in Philadelphia, PA, and—much more briefly—The Vinyard, in southern California. Living Word Community describes itself as an independent charismatic fellowship. It is located in the inner city, with an interracial and multiethnic membership. The Vinyard is led by John Wimber, whose seminars on “healing” and other topics have reached many persons outside his specific group.
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25 McDonnell, p. xxviii.
26 I am aware that to analyze songs solely through their lyrics is one-sided, and illustrates the conceptualist bias of an academic. So the reader should try to imagine the song verses accompanied by a piano, the usual assortment of electric guitars, trumpet, tamborines and a “hard rock” percussionist!
27 Of the sixty-seven songs in a Cursillo songbook, not one includes any mention of spiritual warfare, and of the three dealing with Christ's kingship, two are traditional hymns—i.e., “Crown Him with Many Crowns.” Curiously, the didactic content of Cursillo does include both these themes, but the songs dwell on other messages conveyed in the program's teachings.
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