Journal of Pentecostal Theology current issue

The Prophet as Mentor: A Crucial Facet of the Biblical Presentations of Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah

Moore, R. D. — 2007-03-07

Contrary to the common stereotype of the ancient Israelite prophet as a ‘lone ranger’, the Old Testament yields a significant amount of evidence that prophets nurtured and were nurtured by supportive social groups within which attention is given particularly to mentoring relationships. This is brought to special focus and emphasis in the Elijah-Elisha materials, but it can also be found in the biblical presentations of other leading prophetic figures, especially Moses and Isaiah. This paper examines these materials for the insights they yield on the matter of the role of the Hebrew prophet as mentor. Some concluding reflections are offered as to how these insights can inform prophetic ministry in the church today.

A Response to Rickie Moore's 'the Prophet as Mentor'

Brueggemann, W. — 2007-03-07

Why does Luke use Tongues as A Sign of the Spirit's Empowerment?

Keener, C. S. — 2007-03-07

Luke does not present tongues as a sign of Spirit baptism merely arbitrarily, but because it is logically connected to the purpose of baptism in the Spirit. Luke emphasizes baptism in the Spirit as power to testify for Christ cross-culturally; what better sign to evidence this particular empowerment of the Spirit than inspiration to speak in the languages of other cultures?

A Response to James Shelton concerning Jesus and Healing: Yesterday and Today

Warrington, K. — 2007-03-07

This is a response to an article written by James Shelton (‘"Not Like It Used to Be?" Jesus, Miracles, and Today’, JPT 14.2 [April 2006], pp. 219-27) apparently in response to an article of mine, ‘Acts and the Healing Narratives: Why’, published in JPT 14.2 (April 2006), pp. 189-217. In it I sought to explore the purposes of Luke in selecting and presenting the healing miracles in the way that he did in the Acts of the Apostles whilst positing lessons for the readers then and now. This rejoinder to Professor Shelton relates to areas of debate concerning healing, only some of which are located in the original article.

Pneumatological Perspectives for A Theology of Nature: The Holy Spirit in Relation to Ecology and Technology

Gabriel, A. K. — 2007-03-07

How does the relationship of the Holy Spirit to creation guide theology of nature? This paper will propose that, on a cosmological level, the Spirit, as the ‘Giver of Life’, produces kinship among creatures, that the Spirit suffers with creation’s suffering and as his perfecting work is frustrated, and that the Spirit gifts certain aspects of technological culture. The presence of the Spirit in nature causes us to respect nature, nevertheless, the Spirit may guide people to shape nature in ways that are consonant with the Spirit’s life-giving work.

Pentecostal Ecclesiology: A Methodological Proposal for A Diverse Movement

Clifton, S. — 2007-03-07

This paper is stimulated by the need to develop an ecclesiological method that is capable of describing and analysing the diverse self-understandings that characterize global Pentecostalism (or any Christian Church). It begins by observing the limitations of idealist approaches to ecclesiology, and instead proposes a concrete ecclesiological method. Concrete ecclesiology will include the narrative of particular Churches and movements, describe the explicit and implicit self-understanding that accompanies this narrative, and assess ecclesial transitions. Since the Church is a human and divine community, analysis will incorporate theological categories and the human sciences. Consequently, the paper considers how the ecclesiologist might appropriate the multifaceted discipline of sociology. The goal is an ecclesiology that is not reduced only to ideal categories, but that is capable of analysing the complex reality of indigenous Pentecostal Churches.

Radically Orthodox, Reformed, and Pentecostal: Rethinking the Intersection of Post/Modernity and the Religions in Conversation with James K.A. Smith

Yong, A. — 2007-03-07

The Radical Orthodoxy [RO] movement has been gaining momentum in the theological academy. Its most recent spokesperson, James Smith, attempts to extend the RO vision in dialogue with the Dutch Reformed tradition. Clearly, the central features of ‘Reformed’ RO empower a kind of prophetic engagement with the various domains of late modern society. At another level, however, the globalizing features of our time mean that the dominant pagan deities are not just secularism, nihilism, or capitalism, but also those of other religions. At this level, even a ‘Reformed’ RO may be unable to sustain an engagement with the plurality of mythoi operative in the public square. Rather than undermining the Radically-Reformed project revisioned by Smith, I propose a ‘pneumatological assist’ and argue that a more robust pneumatological theology (suggested but undeveloped by Smith) enables the kind of engagement that is required in our religiously plural late modern world.

The Spirit, Religions, and the World as Sacrament: A Response to Amos Yong's Pneumatological Assist

Smith, J. K.A. — 2007-03-07

This article responds to Amos Yong’s critique of the author’s Introducing Radical Orthodoxy by focusing on two themes: (1) his analysis of the tension between my creational, participatory or sacramental ontology and my more antithetical assertions regarding the Church as a unique polis; and (2) the question of apologetics, dialogue, and interreligious engagements. In response, I develop an intensity account of participation that applies to both ontology and theology of culture.

A Response to Tony Richie's 'Azusa Era Optimism: Bishop J.H. King's Pentecostal Theology of Religions as a Possible Paradigm for Today'

Karkkainen, V.-M. — 2007-03-07

In this appreciative response to Tony Richie’s paper, Richie is urged to relate the Pentecostal theology of religions of Bishop King to a wider theology of religions discourse and to be more specific about what he means by King’s alleged ‘optimism’ about religions.

A Reply to Veli-Matti Karkkainen's Response

Richie, T. — 2007-03-07

This reply to Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen further affirms the importance of work in the theology of religions for Pentecostals and Charismatics today that first prompted the author’s original inquiry into the views of a major early Pentecostal leader, Bishop J.H. King, concerning interfaith encounter and understanding. This dialogue with Kärkkäinen supports suggestions that an overall program of rediscovering, reclaiming, restoring, and revisioning our Pentecostal theology of religions heritage seems advisable. King’s obviously optimistic theology of religions, however, must be carefully distinguished from pluralism and set in the context of its Wesleyan roots and Evangelical emphases. Further development of what King provides in embryonic form is demanded. King represents an optimistic but still Christocentric strain shared by other Pentecostals within early stages of the movement. Not at all amounting to an uncritical approbation of world religions, this revolutionary discovery does decidedly enlarge understandings of Christ’s lordship beyond the pale of any particular religion. Careful terminology in order to avoid misunderstanding is called for and conceded. Pentecostal hypersensitivity regarding theology of religions highlights the need for constant clarification of contrariness to liberal religious pluralism. King’s legacy invalidates any assumption that earlier (older) Pentecostal resources on religions are exclusively pessimistic. Implications are immense for Christian mission and interreligious relations.