Kelvin Onongha

Andrews University, World Mission and Ministry, Adjunct

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President/Vice Chancellor, Adventist University of Central Africa, Rwanda
Professor, World Missions and Global Leadership

Formerly, Professor, Adventist University of Africa, Kenya
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program and MA Missiology
Supervisors: Bruce Bauer
Phone: +254 790 978 658
Address: 12, University Avenue, Adventist University of Africa, Private Bag 00503 Mbagathi, Nairobi, Kenya

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Papers by Kelvin Onongha

Can Christians be Possessed by Evil Spirits?

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

In the African ministry context, accusations of demon possession are commonplace. It would appear... more In the African ministry context, accusations of demon possession are commonplace. It would appear that every strange, bizarre, or abnormal form of behavior is attributed to demon possession. Unfortunately, in many cases there is a very thin line between occurrences of mental disorder and demonization. This is because the symptoms in several instances are quite similar, and the precursors may be quite complex. For these reasons, another article in this issue sought to address the issue of discerning whether certain conditions were caused by mental disorders or demonization. In addition, the predisposition to regard every unexplained behavior as having a demonic origin was also addressed in this issue and described “the expanded middle.” However, one debate that has continued for decades and which is the concern of this chapter is, Can Christians be possessed by evil spirits?

Footholds and Strongholds

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

At creation God made humans in His image and likeness, endowing them with powers and abilities ak... more At creation God made humans in His image and likeness, endowing them with powers and abilities akin to their Creator. One distinguishing quality which humans alone possessed, unique from all other creatures, was the power of choice—the will. This unique attribute made humans the only creatures with the ability to say yes or no to God. Since the devil’s fall from glory, it has been his mission to deceive and enlist others in his rebellion against the sovereignty of God. Continuing the work of deception and rebellion he began in heaven before he and his confederates were forcefully expelled, he seeks in his wrath against the Creator to totally deface the image of God from the lives of His children (Rev 12:17). To achieve these objectives Satan seeks inroads into people’s lives; means by which he can obtain a foothold, which could later become a stronghold, to gain total control or subordination of the human will to his whims and pleasures. Ultimately, as Jesus stated, his mission is t...

The African Worldview and Belief in the Demonic

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The African continent displays rich diversity in geography, culture, history, and language. In sp... more The African continent displays rich diversity in geography, culture, history, and language. In spite of this heterogeneity in several respects it still has many similarities. These similarities are to a great extent evident in its rich cultures, but especially in its religious worldview. For that reason, the debate still rages whether the religion appertaining to the region should be referred to as African Traditional Religion (ATR), or African Traditional Religions. The arguments on both sides are compelling. A close examination of the worldviews held by a large portion of Africans however reveals amazing similarities. The African worldview associated with the religious beliefs of the people is one that contributes greatly to belief in the reality, power, and working of demons in the daily lives of its people. To better understand how a worldview contributes to belief in the demonic the religion and corresponding aspects of the African worldview will be examined.

Illnesses and Cures

The Palgrave Handbook of African Traditional Religion, 2022

Beliefs and Practices of Magic and Medicine

The Palgrave Handbook of African Traditional Religion, 2022

Biblical Hermeneutics: Implications and Applications in Africa

$Research paper thumbnail of Music and Worship in Africa: Adventists\u27 Dialogue from Biblical, Historical, and Cultural Perspectives$

Music and Worship in Africa: Adventists\u27 Dialogue from Biblical, Historical, and Cultural Perspectives

https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/missions-books/1016/thumbnail.jp

Towards a Missiological Model for Worldview Transformation among Adherents to African Traditional Religion in Yorubaland

Seventh-day Adventist missions in the western region of Nigeria are a century old, yet reversion ... more Seventh-day Adventist missions in the western region of Nigeria are a century old, yet reversion to pre-Christian practices such as divination and sorcery are reported, especially during periods of personal crises. This study sought to understand the influence of the traditional worldview on the practices of divination and sorcery and to develop a model that would move the Yoruba Adventists from dependence on these practices to a biblically shaped faith and praxis. A grounded theory approach was adopted for conducting this qualitative research. Data were collected from two focus group discussions and from face-to-face interviews with five pastors, five diviners, and three members who had once consulted diviners. Concepts that emerged from the analyzed data revealed the need for a theory of worldview transformation. This theory entailed having better biblical explanations to counter existing worldview assumptions, the exigency of encountering the power of the gospel in a power-oriented context, and the importance of experiential relationships with Christ to replace the role of diviners in that context. The study culminated in a worldview transformation model that would lead Yoruba Adventists away from dependence upon pre-Christian customs to a biblically shaped worldview, and authentic faith and discipleship. Central to this worldview transformational paradigm is the Adventist doctrine of the Great Controversy.

Tentmaking in the Twenty-First Century: Theological and Missiological Implications for Contemporary Adventist Missions

Kelvin Onongha

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