Pozadí a teologie Kurzů Alfa - diplomová práce
Summary
Pozadí a teologie Kurzů Alfa
Background and Theology of Alpha Courses
Aleš Franc
Today, Alpha Courses are largely spread ecumenical activity in which almost every contemporary existing Christian Churches, both Catholic and Evangelical, participate. The vision of Courses is the evangelization of nations which is raised up by “visible unity” of participated Churches. The Courses for this purpose offer to Christian assemblies a well-developed strategy to reach people, involving secular techniques of business and management. The Principle of Courses is the paradigm “belong before believe”. “Belief and doctrines” are not primarily important but “well comfortable and friendly atmosphere” are. That, in co-operation with Holy Ghost, acquires participants of Courses. This atmosphere is formed around common supper, tee and coffee. There exists a presumption that people remain in churches for their friendship with other people in fellowship. Created friendship bonds are more powerful than individual belief of participants before their conversion. These bonds are created during discussing in cells of Alpha Courses and people continuing in church cells in the future.
If people start to be Christians during Course, it usually happens during a “Holy Spirit weekend.” After praying to Holy Spirit during this weekend, people feel “the God's love”, “the power of God” which is ordinarily connected with bodily manifestation such as “heat”, “laughter” “downfall” etc. This experience is derived from Charismatic Movement especially Toronto blessing phenomena. The Charismatic Movement influence is distinguished in other teachings predominantly in Pneumatology and Ecclesiology.
Evangelization is not the sole purpose of Alpha Course. These Courses change preaching, liturgy and structure of involved churches to allow effortless participation of people attracted via thought Alpha. Alpha Courses are influenced by two popular charismatic leaders: Benny Hinn and John Wimber, which are cited in manuals or their books are recommended in Alpha literature. Be removing the differences between different Christian Confessions through specific experiences and emphasizing the visible unity, the Courses are approaching resolutions of II. Vatican Council of Roman-Catholic Church.