Digital Pentecostal Sacramentality

Abstract This article explores the online healing praxis of Benny Hinn through the lens of Pentecostal sacramentality. It outlines the way Hinn uses Zoom software in his tv studio to extend his healing ministry to people who have joined the meeting in real time from around the globe. The contribution of Nathaniel J. Homewood is used to analyse Hinn’s healing praxis online (designated as ‘Zoompartation’), which illustrates the haptic culture of Pentecostalism. It is then reframed using Wolfgang Vondey’s discussion of the Pentecostal ‘altar’ and the concept of sacramentality. The argument of this study is that Hinn has adapted his already implicit sacramentality to perform what might be termed a Pentecostal digital haptic sacramentality. This study builds on the theology of mediation in Pentecostal and Charismatic theology and develops it by giving more attention to symbolic action, hence the notion of sacramentality. The article is significant in developing the theological understanding of digital Pentecostalism and contributes to digital ecclesiology.