Douglas Jacobsen: Thinking in the Spirit, reviewed by Amos Yong
Last, but certainly not the least of Jacobsen’s contributions in this book, is the related matter of the pastoral nature of early pentecostal theologies. Clearly, the theologies of Parham and Lawson, for example, included distinctively speculative elements—of history and eschatology on the one hand or of racial theory on the other. However, even these speculative theologies were animated by pastoral concerns and articulated with pastoral sensitivity. Parham was interested in the missionary progress of the gospel while Lawson was anxious to address the prevalent racial prejudice and discrimination of his times. Similarly, Myland’s “poetic theology” was motivated to address not so much the ontological “facts” behind justification, sanctification and baptism in the Holy Spirit but more so their pastoral implications, and Urshan’s Oneness theology was focused on attempting to provide a common platform for Oneness belief and practice. In every case, early pentecostal theologies were forged on the anvil of pastoral experience. Contemporary pentecostal theologians are served an important reminder that even speculative and constructive theology can and should be pastorally informed and applicable.
Beyond these merits, Thinking in the Spirit is simply a captivating and accessible read. Jacobsen makes the ideas of early pentecostal theologians come alive, both in their own contexts and, where pertinent, for our times. Forty pages of endnotes, each documenting entire paragraphs of ideas rather than individual quotations or references, leave the text uncluttered even while providing citations for students and researchers to follow up. The bibliography identifies the original writings of the twelve theologians discussed and a helpful index is included. This book belongs in every library—personal, pentecostal and academic. Three cheers to Douglas Jacobsen for this accomplishment!
Reviewed by Amos Yong
Preview Thinking in the Spirit: books.google.com/books/about/Thinking_in_the_Spirit.html?id=sMih7IBW2x8C
Category: Church History, Summer 2004
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