GRACE BIBLE COLLEGE

THESIS PROPOSAL

In partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course

"STUDIES SKILL & RESEARCH METHODOLOGY GS301"

I declare that this assignment is my own unaided work. I have not copied it from any person,
article, book, website or other form of storage. Every idea or phrase that is not own has been
duly acknowledge.

Submitted to:

Sir Lalboi Kilong

Submitted by:

Suanmuanlian, M.Div 2

Regd. No 1696 of 2023

Date of submission: 30/10/2023

1. THESIS TITTLE

"An Analysis of 'Slaying in the Spirit': A Biblical Examination and Its Impact on the
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in Lamka."

2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

Among the Christians in Lamka, there has been a growing practice known as "Slaying in
the Spirit," which is characterized by the sudden loss of bodily control and falling to the ground
when an individual is touched or prayed over by another person.1 This practice is claimed to
be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. The central issue at hand is whether "Slaying in
the Spirit" aligns with biblical teachings and whether it should be practiced by Christians who
adhere to a biblically grounded faith.

3. ELABORATION OF THE PROBLEM

The phenomenon of "Slaying in the Spirit" is a practice that raises questions about its
alignment with biblical principles. While the phrase "Slaying in the Spirit" is not explicitly
mentioned in the Scriptures, biblical narratives do contain instances of individuals falling to
the ground or entering into trances in the presence of God (e.g., Acts 9:3-9; Matthew 17:1-9;
Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:9-10; Revelation 1:17). These examples make people wonder if these
experiences are theologically correct and what their theological basis is.

The prevalence of "Slaying in the Spirit" in Lamka is primarily attributed to revivalist

speakers coming from other states to conduct revival meetings or crusades. It has gained
popularity, especially among individuals seeking spiritual revival, as well as physical and
emotional healing. However, its acceptance varies among different Christian communities.
Therefore, this research aims to critically analyse "Slaying in the Spirit" within the Christian
tradition, exploring its theological foundations and interpretations.

The potential concern lies in the possibility of incorrect indoctrination about the work of
the Holy Spirit, especially among members of the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in
Lamka, because engaging in forms of worship that are not in alignment with God's teachings
can open the door to evil spirits.2 Therefore, this study intends to explore the multifaceted

1
Got Questions, “Does 2 Chronicles 5:14 teach slaying in the Spirit?”.
https://www.gotquestions.org/slaying-in-the-Spirit.html, (Accessed Oct 20, 2023).
2
George E Gardener, The Corinthian Catastrophe, (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1974), pg 55.
nature of "Slaying in the Spirit" while addressing the specific faith community, the Evangelical
Baptist Convention Church in Lamka.

The primary purpose is to conduct a biblical examination of "Slaying in the Spirit" to

determine whether it aligns with biblical teachings and whether biblically sound Christians
should practice it. Simultaneously, the research aims to provide a biblically grounded
perspective on how the Holy Spirit operates in the lives of contemporary Christians,
contributing to the ongoing theological discourse on spiritual manifestations and their
implications within the Christian faith.

4. PURPOSE OF THE STATEMENT

4.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
a. To critically analyse "Slaying in the Spirit" within the Christian tradition, exploring its
theological foundations, interpretations, and manifestations.
b. To evaluate whether "Slaying in the Spirit" aligns with the principles and teachings
presented in the Bible.
c. To assess whether biblically sound Christians should practice "Slaying in the Spirit."
d. To provide a biblically grounded perspective on how the Holy Spirit operates in the lives
of contemporary Christians.
e. To contribute to the ongoing theological discourse on spiritual manifestations and their
implications within the Christian faith.
4.2 OBJECTIVE QUESTION

Does the practice of "Slaying in the Spirit" align with biblical principles and teachings, and
should biblically sound Christians engage in this practice based on a biblical examination?
Additionally, how is "Slaying in the Spirit" understood and interpreted within the Christian
tradition, and what is the biblical perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
contemporary Christians, considering the broader theological discourse on spiritual
manifestations and their implications?

5. SCOPE AND LIMITATION

Scope:
a. This study is primarily focused on the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church in Lamka,
investigating the experiences and beliefs of its members concerning the practice and
multifaceted nature of "Slaying in the Spirit" and assesses its impact on the spiritual
lives of its members.
 b. The study critically analyses the prevalence of "Slaying in the Spirit" within the
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church, exploring potential consequences arising from
incorrect indoctrination regarding the Holy Spirit's work.
c. It offers a biblical perspective on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's work within
contemporary Christians, considering the broader theological discourse on spiritual
manifestations and their implications.
d. The study's findings can be broadly generalizable to other Christian denominations or
communities outside the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church who holds the same
doctrinal teachings and principle.

Limitations:
a. The research may rely on self-reported experiences and beliefs of church members,
which can be subjective and influenced by personal interpretations.
b. Due to constraints of time and resources, the study may not cover all aspects of the
"Slaying in the Spirit" practice and its theological implications in extensive depth.
c. Cultural and regional factors specific to Lamka and its surrounding regions may
influence the findings, which may not be applicable to different cultural contexts.

6. PREVIOUS RESEARCH

This research paper aims to conduct a thorough critical analysis of "Slaying in the Spirit"
within the Christian community of Lamka, shedding light on its implications and potential
pitfalls related to possible incorrect indoctrination, particularly within the Evangelical Baptist
Convention Church in Lamka. This approach provides a clear direction for the study,
addressing an area of research that, to the best of my knowledge, has not been previously
explored.

7. HYPOTHESIS

The practice of "Slaying in the Spirit" within the Lamka’s Christian is likely to have a
significant impact on the theological perspectives and its experience among the members of
Evangelical Baptist Convention Church. This impact may vary based on individual beliefs and
interpretations, potentially leading to wrong indoctrination, and could influence the overall
dynamics of the church community.

8. METHODOLOGY
 Approach and Perspective: The research will adopt a multi-faceted approach with both
qualitative and quantitative elements. It will involve an exploratory perspective, aiming to
understand the phenomenon of "Slaying in the Spirit" from various angles, including
theological, experiential, and sociological aspects. This approach will provide a comprehensive
view of the subject.

8.1 PRIMARY METHOD

a. In-depth Interviews

In-depth interviews will be conducted with a selected group of members from the Evangelical
Baptist Convention Church in Lamka who have witnessed and experienced "Slaying in the
Spirit." The interviews will be semi-structured and open-ended, allowing participants to
express their beliefs, experiences, and perceptions regarding this practice and its impact.

b. Participant Observation

Participant observation will be carried out by attending crusade and revival events in Lamka
where "Slaying in the Spirit" is practiced. This will provide an opportunity to witness the
practice and its variations, as well as to engage with the attending EBC church members. The
researcher will not participate in the practice but will observe and document it to gain a deeper
understanding of its manifestations and the reactions it elicits.

8.2 SECONDARY METHOD

a. Literature Review

A thorough review of existing literature on "Slaying in the Spirit," spiritual

manifestations, and the Holy Spirit's work will be conducted. This will include academic
articles, theological writings, and reports, and will serve as a foundation for understanding the
practice, its history, and theological interpretations.

b. Theological Analysis

A theological analysis will be undertaken to assess the doctrinal positions and

theological underpinnings associated with "Slaying in the Spirit." This analysis will involve a
critical examination of the practice in light of Biblical teachings and other theological
resources.

c. Comparative Studies
 Comparative studies will be carried out to explore how similar spiritual phenomena are
understood and practiced in other Christian traditions and as well as in another religion apart
from Christianity. This will provide a broader perspective on spiritual manifestations and their
interpretations across various faith communities.

9. DEFINITION – Word that are technical or difficult.

10. TENTATIVE OUTLINE

Table of Contents

Abstract

Summary of the Thesis

Acknowledgments

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the Study

2. Statement of the Problem
3. Significance of the Study
4. Scope and Limitations
5. Purpose of the Study
6. Research Questions
7. Hypothesis
8. Methodology
9. Outline of the Thesis

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Introduction to the Literature Review

2. Historical Background of "Slaying in the Spirit"
3. Theological Perspectives on the Holy Spirit
4. "Slaying in the Spirit" in Charismatic and Pentecostal Traditions
5. Variations of the Practice
6. Acceptance and Criticisms of "Slaying in the Spirit"
7. Theological Discourse on Spiritual Manifestations
8. Gaps in Existing Literature
CHAPTER 3: THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF "SLAYING IN THE SPIRIT"

1. Introduction to Theological Foundations

2. Understanding the Holy Spirit in Christianity
3. Biblical Narratives of Falling and Trance-Like States
4. Interpretations of "Slaying in the Spirit"
5. The Role of Faith and Belief
6. Implications of the Theological Foundations

CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY

1. Research Design
2. Data Collection Methods
3. Selection of Participants
4. Data Analysis
5. Ethical Considerations
6. Limitations of the Methodology

CHAPTER 5: PRESENTATION OF DATA

1. Introduction to Data Presentation

2. In-Depth Interviews
3. Participant Observations
4. Analysis of Data

CHAPTER 6: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

1. Introduction to Analysis
2. Assessment of "Slaying in the Spirit" in the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church
3. Biblical Examination of the Practice
4. Perspectives of Members
5. Implications for Biblically Grounded Christianity
6. Contribution to the Theological Discourse
7. Addressing the Research Questions
8. Supporting or Refuting the Hypothesis

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION

1. Summary of Findings
 2. Conclusions and Implications
3. Recommendations for the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church
4. Recommendations for Future Research
5. Final Remarks

Bibliography

Appendices

a. Informed Consent Forms

b. Transcriptions of Interviews (if applicable)
c. Tables and Figures (if any)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Got Questions, “Does 2 Chronicles 5:14 teach slaying in the Spirit?”.

https://www.gotquestions.org/slaying-in- the-Spirit.html, (Accessed Oct 20, 2023).
Gardener E. George, The Corinthian Catastrophe, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1974, pg 55.