Daniel Albrecht: Rites in the Spirit, reviewed by Amos Yong
This very abstract overview does not do justice to Albrecht’s rich documentation of how rites and ritual function in Pentecostal/charismatic congregational life, and how Pentecostals and charismatics worship ritually. Drawing from extensive field research at three Northern California congregations—representing the Assemblies of God, the Church of the Foursquare, and the Vineyard—case studies and descriptive accounts illuminate the ritual analyses presented. For myself, reading Rites in the Spirit sensitized me to the subtle ways in which we have been led—by the Spirit, I would go so far as to say—to strategically develop our corporate worship experiences. It overwhelms me with the reality that the mundane rites we perform do actually mediate our encounters with God. It also encourages me to embrace the dynamics of Pentecostal/charismatic ritualizing while expecting to be transformed through the process. I encourage all Pentecostals and charismatics involved in pastoral ministry to engage this important book, not only to appreciate how and what we do, but also to be equipped to shape and mold the future of Pentecostal-charismatic ritual.
Reviewed by Amos Yong
Category: Spirit, Winter 2001
Followers
Fans
