Pentecostal spirituality as lived experience: an empirical study of women in the British Black Pentecostal Church

Clarke, Marcia (2016). Pentecostal spirituality as lived experience: an empirical study of women in the British Black Pentecostal Church. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This study’s central thesis is based upon a qualitative research project which captured and analysed the focus group conversations of fifty-two Black British Pentecostal women of African - Caribbean heritage as they discuss their lived experience in terms of Christian spirituality. Practical Theology as a theologically normative discipline provides the lens through which to study this experience.

This thesis states that the lived experience of Black British Pentecostal women develops and informs Pentecostal spirituality as part of a conscious and integrated lifestyle facilitates growth in a woman’s relationship with God.

Pentecostal spirituality as lived experience is deduced as an aspect of African-Caribbean Christian Consciousness and the 'language of resistance'. Both constructs enabled the participants in a British context to redefine their social experience on their own terms. Further, Black British Pentecostal women’s experience fills a gap in womanist and feminist literature on the subject of women’s spirituality.

This thesis makes an original contribution to knowledge by its exploration of the spirituality of Black Caribbean Pentecostal women in Britain through empirical theological research methods. Its focus on Pentecostal spirituality as lived experience moves the discussion beyond the analysis of crisis events and the study of Pentecostal congregational worship.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):