Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
My academic training encouraged me to engage the issues, think critically, to ask questions, and to push back. I am a bona fide theological conservative, committed to the inspiration and authority of Scripture, and to the Nicene tradition. Furthermore, I remain committed to the Declaration of Faith of my church.
Continue reading “Mars Hill and Pentecostal Scholarship”
I’ve attended Society of Pentecostal Studies meetings for about 20 years. My Christian journey has benefited from academic pursuit. I’m a curious soul, always asking questions. As a young man, my curiosity led to being labeled rebellious or liberal. As an older man, my curiosity is often labeled as being bitter or angry. (I must confess that I’ve always been something of a protester and cynic). I’ve never understood why people are frightened by curiosity.
Continue reading “Rewards and Pitfalls in Pentecostal Academics and Anti-Intellectualism”
I loved the movie Jesus Revolution! I laughed, I cried, I wanted to jump up and down and cheer, and I’ve pondered. It tells the story of Chuck Smith, Lonnie Frisbee, and Greg Laurie, and a remarkable movement of the Holy Spirit among a lost generation of young people – hippies.
Continue reading “Jesus Revolution – A Reflection”
I’ve been taking a class at Pentecostal Theological Seminary – “Tertullian, Trinity, and the Charismatic Life” with Dale Coulter. Tertullian (155-220) was a third century Christian theologian located in Carthage, Northern Africa. He is recognized as the first to use the Latin term trinitas (trinity) in reference to God.
Continue reading “Tertullian, the Trinity, and the Charismatic Life”
Jesus confounds Nicodemus with these words: “You must be born again.” Jesus’ insistence on new birth was not a radically new message. Rather, Jesus is speaking in continuity with the law and the prophets. Inheriting the kingdom of God requires more than natural birth; it requires supernatural birth.