Those same theologians also must inform classes that many Christians totally ignore the Holy Spirit. (Which, if you are now counting, means many Christians end up being "binitarians".) But, when it comes to the Spirit, there is a re-awakening of not only interest but practice itself.
Hence, the new book by LeRon Shults and Andrea Hollingsworth, The Holy Spirit (Eerdmans Guides to Theology)
, is a huge help. This is a perfect book for a budding theologian or for one who needs to catch up. Here's why:
First, it is brief -- appr 150 pages.
Second, it has a readable, informed, and comprehensive sketch of the history of thinking about the Holy Spirit -- not too dense for students and brief enough for the pastor. Excellent sections on the Cappadocians and on Calvin, who is often neglected when it comes to the Holy Spirit. Nice sections on Pietism and Pentecostalism.
Third, it is not shaped by inter-evangelical debates but by the great ideas and thinkers in the history of the Church. The door is open for all the major thinkers, whether it is Charles Hodge or Friedrich Schleiermacher -- and not to be forgotten are the ecumenical movement, feminist and liberation theologies. The discussion ends with the prospects of how Holy Spirit will be understood in light of recent developments in theology.
And, fourth, a complete annotated bibliography. I read the annotations and for everyone I have read I thought the brief description was accurate and useful.
This is, unless I'm mistaken, the first volume in Eerdmans' new series, Guides to Theology, a series sponsored by the Christian Theological Research Fellowship. If all the volumes are like this ... we're in for some great reading!
Second, it has a readable, informed, and comprehensive sketch of the history of thinking about the Holy Spirit -- not too dense for students and brief enough for the pastor. Excellent sections on the Cappadocians and on Calvin, who is often neglected when it comes to the Holy Spirit. Nice sections on Pietism and Pentecostalism.
Third, it is not shaped by inter-evangelical debates but by the great ideas and thinkers in the history of the Church. The door is open for all the major thinkers, whether it is Charles Hodge or Friedrich Schleiermacher -- and not to be forgotten are the ecumenical movement, feminist and liberation theologies. The discussion ends with the prospects of how Holy Spirit will be understood in light of recent developments in theology.
And, fourth, a complete annotated bibliography. I read the annotations and for everyone I have read I thought the brief description was accurate and useful.
This is, unless I'm mistaken, the first volume in Eerdmans' new series, Guides to Theology, a series sponsored by the Christian Theological Research Fellowship. If all the volumes are like this ... we're in for some great reading!
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Mariam: of course I was being tongue-in-cheek. Maybe a theology blog is not the kind of place to waste sarcasm. Sorry if anyone was offended.
Well, maybe I'm out of sorts these days. Our pastor left and is now tending bar.
Mike, your sarcasm was just too realistic. I had flashbacks of "Oneness" Pentecostals trying to evangelize me away from believing in the Trinity.
Travis (#13): I hear you. Except for the first 2 lines of my post (which I personally think are hilarious), most of the rest are direct quotes. Not from the Oneness Pentecostals though, but mainly Sabbatarians of whatever hue.
Phew! Satire is a tough thing in America, because there is always a good bit of reality that is weirder and more wonderful (or not) than the joke, especially when it comes to religion and politics. You simply can't exaggerate enough to outdo the absurdities found in real life - or surreal life. I've made the mistake before of thinking someone was doing a "Borat", and laughing loudly, only to find that they were serious. Not that I have anything against weirdness, as long as it doesn't involve weapons or bylaws. Absurdity is one of things that make life more bearable.
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