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You are here: Home / On/File / November/December 2008

On/File: November/December 2008

November 1, 2008 by Richard Cimino

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Word of Life (or Livets Ord) has been one of the largest charismatic groups in Sweden, if not Europe, but recently the Uppsala-based movement has moved in more ecumenical and “Catholic” directions.

In the past, Word of Life has generated its share of controversy over its “word-faith” teachings (where one is taught to claim God’s blessings and prosperity), with anti-cultist groups also claiming that the group displayed authoritarian tendencies. But now Word of Life, under its leader Ulf Elkman, is increasingly associating with Catholic, Orthodox and high church Lutheran circles and teachings. Elkman insists that

he is not adopting Catholicism, but only broadening his theology and promoting new unity among Christians. Elkman has spoken at charismatic Catholic gatherings and is associating with Oasis, the Swedish Lutheran charismatic movement, and the high church Lutheran Ostanback monastery.

He recently stated that “[w]ith secularism and Islam taking over in Europe, revival slogans won’t suffice. The need of the hour is a powerful, effective unity including the historic churches.” While avoiding debates over Catholic teachings, Elkman added that the recent undoing of the Lakeland healing revival in Florida over leadership scandals has highlighted the “need to tie in with classical doctrines and with a stricter understanding of the church offices.”

(Source: Charisma, November)

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Filed Under: On/File

Also in this issue

  • Findings & Footnotes: November/December 2008
  • “Non-Jewish Jews” growing in Israel
  • Current Research: November/December 2008
  • New interfaith movement takes congregational approach
  • Emerging Movement finds niche in American denominations
  • Did subtle shifts in the religious vote play a part in the Obama victory?
  • Financial crisis felt across the religious spectrum
  • More Muslim women running for U.S. political office since 9/11

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