Pentecostal Experience: An Ecumenical Encounter

by Peter D. Neumann

Overview

Pentecostals are known for an experiential spirituality that emphasizes immediate encounters with God through the Holy Spirit. But how should such experience be understood? Is it, in fact, quite so immediate? Neumann argues that Pentecostal experience of God is mediated by the Spirit's work through Scripture, the Christian tradition, and the broader cultural context. Using the work of three contemporary Pentecostal theologians--Frank D. Macchia, Simon K. H. Chan, and Amos Yong--the book demonstrates that a mediated view of experience of God is forging a more mature Pentecostal theology. As further evidence of this maturation, Neumann engages these Pentecostal theologians in ecumenical dialogue with leading representatives from Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630870140
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	08/22/2012
Series:	Princeton Theological Monograph Series , #187
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	386
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Peter D. Neumann (PhD, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology) is the Assistant Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Master's College and Seminary, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction 1

1 Experience of God in Christian Theology and Traditions: Challenges and Varieties 21

2 Pentecostalism and Experience of the Spirit 100

3 Frank D. Macchia: Experiencing the Spirit through the Word 162

4 Simon K.H. Chan: Experiencing the Spirit through Tradition 218

5 Amos Young: Experiencing the Spirit through Reason 273

Conclusion 331

Bibliography 339

Author Index 361

Subject Index 365

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The maturation of pentecostal theology and scholarship, Neumann's analysis shows, also brings with it the conflict of pentecostal interpretations. Welcome to the contestations!"
—Amos Yong, Regent University

"Finally, a sustained engagement of the most essential feature of pentecostal-charismatic spirituality: transformative encounters with God . . . Pentecostal Experience will become a standard reference for future discussions of experience in Pentecostalism, and [it will] serve as a testament to the maturation of pentecostal theology."
—Kenneth J. Archer, Southeastern University

"Neumann demonstrates the high level of theological reflection and sophistication undertaken by pentecostal theologians in examining the constructive role of experience. He is mindful of the role of experience in contemporary Christian theology and the plurality that already exists among the leading lights. With the publication of this book, Neumann himself will rank within that company."
—Ralph Del Colle, Marquette University

"In Pentecostal Experience, Neumann challenges Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal alike. With laser-sharp theological precision he critiques traditional Pentecostal self-understanding of the experience of the Holy Spirit. But he casts his net wide to capture ecumenical voices, which he sets in dialogue with the best current, Pentecostal thinking. This book is a must-read for anyone hoping to theologically engage a new generation of global Pentecostals."
—David A. Reed, Wycliffe College

"Neumann has given us a helpful exploration into how pentecostal theologians deal with the role of experience . . . Those interested in pentecostal theology, or broader issues concerning the role of experience in theological method, will find a feast of insight in this book."
—Frank D. Macchia, Vanguard University of Southern California

Editorial Reviews

"The maturation of pentecostal theology and scholarship, Neumann's analysis shows, also brings with it the conflict of pentecostal interpretations. Welcome to the contestations!"
—Amos Yong, Regent University

"Finally, a sustained engagement of the most essential feature of pentecostal-charismatic spirituality: transformative encounters with God . . . Pentecostal Experience will become a standard reference for future discussions of experience in Pentecostalism, and [it will] serve as a testament to the maturation of pentecostal theology."
—Kenneth J. Archer, Southeastern University

"Neumann demonstrates the high level of theological reflection and sophistication undertaken by pentecostal theologians in examining the constructive role of experience. He is mindful of the role of experience in contemporary Christian theology and the plurality that already exists among the leading lights. With the publication of this book, Neumann himself will rank within that company."
—Ralph Del Colle, Marquette University

"In Pentecostal Experience, Neumann challenges Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal alike. With laser-sharp theological precision he critiques traditional Pentecostal self-understanding of the experience of the Holy Spirit. But he casts his net wide to capture ecumenical voices, which he sets in dialogue with the best current, Pentecostal thinking. This book is a must-read for anyone hoping to theologically engage a new generation of global Pentecostals."
—David A. Reed, Wycliffe College

"Neumann has given us a helpful exploration into how pentecostal theologians deal with the role of experience . . . Those interested in pentecostal theology, or broader issues concerning the role of experience in theological method, will find a feast of insight in this book."
—Frank D. Macchia, Vanguard University of Southern California

From the Publisher