Sacred Weaponry: The Historical and Theological Role of Gospel Music in Spiritual Warfare and Liberation in Christianity—A Perspective of Acts 16:25–26

Sakhiseni Joseph Yende

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/17959

Authors

Sakhiseni Joseph Yende University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7649-2799

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/17959

Keywords:

bondages, gospel music, spiritual realm, theology, church history

Abstract

Gospel music, an integral part of Christian worship, holds profound theological and historical significance, particularly in its role as a vehicle for spiritual liberation. Rooted in the traditions of early Christian worship, gospel music has evolved as a unique genre that expresses faith and serves as a powerful tool for spiritual warfare and deliverance. The central theological foundation for understanding the spiritual potency of gospel music is derived from Acts 16:25–26, where the Apostle Paul and Silas, bound in prison, sing hymns and pray, leading to their miraculous liberation. This study explores the transformative potential of gospel music, focusing on its historical development within Christian worship, with an emphasis on African church traditions and the Pentecostal movement. Drawing on secondary research, the study engages theological and historical sources, including books, journal articles, and archival records, to examine the role of gospel music as a tool for personal and communal liberation. The research highlights how gospel music facilitates spiritual freedom, not only in individual contexts but also within broader social and communal settings. It addresses the Pentecostal and African church communities, while also appealing to a wider Christian audience interested in the intersection of gospel music, spiritual warfare, and liberation. The findings confirm that gospel music serves as a transformative force within the Church, reinforcing its role in both personal faith and collective resistance against oppression. This article calls for further scholarly exploration of gospel music’s profound impact on Christian worship, social justice, and spiritual renewal.

Author Biography

Sakhiseni Joseph Yende, University of South Africa

Sakhiseni Joseph Yende is an emerging distinguished multidisciplinary young scholar currently affiliated with the University of Western Cape in South Africa, where he serves as a postdoctoral fellow in the New Archival Visions programme at the Centre for Humanities Research. His academic journey has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to various facets of the performing arts, with a particular focus on opera. Yende’s PhD is titled "Investigating the challenges and discovering workable solutions for the future of opera companies in South Africa", Sakhiseni's expertise is poised to make a substantial impact in his field. The culmination of this achievement is set for June 2024. Sakhiseni's rich professional background encompasses diverse roles. In 2014 to 2015, he served as a library assistant at the Tshwane University of Technology, specifically within the Faculty of Arts & Design, Department of Performing Arts. Following this, in 2016, he took on a junior researcher and project manager position at Jive Media Africa, working closely with socially and financially marginalized youth in rural areas across South Africa. Further, in the same year, he became a valuable member of JD Mosiah Primary School, taking on the responsibilities of head of music and teacher. Sakhiseni's commitment to education and the arts led him back to the Tshwane University of Technology (Faculty of Arts & Design) in 2017, where he worked until 2023. In this capacity, he served as an assistant lecturer, research assistant, and curriculum development assistant. During this period, he honed his academic research skills and taught a research methods course. Sakhiseni also played an instrumental role in supervising both honours and master’s students in fields such as Dance, Vocal Arts (Opera), and Musical Theatre. Sakhiseni's research interests are both wide-ranging and impactful. His work delves into areas including musicology, ethnomusicology, music education, African music, gospel music, opera, political sciences, and education. With his remarkable academic journey and diverse contributions to the performing arts, Sakhiseni J. Yende stands as a formidable force in the field, poised to continue making significant strides in the years to come. ORCID ID – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7649-2799

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