Pneumatology: A Guide for the Perplexed
Overview
This guide aims to elaborate and constructively engage some of the ongoing dogmatic challenges within the field of Christian pneumatology. Rather than a strict survey, the book largely represents a collection of working proposals on a number of relevant themes, including cosmology, mediation, the nature and role of Spirit-baptism, and discernment.
For those who have found pneumatology frustrating and confusing, the book can serve as an aid to clarify some of the most crucial matters at stake in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and in turn provide some ways forward amidst the morass of possibilities available.
Key Features
- Provides an accessible introduction to an essential theological topic
- Focuses on the most crucial issues surrounding the theology of the Holy Spirit
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Contents
- Facing the Wind: Challenges and Expectations within Pneumatology
- The Shape of Spirit-talk: Biblical Tags, Patterns, and Themes
- The Testimony of the Spirit: Pneumatology in the First Centuries
- Spirit and Life: Creation and Cosmology
- In the Spirit: Mediation and the Economy of Sanctification
- Receiving the Spirit: Spirit-baptism and Subsequence
- Guided by the Spirit: Discernment
Top Highlights
“In pneumatological terms, God’s ruach is different from humanity’s ruach because God and humans are different, yet a connection is also implied—and on the basis of this connection a singular term is permissible—on the ground that God is the beginning and end of all life, including human life.” (Page 28)
“Holy Spirit is God’s presence manifest and graciously at work in the redemption, healing, and sanctification of God’s creatures.” (Page 112)
“The Quadrilateral is essentially composed of four theological authorities—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience” (Page 124)
“To repeat the point, pneumatology in this book is understood as a sub-area within the doctrine of God.” (Page 5)
“The Spirit fell upon them, and they were in turn subsequently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Page 100)
Praise for the Print Edition
Without doubt Castelo's desire to encourage us to engage more fully with pneumatology is one to be applauded ... [This book] is written to create greater awareness and desire to engage, and this it does well.
—Regents Reviews
This book does exactly what it says on the label. It provides a guide for readers to navigate some of the most perplexing issues in pneumatology. It does so with insight and wisdom. In short, it is a most welcome addition to the literature and I expect that it will become a key introductory text for theology students. I commend it most warmly.
—Mark Cartledge, University of Birmingham, UK
Although unwieldy and often neglected in Christian theology, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is rich with possibility. In this engagingly written book Castelo introduces the historical discussion and offers suggestive hints for future work in pneumatology. At the same time, he retains an appropriate level of perplexity that corresponds to the subject matter and cultivates deeper faith in God. Written with a broad, ecumenical audience in mind, Castelo's work is a wonderful resource for both beginning students and seasoned scholars who want to be conversant with the latest developments in pneumatology.
—Mark E. Powell, Harding School of Theology
Product Details
- Title: Pneumatology: A Guide for the Perplexed
- Author: Daniel Castelo
- Series: Guides for the Perplexed
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Publication Date: 2015
- Pages: 160
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: Theology