Ryan Lytton
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, and speaking as a Pentecostal, Pentecostals do not typically have a stellar academic reputation. One of my friends often jokingly introduces me by saying, “He’s a Pentecostal—but he went to Gordon-Conwell!” as if to beg people not to hold my theological inclinations against me. Indeed, the perception of Pentecostals is often reduced to phenomena such as speaking in tongues, not higher education.
However, Pentecostals, especially in recent history, have done a lot of hard work to counter this stereotype. We have begun, in my opinion, the construction of our own carefully crafted theological identity. This article aims to highlight the best-selling resources available in Logos that relate to Pentecostalism.
A few points of clarity
Before we get to the list, however, I’d like to clarify two things. First, several works listed here aren’t explicitly Pentecostal in their outlook. Instead, they are the careful work of Pentecostal scholars. After all, Pentecostal scholars aren’t limited to writing about explicitly Pentecostal themes. Also, I’ve included several influential titles by authors who, while they aren’t Pentecostal, are quite friendly to Pentecostalism in their work. I’ll make this clear wherever it is relevant.
Second, some point to movements associated with Pentecostalism, like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), as evidence of problems inherent to the movement. However, it’s worth noting that in recent volumes written to analyze and critique NAR, Pentecostal luminaries like Amos Yong and the late Vinson Synan have provided enthusiastic endorsements.
Table of contents
Commentaries
Dr. Craig Keener
The first category I’d like to feature is biblical commentaries. Commentaries are the bread and butter of biblical scholarship, so one might be surprised to find such strong offerings by Pentecostal scholars. However, if only for the work of Craig Keener, Pentecostals are holding their own in this category. His magisterial four-volume commentary on Acts defies belief. Just consider his bibliography. At nearly four hundred pages, he spends more pages to cite his sources than most other commentators use to discuss the book of Acts!
Fortunately, Keener has also produced a shorter commentary on Acts, which will hopefully be available in Logos soon. Until then, the Logos edition of the four-volume set makes it much easier to navigate such a wealth of information.
Do you wish you could take a class on Acts with Keener? Logos has you covered there and more! Keener’s other books, while shorter, are by no means less rigorous. Do you love the book of Galatians? He has just under nine hundred pages written on that short letter! Consider also his definitive two-volume work documenting the veracity of modern miracles. That’s not to mention
- His excellent works on the Spirit in Acts
- A six-hundred-page commentary on 1 Peter
- His book on Paul and Women
- His Bible Background Commentary
I could go on. For more by Keener, see The Select Works of Craig Keener (3 vols.) and Craig Keener New Testament Commentaries Collection (8 vols.).
Keener has blessed the church in so many ways with his work. If he were the only Pentecostal scholar doing such work, we would still have a solid defense against our reputation. Fortunately for us, Keener is not alone.
Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, Volume 1 & 2
Regular price: $74.99
Paul, Women, and Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul
Regular price: $29.99
Dr. Gordon Fee
In the world of biblical exposition, few characters loom as large as the late Gordon Fee. Along with Douglas Stuart, he literally wrote the book on how to read the Bible. He’s written brilliant commentaries on
This is not to mention
- His excellent To What End Exegesis?
- His work on textual criticism
- The massive Pauline studies represented in God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul and Pauline Christology: An Exegetical–Theological Study.
For more by Fee, see the Gordon D. Fee New Testament Studies Collection (8 vols.). (I’ll say more on collections later.)
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (The New International Commentary on the New Testament | NICNT)
Regular price: $40.99
The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians (The New International Commentary on the New Testament | NICNT)
Regular price: $37.99
The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Revised Edition (The New International Commentary on the New Testament | NICNT)
Regular price: $51.99
Studies in the Theory and Method of New Testament Textual Criticism
Regular price: $37.99
Cultural background
Also noteworthy within the genre of Bible commentaries is the recent Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Series. While only one is written by a Pentecostal (unsurprisingly, Keener), the two other authors come from Wesleyan backgrounds and are friendly towards Pentecostalism. These authors have produced an impressive array of scholarship.
- Ben Witherington III, for instance, is nearly as prodigious as his Asbury Seminary colleague, Craig Keener. Consider, for instance, Witherington’s New Testament History: A Narrative Account, or his contributions to the Week in the Life Series Collection (7 vols.), the latter of which includes work from David deSilva.
- David deSilva, the other author of the Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Series, is well known for his incredible Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. If you had to pick a single book to help you understand the New Testament, it would be hard to improve on this important work by deSilva.
Indeed, it is striking how many sources we can include in this list that are focused on providing cultural background for the biblical text.
Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture, 2nd ed.
Regular price: $29.99
Systematic theologies
Another area that is well represented within evangelicalism is systematic theology. There are many systematic theologies to choose from, representing virtually any theological perspective. Pentecostalism is no exception.
At the forefront is Foundations of Pentecostal Theology. This is the first attempt by Pentecostal theologians to set out what distinguishes them from other evangelicals. As such, a great deal is not covered in this volume, as the authors didn’t spend much time restating areas of agreement with evangelicals. Instead, they set out to establish the unique perspectives of Pentecostals. This work has endured, including being translated into several other languages. In recent history, though, the need to revise it was recognized, and this project has yielded Foundations of Pentecostal Theology, revised & updated (2 vols.).
Though later to join the fray, perhaps the most famous Pentecostal systematic theology is J. Rodman Williams’s Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective. This volume represents the unique perspective of Pentecostal/Charismatic scholars from Regent University, which has become a hub of Pentecostal scholarship.
R. T. Kendall has published over sixty books, with plans to publish more soon. His Understanding Theology (3 vols.) is the product of a long pastoral ministry within the Pentecostal tradition.
Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective
Regular price: $89.99
Historical theology
Shortly following on the heels of systematic theology is the production of historical theology. Pentecostals have embraced this field as well. Combining the concept of a theological dictionary with the need to understand history, The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements was produced. It’s now in its second edition, which resulted from a thorough revision.
In addition, histories like The Century of the Holy Spirit : 100 Years of Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal, 1901–2001 have emerged, which locate the Pentecostal tradition both in terms of where it came from and where it’s going.
The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements
Regular price: $39.99
The Century of the Holy Spirit : 100 Years of Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal, 1901-2001
Regular price: $16.99
Other important Pentecostal scholars
Keener and Fee may be the Pentecostal standouts, but numbers of other Pentecostal scholars have established themselves in the academy. Here are some of the more noteworthy examples—though this is by no means exhaustive.
- Frank D. Macchia is professor of systematic theology at Vanguard University of Southern California. He’s written commentaries as well as many theological works.
- Daniel Castelo is associate dean for academic formation and William Kellon Quick Professor of Theology and Methodist Studies at Duke University. He’s the author of various theological works as well as a few biblical commentaries.
- Daniela C. Augustine is associate professor of theological ethics at the School of Religion, Lee University, associate editor of the Journal of Pentecostal Theology, and co-editor of T&T Clark’s Systematic Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology Series.
- Amos Yong is professor of theology and mission and director of the Center for Missiological Research at Fuller Theological Seminary. It’s almost impossible to summarize all of his works.
- Wolfgang Vondey is professor of Christian theology and Pentecostal studies at the University of Birmingham. His works cover a broad array of topics within Pentecostalism.
- Estrelda Alexander has been a professor at a number of institutions ranging from Wesley Theological Seminary to Regent University. She has several important works, especially those related to the intersection of Pentecostalism and the African-American experience.
- William Oliveiro teaches faith integration courses for Northwest University’s graduate programs beyond the College of Ministry. He is co-editor-in-chief of Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and the author of Theological Hermeneutics in the Classical Pentecostal Tradition: A Typological Account.
- Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is associate professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He also holds a teaching position at the University of Helsinki as Dozent of Ecumenics. His work on constructive theology transcends not only denominational borders but also bridges gaps between major religions, pioneering new avenues of inter-religious dialogue.
- Steven M. Studebaker is assistant professor of systematic and historical theology and Howard and Shirley Bentall Chair in Evangelical Thought at McMaster Divinity College. His publications cover a variety of topics within Pentecostal theology.
- A. J. Swoboda is assistant professor of Bible and theology at Bushnell University. He has established himself as a scholar within Pentecostalism. His contributions to theology range from dealing with doubt to caring for the environment to how to think about the Sabbath.
Emerging scholars
The established scholars I mentioned have mentored and encouraged a rising generation of Pentecostal thinkers who are now emerging in their own right. Again, this list is by no means exhaustive. Instead, it shows some of the incredible work Pentecostal scholars do in their early careers.
- We’ve seen the Week in the Life Series. One of the contributing authors to that series is Holly Beers. She is a professor at Westmont College and is currently editing (with Craig Keener) a commentary series written by and for Pentecostals. She is slated to write the volume on Colossians and Philemon in that series. Her dissertation, The Followers of Jesus as the “Servant,” was published with Bloomsbury.
- Andrew Williams is a senior pastor and scholar who has contributed to Pentecostal ideas about baptism and prayer. He wrote a very helpful companion to Clark Pinnock’s theology. His Reconstructing Prayer: Beyond Deconstructing Your Faith combines scholarly thought with pastoral care.
- Beth Stovell is the Chair of General Theological Studies at Ambrose Seminary. She’s written works on the twelve prophets and edited a volume on hermeneutics.
- Andrew I. Shepardson is a philosopher and theologian who leads the BA and MA programs in applied apologetics at Colorado Christian University and is adjunct faculty at Denver Seminary. His scholarly work has challenged the Pentecostal tendency to embrace postmodern philosophy. Continuing this trajectory, alongside Douglas Groothuis, he has articulated an approach to classical apologetics that takes seriously our ability to know God through the world.
- Yoon Shin, a pastor and former professor at Southeastern University, offers a competing perspective in Pentecostalism & Postmodernism.
- Steven Félix-Jäger is an impressively versatile scholar whose contributions range from worship to cinema, from worldview (with Yoon Shin) to rock-n-roll. He directs the worship arts and media program at Life Pacific University.
- Brittany Kim is a Vineyard pastor and adjunct professor at Northeastern Seminary who has written Lengthen Your Tent-Cords: The Metaphorical World of Israel’s Household in the Book of Isaiah and (with Charlie Trimm) Understanding Old Testament Theology: Mapping the Terrain of Recent Approaches.
- Rick Wadholm Jr. is associate professor of Old Testament at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University, Springfield, Missouri. He is the author of A Theology of the Spirit in the Former Prophets and editor of Community: Biblical and Theological Reflections in Honor of August H. Konkel.
Collections
One of my favorite features in Logos is the existence of Collections. I was recently looking for a particular book for my doctoral research. When I found it, I noticed that it was included in a collection. To my surprise, the collection was cheaper than the book! This has happened to me several times, and it’s always such a blessing. To that end, some of the following collections may be particularly helpful for emerging Pentecostal scholars.
1. John Wesley Collection (29 vols.)
John Wesley (1703–1791) founded Methodism. While he predates the modern Pentecostal movement, many contemporary branches of Pentecostalism have Wesleyan roots. The opening words to Vinson Synan’s The Holiness–Pentecostal Tradition state that “John Wesley, the indomitable founder of Methodism, was also the spiritual and intellectual father of modern holiness and Pentecostal movements, which arose from Methodism in the last century.”1 This allows for friendly relationships between Wesleyans and Pentecostals. Aside from this collection, see Wesley’s Explanatory Notes upon the Old and New Testaments (5 vols.).
2. R. A. Torrey Collection (15 vols.)
Torrey (1856–1928) was an American evangelist, pastor, educator, and writer. Torrey studied at Yale University, Yale Divinity School, Leipzig University, and Erlangen University. He received a doctorate degree from Wheaton College. He was influential on early Pentecostalism, holding views on faith healing that created tension with some of his fundamentalist contemporaries.2
3. A. W. Tozer Collection (56 vols.)
Tozer (1897–1963) served at the Southside Alliance Church in Chicago for thirty-one years. During that time he preached on the Moody Bible Institute’s radio station and was often invited to speak at Wheaton College in Pierce Chapel. Tozer spent the final years of his life as the pastor of Avenue Road Church in Toronto and as the editor of The Alliance Life magazine.3 While not technically Pentecostal, Tozer’s works have been deeply influential among Pentecostals. For lovers of Tozer, see also The Attributes of God, volumes 1 and 2.
4. Stanley M. Horton Theology and Biblical Studies Collection (5 vols.)
Stanley M. Horton (May 6, 1916–July 12, 2014), was a highly respected theologian within the Pentecostal movement and the author of several books, including Bible Doctrines, Acts, and What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. He served as the senior editorial advisor for the Modern English Version and was the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Bible and Theology at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. He held an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an STM from Harvard University, and a ThD from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He was an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God.4
5. Spiritual Warfare Collection (7 vols.)
An emphasis on the supernatural is a distinctive of Pentecostalism. This includes an emphasis not only on the Holy Spirit but also on the spiritual realm in general. This collection from Baker brings together several important and scholarly works on this topic.
6. David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible (66 vols.)
David Guzik is a Calvary Chapel pastor, who, while not technically Pentecostal, is a definite continuationalist and as such his commentaries often (though not always) align with Pentecostal doctrine and values.
7. Francis Chan Collection (6 vols.)
Francis Chan is the best-selling author of Crazy Love and Forgotten God. While he is not technically a Pentecostal, he has moved closer and closer to that position over the years and tends to be very friendly toward Pentecostals.
8. Sam Storms’s Biblical Studies (20 vols.)
While Sam Storms is a Reformed theologian, which sets him at odds with most Pentecostals who tend to be Arminian, he is charismatic; therefore, his works are often helpful for those in the Pentecostal world.
9. C. Peter Wagner Collection (15 vols.)
C. Peter Wagner holds graduate degrees in theology, missiology, and religion from Fuller Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the University of Southern California. He served as a field missionary in Bolivia for sixteen years and taught on the faculty of the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary for thirty years. The author of seventy books, Wagner ministered nationally and internationally with Global Spheres, Inc. from his home base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.5
The C. Peter Wagner Collection (15 vols.) is included in the Pentecostal & Charismatic Logos 9 Gold Legacy Library. Legacy Libraries are a great way to add a bunch of valuable books at a special bundled price—often as much as 90% off the cost of buying each book one by one. Learn more here.
10. Wipf & Stock Pentecostal Theology Collection (38 vols.)
This collection provides resources to students and scholars of the Pentecostal movement on numerous important topics. From the histories of Pentecostalism to biographies of important figures to in-depth monographs on important theological and interpretive questions, this collection makes available thoughtful and compelling discussion of key issues and questions in Pentecostalism.
Study Bibles
Study Bibles are ubiquitous within evangelical Bible Study, and Pentecostals are not without representation.
1. The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
This edition was produced through the efforts of Pastor Jack Hayford, who led a team of Pentecostal pastors and scholars. (The Spanish version is available here: Biblia Plenitud.) Here’s a sample page:
2. Apostolic Study Bible Notes
More recently, Robin Johnston led a team of Pentecostal scholars in producing Apostolic Study Bible Notes.
3. Fire Bible: Global Study Edition
You can also find, the Fire Bible: Global Study Edition, The Revival Study Bible, The Expositor’s Study Bible, each of which was produced from a Pentecostal perspective.
Courses
I mentioned courses with Dr. Keener earlier. This is another amazing feature of Logos. Leading experts are made available through video lectures within Logos to walk you through complicated topics. One of the more impressive courses (and consequently a best seller) is the Berean School of the Bible Digital Courses (27 courses). This expansive course provides the educational grounding necessary to be licensed in the Assemblies of God (AG), a historic Pentecostal denomination. The twenty-seven courses aren’t just on stereotypical Pentecostal topics either. They include things like Christ in the Synoptic Gospels [BIB 114], taught by an AG missionary, and Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers: BSB Level 1 [BIB 115], taught by an AG Superintendent. It’s important to not that this collection of courses is also available in Spanish.
Spanish works
Speaking of Spanish, it’s sometimes easy for those of us in the English-speaking world to overlook the impact of the global church. Evidence of this is the fact that many of the Spanish resources outsell their English counterparts. Here are some of the best-selling Spanish works related to Pentecostalism in some way.
- Sermones y bosquejos para predicadores (5 vols)
- Cursos bíblicos Narrow Way Ministries (20 vols)
- Colección Fe y Acción (22 vols)
- Currículum del AT, por Samuel Pagán
- Estudio sobre escatología y profecía (2 vols)
- Colección Mi iglesia saludable (16 Vols)
- Teología bíblica y sistemática
- Estudio del Antiguo Testamento
- Teología sistemática pentecostal
- Lecciones de doctrina bíblica (3 vols.)
Conclusion
It remains true that Pentecostals do not have a stellar academic reputation. However, as we’ve seen, this reputation deserves to be changed. Established Pentecostal scholars are raising a younger generation in the way that they ought to go. Careful scholarship exists that is consonant with the Pentecostal worldview. And while there are certainly Pentecostals who may deserve an anti-intellectual reputation, there are also non-Pentecostals who would as well. The many careful Pentecostal scholars named above have produced an impressive body of work, and Logos has made it available to the entire church.
Related articles
- What Is Pentecostalism? Its Origin, Groups & 7 Key Elements
- Pentecostal & Charismatic Bible Study: A Definitive Guide
- The Definitive Guide to Christian Denominations
- Vinson Synan, The Holiness–Pentecostal Tradition: Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997), 1.
- Some of this language was taken from Torrey’s Logos biography. For more on his views on faith healing, see this article.
- This language is taken from Tozer’s Logos bio.
- This information is taken from Horton’s Logos bio.
- This information is taken from Wagner’s Logos bio.
James-Michael Smith
Logos Staff