A Pentecostal Hermeneutic for the Twenty First Century


Book Description

The purpose of this book is to present a critically informed contemporary Pentecostal hermeneutic rooted in Pentecostal identity, in its stories, beliefs and practices. As Pentecostals began entering academic communities of higher learning, their interpretive methods became both mainstream and modernistic as they adapted the historical critical methods, or the so-called scientific hermeneutic. The proposed hermeneutic contained in this book desires to move beyond the impasse created by Modernity, instead pushing Pentecostals into the contemporary context by critically re-appropriating early Pentecostal ethos and interpretive practices for a contemporary Pentecostal community. The Pentecostal hermeneutic is a three-way interaction for theological meaning between the Holy Spirit, the Pentecostal community and sacred Scripture.




Are Miraculous Gifts for Today?


Book Description

Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? takes you to the heart of one of the most dividing questions in the Church today: how are the Holy Spirit’s miracles at work among God's people now? Is he still actively giving the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and healing that fill the book of Acts? Is he driving out demons when Christians command them to flee? Or are these events confined to the time of the early church and the apostles? This volume of the Counterpoints series provides an impartial format for comparing the four main positions on present-day miracles (including the history and distinctions between the three positions that affirm miraculous gifts) with voice also given to a large sector of open-but-cautious evangelicals: Cessationist: there are no miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit today. Pentecostal: gifts are intended for today, with certain nuances focused on baptism and speaking in tongues. Charismatic: gifts are intended for today and should be actively practiced. Third Wave: gifts are intended for today, with greater emphasis on baptism and less on tongues. This thought-provoking book will help Christians on every side of the miraculous gifts debate to better understand their own position and the positions of others. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.




Father, Son and Spirit


Book Description

In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Andreas J. Köstenberger and Scott R. Swain provide a thorough biblical survey and theological treatment of the three persons of the Godhead in John's Gospel.




The Spirit in the Book of Revelation


Book Description

The investigation centres on the role of the Spirit in Revelation, which the author considers is best defined as the Spirit of Prophecy. A survey of scholarship on the pneumatology of the Apocalypse is followed by a study of intertextual connections. The author’s own religious context within Pentecostalism then informs a possible hermeneutic that is faithful to the ethos of the movement. Biblical and literary studies are situated within the context of a Pentecostal community as attention is paid to the prophecy concerning the temple and the witnesses in Rev 11. This key passage is shown to form the theological as well as the literary centre of the Spirit’s role in Revelation.







Historical Theology


Book Description

Historical Theology presents the key pillars of the contemporary church and the development of those doctrines as they evolved from the history of Christian thought. Most historical theology texts follow Christian beliefs in a strict chronological manner with the classic theological loci scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies—making for good history but confusing theology. This companion to the classic bestseller Systematic Theology is unique among historical theologies. Gregg Allison sets out the history of Christian doctrine according to a topical-chronological arrangement—one theological element at a time instead of committing to a discussion of theological thought according to its historical appearance alone. This method allows you to: Contemplate one tenet of Christianity at a time, along with its formulation in the early church—through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period. Become familiar with the primary source material of Christian history's most important contributors, such as Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others. Understand the development of evangelical doctrine with a focus on the centrality of the gospel. Discern a sense of urgent need for greater doctrinal understanding in the whole church. Historical Theology is an easy-to-read textbook for any Christian who wants to know how the church has come to believe what it believes today. Gregg Allison's clear and concise structure make this resource an ideal introduction to Christian doctrine.




The Holy Spirit


Book Description

This book studies the Holy Spirit through the lens of both biblical and systematic theology. It provides a comprehensive look at the third person of the Trinity as revealed by Scripture, focusing on eight central themes and assumptions.




Baptism and Fullness


Book Description

The Holy Spirit continues to be at work around the world, yet much confusion and controversy remain regarding the Holy Spirit's activity. In this classic study, John Stott provides clear biblical exposition on the promise, the fruit, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, expanding on the nature of "the baptism of the Spirit" and whether certain spiritual experiences should be normative for all Christians.




Spirit and Scripture


Book Description

This book considers the academic treatment of biblical interpretation in the renewal movement, the fastest growing tradition in Christendom today. After an initial chapter surveying the history of biblical interpretation, Part II outlines a proposal for the future of biblical hermeneutics in the tradition. Six renewal scholars address certain key questions. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation? What are the distinctive presuppositions, methods and goals of renewal biblical hermeneutics? Three prominent biblical scholars (Craig G. Bartholomew, James D.G. Dunn, R. Walter L. Moberly) respond to the proposals outlined above. These critical responses deepen the examination of renewal biblical hermeneutics as well as increase its appeal to biblical and theological scholars in general. The final chapter offers a synthesis and evaluation of the accomplishments of the discussion, as well as an assessment of the state of the discipline with an eye toward the future.