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Suanmuanlian THESIS Proposal Assignment 01
Suanmuanlian THESIS Proposal Assignment 01
THESIS PROPOSAL
I declare that this assignment is my own unaided work. I have not copied it from any person,
article, book, website or other form of storage. Every idea or phrase that is not own has been
duly acknowledge.
Submitted to:
Submitted by:
Suanmuanlian, M.Div 2
"An Analysis of 'Slaying in the Spirit': A Biblical Examination and Its Impact on the
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in Lamka."
Among the Christians in Lamka, there has been a growing practice known as "Slaying in
the Spirit," which is characterized by the sudden loss of bodily control and falling to the ground
when an individual is touched or prayed over by another person.1 This practice is claimed to
be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. The central issue at hand is whether "Slaying in
the Spirit" aligns with biblical teachings and whether it should be practiced by Christians who
adhere to a biblically grounded faith.
The phenomenon of "Slaying in the Spirit" is a practice that raises questions about its
alignment with biblical principles. While the phrase "Slaying in the Spirit" is not explicitly
mentioned in the Scriptures, biblical narratives do contain instances of individuals falling to
the ground or entering into trances in the presence of God (e.g., Acts 9:3-9; Matthew 17:1-9;
Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:9-10; Revelation 1:17). These examples make people wonder if these
experiences are theologically correct and what their theological basis is.
The potential concern lies in the possibility of incorrect indoctrination about the work of
the Holy Spirit, especially among members of the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in
Lamka, because engaging in forms of worship that are not in alignment with God's teachings
can open the door to evil spirits.2 Therefore, this study intends to explore the multifaceted
1
Got Questions, “Does 2 Chronicles 5:14 teach slaying in the Spirit?”.
https://www.gotquestions.org/slaying-in-the-Spirit.html, (Accessed Oct 20, 2023).
2
George E Gardener, The Corinthian Catastrophe, (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1974), pg 55.
nature of "Slaying in the Spirit" while addressing the specific faith community, the Evangelical
Baptist Convention Church in Lamka.
Does the practice of "Slaying in the Spirit" align with biblical principles and teachings, and
should biblically sound Christians engage in this practice based on a biblical examination?
Additionally, how is "Slaying in the Spirit" understood and interpreted within the Christian
tradition, and what is the biblical perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
contemporary Christians, considering the broader theological discourse on spiritual
manifestations and their implications?
Scope:
a. This study is primarily focused on the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in Lamka,
investigating the experiences and beliefs of its members concerning the practice and
multifaceted nature of "Slaying in the Spirit" and assesses its impact on the spiritual
lives of its members.
b. The study critically analyses the prevalence of "Slaying in the Spirit" within the
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church, exploring potential consequences arising from
incorrect indoctrination regarding the Holy Spirit's work.
c. It offers a biblical perspective on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's work within
contemporary Christians, considering the broader theological discourse on spiritual
manifestations and their implications.
d. The study's findings can be broadly generalizable to other Christian denominations or
communities outside the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church who holds the same
doctrinal teachings and principle.
Limitations:
a. The research may rely on self-reported experiences and beliefs of church members,
which can be subjective and influenced by personal interpretations.
b. Due to constraints of time and resources, the study may not cover all aspects of the
"Slaying in the Spirit" practice and its theological implications in extensive depth.
c. Cultural and regional factors specific to Lamka and its surrounding regions may
influence the findings, which may not be applicable to different cultural contexts.
6. PREVIOUS RESEARCH
This research paper aims to conduct a thorough critical analysis of "Slaying in the Spirit"
within the Christian community of Lamka, shedding light on its implications and potential
pitfalls related to possible incorrect indoctrination, particularly within the Evangelical Baptist
Convention Church in Lamka. This approach provides a clear direction for the study,
addressing an area of research that, to the best of my knowledge, has not been previously
explored.
7. HYPOTHESIS
The practice of "Slaying in the Spirit" within the Lamka’s Christian is likely to have a
significant impact on the theological perspectives and its experience among the members of
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church. This impact may vary based on individual beliefs and
interpretations, potentially leading to wrong indoctrination, and could influence the overall
dynamics of the church community.
8. METHODOLOGY
Approach and Perspective: The research will adopt a multi-faceted approach with both
qualitative and quantitative elements. It will involve an exploratory perspective, aiming to
understand the phenomenon of "Slaying in the Spirit" from various angles, including
theological, experiential, and sociological aspects. This approach will provide a comprehensive
view of the subject.
In-depth interviews will be conducted with a selected group of members from the Evangelical
Baptist Convention Church in Lamka who have witnessed and experienced "Slaying in the
Spirit." The interviews will be semi-structured and open-ended, allowing participants to
express their beliefs, experiences, and perceptions regarding this practice and its impact.
b. Participant Observation
Participant observation will be carried out by attending crusade and revival events in Lamka
where "Slaying in the Spirit" is practiced. This will provide an opportunity to witness the
practice and its variations, as well as to engage with the attending EBC church members. The
researcher will not participate in the practice but will observe and document it to gain a deeper
understanding of its manifestations and the reactions it elicits.
b. Theological Analysis
c. Comparative Studies
Comparative studies will be carried out to explore how similar spiritual phenomena are
understood and practiced in other Christian traditions and as well as in another religion apart
from Christianity. This will provide a broader perspective on spiritual manifestations and their
interpretations across various faith communities.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY
1. Research Design
2. Data Collection Methods
3. Selection of Participants
4. Data Analysis
5. Ethical Considerations
6. Limitations of the Methodology
1. Introduction to Analysis
2. Assessment of "Slaying in the Spirit" in the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church
3. Biblical Examination of the Practice
4. Perspectives of Members
5. Implications for Biblically Grounded Christianity
6. Contribution to the Theological Discourse
7. Addressing the Research Questions
8. Supporting or Refuting the Hypothesis
CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION
1. Summary of Findings
2. Conclusions and Implications
3. Recommendations for the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church
4. Recommendations for Future Research
5. Final Remarks
Bibliography
Appendices
BIBLIOGRAPHY