Systematic Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective

Rating:
Summary: The Best Pentecostal Systematic Theology.
Review: Systematic Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective is hands down the best book from a Pentecostal organization that I have read period! It is edited wonderfully by respected Assemblies of God theologan Stanley M. Horton who happens to write a the last chapter dealing with eschatology.

As fantastic as this book is, it's always good to keep in mind that books like this are best utilized as springboards for further study. In my mind, a key and unique benefit of this book is that each chapter is penned by various Assembly of God theologans and scholars that write on areas which underscore their expertise. Through each chapter, Scripture and commentary run hand in hand leaving the reader to study content and context.

Personally as a student of theological studies and its accuracy (as far as we can Biblically determine), I like to verify much of what an author states. Making a habit of reading some of the books in the bibliography is a good practice because it will enlighten you. Some of the more interesting books listed in the bibliography are "Counterfiet Miracles" by Warfield and "Christian Initiation and Baptism in the Holy Spirit" by McDonnell and Montague.

Because of the amount of material covered in this book, which idea by idea is a tremendous amount, a serious study is beneficial for any reader. The investment of study in the material is an investment in the reader of the book.

This book is masterfully edited and is outstanding!

Rating:
Summary: ...Found wanting...
Review: This book has many fine qualities to it. It can act as a springboard that launches one into further study, providing good documentation, and making mention of a variety of beliefs within christiandome. The book is very well written, giving a perfect balance between academia and inspirational type reading. The overall structure and flow of the book is great as well, and sometimes one might forget they are reading a book that is written by nearly 2 dozen different authors. It is a one of a kind book that will clearly convey what it is Pentecostals believe (from an Assemblies of God perspective).

However, there are many pitfalls to the book. The largest one is that the book probably isn't large enough, and sometimes spends too much time repeating itself. Some chapters can be read really briskly because you already know what is being said...because it had been said before in the book. This space would have better been filled with more dialogue between sources. Too often, some crucial opposing views that have some validity are given such a brief glance that it is absurd, and is not treated.

Take for example, the Four Square Church (Pentecostal) view that speaking in tongues is not "the" evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but that one may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and speak in tongues, or prophesy, or operate in many other giftings. This book simply brushes this view off, which has much validity, and calls it simply a "charismatic" view-point (without even naming the denomination that holds to this). From a book written toward a Pentecostal perspective, you would expect some dialogue with other Pentecostal circles! Such seems a bit dishonest to me.

Also, there are many crucial issues out there that this book does not even try to shed any understanding on or even bring up. Issues on Christ fulfilling the law, dispensationalism, and the like are not even addressed! Probably because there is such a diversity even within the Assemblies of God regarding these things...so they decided to not even touch it.

If you are looking for a general overview of many Christian doctrines, and an introduction to Systematic Theology, and more dialogue between sources, consider elsewhere. But, how could you expect 638 pages to contain much more? (Note: There are more pages, which includes a solid bibliography, a brief theological dictionary, and an absolutely poor index.)

If you are looking for a theology book that tells what the Assemblies of God believes (and in general, does a good job defending), then consider getting this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Scholarly and Fun Systematic Theology
Review: This book is recommended to all Christians who seek to learn more about the essentials of conservative Pentecostal systematic theology. Contrary to many people, traditional Pentecostals are not unscholarly emotionalists who lack knowledge in theology. Actually, one will find this book very scholarly. The book is comprised of essays from various Pentecostal scholars on the traditional themes of systematic theology (starting from Prolegomena to the Last Things). The book is a very balanced presentation of conservative Pentecostalism. As a Calvinist, cessationist, and Progressive Dispensationalist I thought I would throw the book away after reading the first few chapters. However, I found myself reading more and more and getting a good understanding of what Pentecostals believe. One will not find a "hokey" Word of Faith type theology in this book. In fact, the authors try to distance themselves from this movement; making a clear distinction between traditional Pentecostalism and man-glorifying unorthodox "health-wealth" Charismatism. Many will find this book useful for lay Bible studies and personal devotion. The book is not only scholarly, but also practical. The book is also easy to read and fun.