DIPLOMA: INTRO TO PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY

 INTRO TO PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY

An examination of classical Pentecostal Theology with references to the early evangelical influences that contributed to its formation. Attention is given to the manner in which various Pentecostal emphases have been appropriated and developed within different charismatic settings.

Archbishop Benson Idahosa (Blessed Memory Founder of Church of God Mission Int'l Inc.

This course will explore theology within the Pentecostal tradition in both its earliest forms and more recent innovative constructions. It will investigate the ways in which Pentecostal experience of the Holy Spirit has led to a re-imagining and re-visioning of various aspects of Christian theology, bringing fresh perspectives and fruitful ways of engaging with biblical and contemporary issues. Students will investigate the ways in which early Pentecostals wrestled to articulate their experience in meaningful theological frameworks, including how they dealt with disagreements and controversies. 

Special attention will be given to theological interpretations of Spirit baptism and glossolalia (speaking in other tongues), since these issues are hallmarks of classical Pentecostalism. 

Finally, current constructive proposals emerging from pneumatologically-conscious Pentecostal theologians will be explored, highlighting implications for such issues as hermeneutics, ecclesiology, the Spirit’s work in creation and culture (including world religions and the sciences), and philosophy.

OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, 

By:  Keeping current with readings and other course materials;

 Participating in six analytical discussion forums;

 Writing a comparative analysis paper on Spirit baptism;

 Developing an extended paper on a particular aspect of Pentecostal theology;

Students should be able to:

 Analyze key theological ideas found within early and contemporary Pentecostalism;

 Compare, contrast, and analyze the theological interpretations of the classical Pentecostal view of Spirit baptism and several non-Pentecostal perspectives;

 Describe and discuss ways in which Pentecostalism has and/or is currently contributing to Christian theology.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Brand, Chad Owen, ed. Perspectives on Spirit Baptism: Five Views. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004.

Jacobsen, Douglas G. Thinking in the Spirit: Theologies of the Early Pentecostal Movement. 

Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2003.

Menzies, William W., and Robert P. Menzies. Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal 

Experience: A Call to Evangelical Dialogue. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.

Neumann, Peter D. Pentecostal Experience: An Ecumenical Encounter. Princeton Theological 

Monographs 187. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2012.