Book Reviews
AS CONCERNS THE HOLY SPIRIT
Some topics have repeatedly surfaced over the years, when I have authored books as an extension of my teaching vocation. The Holy Spirit is notably one of these. Perhaps in some measure due to an apparent need for refinement, and then assuredly due to its critical importance.
Saga of the Spirit was the initial effort in this regard. It consisted of a biblical, systematic, and historical theology of the Spirit. As such, it was employed as a text book.
Several excerpts will serve to recall its distinctive contents. “Although biblical theology may be said to have a logical order, it is an order discovered in a historical setting rather than a device used to structure biblical teaching for the sake of convenience. It resembles the order found in nature as one strolls through the forest, rather than the artificial order seen while walking into a plant nursery” (p. 11).
Conversely, “Systematic theology does not simply repeat what has already been said on a subject. Neither should it ignore what has been said. Each succeeding effort at systematic theology amounts to a prologue to what follows” (p. 93). Regardless of the topic addressed.
Finally, “Historical theology delves into the history of Christian thought. It observes how biblical teaching has been understood in some connection or another, as conditioned by the perspective assumed and as tied to a preceding tradition” (p. 197). In greater detail, “We have divided the discussion into three segments: the Early Church, Christendom, or the political and social establishment of Christianity, and the Modern Church” (p. 198).
In conclusion, “Much remains that we cannot predict. We are perhaps more impressed by this fact than at any time in history. The Spirit seems poised to work in still new and exciting ways. Thus we conclude that the saga of the Spirit provides no substitute for the experience of the Spirit. It is rather an invitation” (p. 264).
It was two decades later (2005) that I authored a second text on the topic: Signature of the Spirit: According to Luke/Acts. “Some strange and unconvincing things are attributed to the Holy Spirit,” I allowed at the outset (p. vii). Thus inciting me to set forth this additional study. “In one connection and then another, sometimes in subtle fashion, and other times more directly. As a result, to help distinguish the Holy Spirit from such notable imposters as the human spirit, the conventional, and the demonic.”
Several propositions are in brief eminently worthy of consideration: “(1) The Spirit is especially associated with the coming of the Messiah. He is mentioned concerning Jesus’ inception, and then in other contexts. Such as when the Spirit descended on him, he returned from the Jordan full of the Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, and returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit” (p. 103).
“(2) This leads into Jesus’ characteristic emphasis on the kingdom of God. Jesus lived in accordance with his Father’s will, as a notable expression of the kingdom. In this and other ways, he furthered the kingdom agenda.”
“(3) There was also the cultivation of community. Dietrich Bonhoeffer cryptically designated the church as Christ in community.”
“(4) In more particular terms, the disciples devoted themselves to the apostolic teaching. This recognized the distinctive role of the apostles chosen by Jesus to serve on his behalf. It, likewise, expressly acknowledged the manner in which one could expect the Holy Spirit to be involved” (p. 104).
“(5) Likewise, they were given to prayer. They prayed for themselves, and for others, for those within the fellowship and without, on special occasions and as a matter of course.”
“(6) There was a pervasive sense of awe, to which wonders significantly contributed. The latter were for the most part, but not exclusively, associated with Jesus and the apostles.”
“(7) There was a corresponding appeal to embrace one’s role as a steward of all God has entrusted to him or her. In this manner, to glorify God—in whose image we are created.”
“(8) The disciples were to bear witness to their faith. This is, in fact, the first thing that leaps out of the text concerning those empowered by the Spirit” (p. 105).
“(9) In the course of their ministry, the disciples cultivated a conspicuous faith. That is, faith authenticated by doing good.”
“(10) Hospitality served as a prime case it point. It surfaces concerning Jesus’ instruction to his disciples as he sends them forth to minister. It continues to manifest itself in conjunction with the travels of those bent on fulfilling the mandate to disciple all nations.”
“(11) Jesus’ disciples were primed to experience suffering. They were not to solicit suffering by doing evil, but welcome it when resulting in the course of following Jesus.”
“(12) Finally, the Spirit orchestrates praise. It appears as a cherished companion, derived from the biblical tradition, highlighted by Jesus’ example and teaching, and cultivated in community” (p. 106).
In conclusion, we are left with contrasting paradigms. “The one cultivates an anonymous spirit, and courts the demonic. The other is inexorably linked to Jesus, promoted by the apostles, and fostered in community. Luke would emphatically encourage us to embrace the latter, as compatible with the signature of the Spirit.”
The most recent text exploring this topic is entitled Holy Spirit In Cross-Cultural Perspective (2012). In this regard, “Lee Snook, in his provocative text What In The World is God Doing?, observes that African Christians appear more aware of the working of the Holy Spirit than their American counterparts. I would concur with this observation, having been engaged in two short term teaching assignments in Nigeria” (p. 7).
Consequently, the text takes a decidedly autobiographical turn at the outset, along with lingering results. As for the former, concerning my African experience and return home. As for the latter, concerning the Jesus of history, Spirit of Jesus, reality check, the secular and sacred, and the future and present.
“So it is that the present provides a transition from the past to the future. We ought not to waste what amounts to a golden opportunity. May it be so!” (p. 93).
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