A reading of “oil” (James 5:14) in the Ghanaian Christian Ministry

Abstract

This paper sought to examine the meaning and the significance of James 5:14. The place of anointing oil in Christian ministry has taken on new meanings and significance, albeit the traditional views. The anointing oil is being used for exorcism, as a repellant against evil powers, an aid of socio-economic well-being and the like. However, through a lexico-syntactical analysis, it has been concluded that the oil referred to in the passage has a pure medical significance and that prayer of faith, as the worldview of the author, reinforces and accelerates the healing process of the medicinal oil. Therefore, any Christian who shares the worldview of the author can blend prayer of faith and any prescribed medicine to help in a healing process.

Keywords: Oil, Ghanaian Christian, Christian ministry, Anointing oil, Bibiani Court