The evaluation of the use of the Bible by the Twelve Apostles' Church as a basis for divination: A case study of Jomoro and Ellembele traditional areas

Abstract

One of the bases of the Twelve Apostles’ Church for practising divination is the story of Saul consulting Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:1-10:26. Some Christian churches believe that the concept of divination is not biblical and must be condemned since it is a key element of the African traditional religion. This study therefore uses the Twelve Apostles’ Church in Nzema area as a case study to find out whether divination as practised by the Twelve Apostles’ Church has any biblical justification. The Twelve Apostles’ Church emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, has a flexible liturgy, a prominent place for women. The Church also uses sacred articles like the water, candles, incense, white clothes, erects crosses and so on. The Twelve Apostles’ Church defines divination as a means of communicating with God for him to reveal sources of problems and prescribe solutions to them. The types of divination employed are; prayers, the use of the holy cup, the use of the tasbih, carrying basins of water and the use of the Bible. Evaluating the passage, 1 Samuel 9:1-10:26 three instances of divination by Samuel are observed. Samuel received a message about Saul through a night dream, chose an Israelite king by casting lots and located Saul by the help of Urim and Thummim. The issue that remains unresolved is whether or not the people of the Twelve Apostles’ Church use the spirit of God in practicing divination or not.