An analysis of the differing views of sanctification (crisis and process) in Swaziland Church of the Nazarene

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to survey the teachings and understandings of the Christian doctrine of holiness among the Christians in Swaziland especially those churches planted through the missionary enterprise of the church of the Nazarene. It was an investigation of the extent and depth of the understanding and teaching that exist in Swaziland Nazarene churches with respect to the doctrine and practice of holiness. Using Swaziland as a case study, this research study investigated the division in the Swazi of Church of the Nazarene over the understanding given to entire sanctification reading crisis and process views. The hypothesis of this study therefore, was while the Bible and the best of the Wesleyan tradition have held the crisis and process views of sanctification together in a healthy mutually dialectical tension, Swazi Nazarenes have polarized themselves into two camps: those who believe that the experience to entire sanctification in a believer takes place instantaneously and those who believe that it takes place progressively. This research sought to find out if the two views or interpretations of sanctification are in irreconcilable conflict or in complimentary dialectical tension. The method used for data presentation and analysis was both the quantitative techniques where numbers were presented and analyzed in tables and graphs according to 258 respondents and qualitative techniques where individual ideas and suggestions were given and analyzed. The data collected show the hypothesis was indeed correct. The older generation of Nazarenes in Swaziland tended to be clear on the fact that sanctification is to be understood primarily as crisis experience in the life of a believer. Whereas the younger generation tended to view sanctification more as a gradual process leading to Christlikeness. These two views as indicated by both theological and biblical research are mutually dialectical, therefore, necessary to be united so as to prevent the Church of the Nazarene in Swaziland form polarization.