Rhétorique du discours thérapeutique en thaumaturgie pentecôtiste
Rhetoric of the therapeutic discourse in Pentecostal thaumaturgy

Summary/Abstract: Observing the prodigious growth of Pentecostalism religion, one may assert that A. Malraux’s prophesy is being accomplished. Indeed, the French cultural minister and writer prophesized that the 21st century would have been religious or not. Religious sociologists confirm the religious character of our century. Meanwhile scientists are not able to characterize this epoch: is it post, up-modern, ultramodern, or hyper-modern? In this paper, we’ll deal with the medicinal aspects of this confession; precisely we argue that the pastors as healers are using persuasive discourses to reach their goal: restoring people to their health – what appears to many observers as manipulation. Nevertheless the theatrical aspects of their rhetoric, their discursive performance – based upon the bible which is considered as a medical handbook dealing with Jesus thaumaturgy –, order a profound analysis. We posit that their healing success is based upon their oratorical talent. Consequently, if we analyze their practices of expression, we’ll be able to explain what is beyond this universal healing success, within Western and Southern societies.

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