The Nature of Pentecostal Theology: A Response to Velli-Matti Kärkkäinen and Amos Yong

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-213
Author(s):  
Robert P. Menzies
Keyword(s):  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
Pentecostal Theology ◽  
The World ◽  
Theological Orientation ◽  
Inclusive Theology

The author offers a response to Velli-Matti Kärkkäinen’s essay, ‘Pentecostal Pneumatology of Religions: The Contribution of Pentecostalism to Our Understanding of the Work of God’s Spirit in the World’, which appeared in The Spirit in the World (2009) and often cites the work of Amos Yong. The author, who also draws from their wider writings, argues that while Kärkkäinen and Yong hail from Pentecostal backgrounds, their theological orientation is charismatic rather than Pentecostal; their approach is pneumatological rather than Pentecostal; and their methodology is ecumenical rather than Evangelical. More specifically, the author suggests that Kärkkäinen and Yong’s call for Pentecostals to embrace a more inclusive theology of religions is fraught with perils.

Review of Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology: Living the Full Gospel

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Steven M. Studebaker
Keyword(s):  
Theological Anthropology ◽  
The Self ◽  
Systematic Theology ◽  
Spirit Baptism ◽  
Pentecostal Theology ◽  
The World ◽  
Full Gospel ◽  
The Individual ◽  
New Phase

Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology is a creative, constructive, and far ranging contribution to the development of Pentecostal theology. Grounded in the Pentecostal experience of the full gospel, it provides both a fundamental Pentecostal theology and a Pentecostal perspective on major categories of systematic theology. The book marks a new phase of efforts to develop a comprehensive or systematic Pentecostal theology by starting with Pentecostal concerns and developing a theology in terms of them. This review focuses on Vondey’s discussions of creation (ch. 7) and theological anthropology (ch. 8), in which he argues that a Pentecostal theology of creation and eschatology does not conclude with God razing the world, but with the Spirit’s renewing creation. Furthermore, although Spirit baptism transforms the individual, the purpose of that individual transformation is to lead beyond the self and to create a community of sanctified life. Spirit baptism leads those who receive it into the world to live for all people.

Cutting-Edge Issues in Theology and Their Bearing on Mission Studies

1996 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-92
Author(s):  
Robert J. Schreiter
Keyword(s):  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
Hegemonic Discourse ◽  
Holy Trinity ◽  
The World

This article explores three areas in contemporary theology that are very much discussed these days: the quest for a universal, non-hegemonic discourse in theology, the intense reflection on the meaning of the Holy Trinity for the life of the world, and the renewed interest in the theology of religions. Each of these areas is then reviewed as to the challenges it raises for contemporary mission studies.

Convergence or Divergence in Theology of Religions?

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-115
Author(s):  
Rolf Kjøde
Keyword(s):  
Cape Town ◽  
World Council Of Churches ◽  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
Christian Mission ◽  
The World ◽  
World Council ◽  
To Come ◽  
Global Church ◽  
Evangelical Theology

If there is an ongoing convergence in understanding of mission between the two traditions of the global church named as conciliar and evangelical, can we trace this in the theology of religions? This study investigates this question by studying two recent and comprehensive mission documents, Together towards Life (ttl) and the Cape Town Commitment (ctc). Theology of religions is a topic fundamental and decisive for understanding the nature of Christian mission. The article concludes that the World Council of Churches (wcc) seemed to come closest to the evangelical theology of religions in the years leading up to 1989. Through ttl, the wcc officially seems to confirm an inclusivism with a wider opening towards pluralist aspects. The evangelical emphasis on proclamation, truth and uniqueness of Christ in ctc is not compatible with this development. A shift of direction in theology of religions since 1989 is detectable in ttl, while evangelical theology of religions is relatively stable in its fundamental thinking. 如果在协会派与福音派这两种普世教会的传统中，对宣教的认识有融合的话，那么我们能否在它们的宗教神学中追溯到些什么呢？本文就此对Together towards Life (ttl) 和 Cape Town Commitment (ctc) 两份复杂的宣教文献进行研究考查。宗教神学是对基督教宣教本质的理解最基本也是最根本的课题。本文得出的结论是。普世协会 (wcc) 似乎在1989年前的几年，与福音派的宗教神学最贴近。透过 ttl，wcc 正式确认了其对多元主义完全敞开的包容主义，而福音派着重的宣告，真理及基督的独一性是与此发展互不兼容的。自 1989 年以来， 可以找到 ttl 里宗教神学的改变，而福音派的宗教神学其基本思想却是相对稳定的。 Si existe en realidad un proceso de convergencia en la comprensión de la misión entre las dos tradiciones de la iglesia mundial: la conciliar y la evangélica; ¿podemos descubrirlo en la teología de las religiones? Para responder a esta pregunta, este estudio analiza dos documentos exhaustivos y recientes sobre la misión: Juntos por la vida (ttl, siglas en inglés) y el Compromiso de Ciudad del Cabo (ctc, siglas en inglés). La teología de las religiones es un tema fundamental y decisivo para comprender la naturaleza de la misión cristiana. El artículo concluye que el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (wcc, siglas en inglés) parece acercarse más a la teología evangélica de las religiones perteneciente a los años anteriores a 1989. A través de ttl, el wcc parece confirmar oficialmente un inclusivismo con una apertura más amplia hacia aspectos pluralistas. El énfasis evangélico sobre la proclamación, la verdad y la singularidad de Cristo en ctc no parece compatible con este proceso. Se detecta en ttl un cambio de orientación en la teología de las religiones desde 1989, mientras que la teología evangélica de las religiones es relativamente invariable en su pensamiento fundamental. This article is in English.

Karl Barth's Theology of Reconciliation in Dialogue with a Theology of Religions

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-228
Author(s):  
Paul Chung
Keyword(s):  
Religious Pluralism ◽  
Karl Barth ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
The World ◽  
Theology Of Mission ◽  
God's Mission ◽  
Conservative Evangelical ◽  
Christian Witness

AbstractKarl Barth has influenced Christian theology of mission in terms of his Trinitarian concept of God's mission. His theology of reconciliation retains inter-religious implication in missional context. However, Barth's theology of reconciliation is not explored in the context of religious pluralism. The reason is due to the neo-orthodox charge against him and theologians' one-sided critique of Barth as a conservative-evangelical theologian. In this paper at issue is to retrieve hermeneutically Barth as a theologian of reconciliation who stands for Christian witness to the grace of God in the world of religions.

A Reply to Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen’s Response

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-275
Author(s):  
Tony Richie
Keyword(s):  
Religious Pluralism ◽  
World Religions ◽  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
Christian Mission ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Pentecostal Theology ◽  
Interreligious Relations ◽  
Further Development

AbstractThis 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.

Azusa-Era Optimism: Bishop J.H. King’s Pentecostal Theology of Religions as a Possible Paradigm for Today

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Richie
Keyword(s):  
Religious Pluralism ◽  
Theology Of Religions ◽  
Pentecostal Theology ◽  
Special Stress ◽  
Salient Features ◽  
Azusa Street Revival ◽  
Azusa Street ◽  
Hand Contact

AbstractEven as we celebrate the centennial of the Azusa Street Revival, the ideology and reality of religious pluralism currently challenges Pentecostal Christians to articulate an adequate theology of religions. J.H. King was an important Pentecostal pioneer influenced by the Azusa Street Revival. Well educated and widely traveled, Bishop King had considerable first-hand contact with non-Christian religions and addressed theology of religions often and in depth. King’s theology of religions at its core is characterized by optimism, that is, by a positive and balanced but non-dogmatic sense of hopefulness. Completely consistent with classical Pentecostal values, King’s thought provides important possibilities for a contemporary Pentecostal theology of religions paradigm. This paper surveys salient features of King’s theology of religions before offering suggestions about appropriation and application. Special stress is placed on continuity of Pentecostal heritage with creativity in development of Pentecostal theology of religions today.

scholarly journals Islam Inklusif: Telaah Atas Doktrin dan Sejarah

Humaniora ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1273
Author(s):  
Zain Abidin
Keyword(s):  
Research Library ◽  
Religious Thought ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The World ◽  
Hermeneutic Approach ◽  
Economic Culture ◽  
Inclusive Theology ◽  
Religious Understanding

This work is entitled Inclusive Islam: The study of doctrine and history. This study uses hermeneutic approach (hermeneutics approach), and method used in collecting data is library research (library research). This work was motivated by a phenomenon that is now Muslims no longer perform the inclusive theology. Religion expected to bring the mercy mission to the world no longer show its role significantly. This may be due to religious thought has been contaminated by a variety of politic, economic, culture, and so forth. Now religious understanding is necessary to be reconstructed, by putting forward the spirit of togetherness and a mercy to the world. Religious understanding seems to be justified by faith, when in fact it is not; in fact,it conflicts with any religious teachings. Therefore, in this work, the author would like to show an understanding of Islam that is open, flexible, and tolerant (Islam Inclusive). Inclusive Islam is the religious understanding or insight that is open, flexible, and tolerant. Open has a meaning that Islam provides opportunities for people to criticize, if the truth or wisdom is delivered, then a tolerant religious have to accept, though of anyone or anything coming. Flexible means meaningful contact with others, without feeling awkward, and also regardless of the differences that exist, whether religion, creed, or origin. Tolerant means respecting the differences that exist, either with the same religion/belief or with a different religion/belief. Such an understanding is not only shaped by history but the doctrinal background can be found in the major source of the teachings of Islam, namely the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW. 

From Normative to Nothing

Pneuma ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-249
Author(s):  
Joel D. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
The Body ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Paul Tillich ◽  
Pentecostal Theology ◽  
The World ◽  
Central Argument

Abstract Christian theology has historically constructed a “normative” human body: white and male. Theological conclusions, then, are filtered through this systematic way of viewing the world, invariably excluding bodies that do not conform. Pentecostal theology, I argue, has the resources to transgress these myopic confines imposed on the body, freeing the body through sound and movement rather than adhering to static categorization. Thus, I begin by exploring U.S. history around the body, demonstrating how specific bodies have been strategically opposed and denigrated for the sake of maintaining “white” supremacy. Next, I use Paul Tillich as a case study for the theology’s “normative” body, enabling me to enter my central argument: Pentecostal theology is able to reconsider, reconstitute, and reform the “normative” body, removing arbitrary parameters and categories. The body, I contend, is movement and sound that refuses the oppressive forces that try to contain through classification and subjugation.

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