A study of Mark 2:1-6: exorcism of physical illness from the spiritual World in Pentecostal churches of Bunia/DRC

Abstract

Grounded in Mark 2:1-6, this study explores how Pentecostal churches in Bunia/DRC, understand physical illness as a manifestation of spiritual forces and address it through exorcism. Since it was not possible to include all Pentecostal churches in Bunia, the research was limited to city of Refuge, city of the Rest, FEPACO (Fraternité Évangélique de Pentecôte en Afrique au Congo) and Christco (Christ in Congo). This study employed both analytical and empirical methods. The analytical method enabled the researcher to engage with scholars and recent related studies, while the empirical method made it possible to observe the real practice of exorcism in Pentecostal churches in Bunia. The study had four objectives. First, it sought to exegete Mark 2:1-6 in order to uncover the meaning and significance of the passage and to show how it may speak to contemporary Christians in FEPACO, Christco, city of Refuge, and city of the Rest. Second, it aimed to identify the forms of physical illness present in Pentecostal churches in Bunia, and it found that these illnesses are numerous and varied. Third, it analysed the healing of physical illness through exorcism in Bunia’s Pentecostal churches. The research showed that exorcism is often practiced alongside prayer, water, anointing oil, fasting, and other methods. Finally, the study proposed Mark 2:1-6 as a model for healing physical illness through exorcism. The study collected data from a purposive sample of 40 Pentecostal members drawn from FEPACO, Christco, city of Refuge, and city of the Rest. In each church selected for study, the participants including pastors, intercessors, and sick people or relatives of sick people. Because the research was conducted in Bunia, Eastern Congo, while the researcher was based in Mukono, Uganda for academic studies, the respondents were interviewed through WhatsApp.