Beyond the Evangelical Impasse: Spirit Baptism and the Quest for Authentic Spiritual Experience

ISBN-13: 9780692641651 / Angielski / Miękka / 2016 / 368 str.

D. Alan Blanc Phd

Opis

Few doctrinal issues have caused more division among believers than the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. In BEYOND THE EVANGELICAL IMPASSE, Doug Blanc seeks common ground upon which charismatics and non-charismatics can agree. He accomplishes this goal by turning to biblical theology rather than to systematic theology. Blanc bases his study on the Lucan corpus alone and refuses to interpret it through the grid of Pauline or Johannine literature. By eliminating the possibility of playing one NT writer against the other, most disagreements about "the Baptism" dissolve between the two sides, making dialogue possible. Blanc points out that in Luke-Acts, the Baptism in the Spirit is eschatological in nature, which was uniquely given on the Day of Pentecost to the corporate body of the church for empowerment; yet, still available to individual believers on an ongoing basis so they might live and work for Christ. Upon this all can agree. Doug Blanc has succeeded in doing what few others have even attempted to do. A SIGNIFICANT STUDY -R. Alan STREETT (PhD, University of Wales Trinity Saint David) is Senior Research Professor of Biblical Exegesis and the W. A. Criswell Endowed Chair of Expository Preaching at Criswell College, Dallas, Texas. This innovative work is the outcome of careful scholarly research successfully undertaken for a doctoral degree. Its goal is to offer a possible way for Pentecostals and Baptists to dialogue with each other, identifying a common basis in personal spiritual experience. It represents a most helpful and readable contribution towards mutual understanding and harmony. -JENNY READ-HEIMERDINGER (PhD, LicDD), Director of Studies, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, UK. One does not have to agree with all the details of this book to appreciate its very fine treatment on the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The research is extensive and the balance in analysis is a model of good scholarship. And, the book is a very enjoyable read. Dr. Blanc hopes to help bridge a divide within the evangelical community and engender respectful conversation and dialogue. His goal is more than met. I am delighted to commend this book to anyone serious about understanding the playing field of this important biblical and theological doctrine. -DANIEL L. AKEN (PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Doug Blanc is concerned about developing unity in contexts of diversity and desirous of establishing unity where disunity is present. Such aims are admirable and Biblical. In pursuit of these aspirations, he has carefully, and courageously, chosen to explore the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to determine if there is the possibility of consensus, and certainly dialogue, between groups of believers who initially appear to hold to very different perspectives with regard to this belief. In so doing, he identifies broader areas of belief that are shared by different believers that help to contextualize their views on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The process is marked by intellectual integrity, careful research methodology and an authentic and balanced critique throughout. It is scholarly and pastorally sensitive...and, even more importantly, has the potential of facilitating friendship, conversation, and the increasing appreciation of centrally important issues that can bring about relational healing, harmony, and wholeness. -KEITH WARRINGTON (PhD, King's College, University of London) is Reader in Pentecostal Studies at Regents Theological College, Cheshire, England.