The purpose of this article is to assess the historical development of spiritual warfare theory from an evangelical missiology. The recent spiritual warfare theory has emerged due to the sudden growth of Pentecostals during 20th century, along with a few missiologists’ introduction of ‘power encounter’ to the evangelical missiology which was often observed in animistic culture. The movement became widespread by the enthusiastic advocating efforts of Peter Wagner at Fuller Theological Seminary. The movement became widely acknowledged during the second Lausanne Congress at Manila in 1989. After the second Lausanne Congress meeting, the subgroup of Spiritual Warfare Network was finally formed within Lausanne movement and became the chief center of the proliferation of the theory among evangelical churches. While this theory became so prevalent among evangelical mission practices, there also emerged of the voice of caution to this theory among other evangelical missiologists. In 1993, a meaningful discussion on this issue within Lausanne camp initiated the discussion and “the Statement on Spiritual Warfare” became available by Lausanne committee. This was the first official voice of Lausanne group on this issue. This statement expressed the negative attitude toward spiritual warfare theory. From 1993 to 2000, even within evangelical camps, the polarization between Spiritual Warfare advocates and those who criticized them became obvious. But, in 2000, “Consultation on Deliver Us from Evil.” has presented the moderate and balanced view on this issue, and provides new way to make a reconciliation between two groups. Therefore, what are the biblical views on spiritual warfare? To assess biblical and healthier understanding of Spiritual Warfare theory, the paper attempts to provide dangers of this theory as well as its possibilities in our missionary practice. Some dangers are such as its experience-oriented approaches, its lack of sanctification aspect in Christian life, its too-much emphasis on demonology and miracle, and its danger of Christian magic and etc. Moreover, in order to exercise healthy practices on spiritual warfare, first, the biblical concept of spiritual warfare is needed; second, more extensive and broader understanding of spiritual conflict is needed. Third, its emphasis on the prayer must be well-taken by other evangelicals. Lastly, the other Christian virtue must be balanced with the practices of spiritual conflict.

• 박보경(장로회신학대학교, 선교학) | Bokyoung Park