There is a growing trend among evangelical Christians where some feel they should declare or decree things over their lives. This is particularly true among those who are influenced by the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement and, more specifically, the prosperity gospel. For example, one prominent independent Pentecostal preacher encourages the readers of his bestselling book to declare […]
We were discussing the doctrine of sin, and one of my students asked me: “What do you think of generational curses?” This depends on what you mean by a generational curse. If a person means […]
Do we always get what we want in life? Do we get to choose the length of our days? Kate Bowler is a wife, mom, friend, daughter, author, professor, and recent recipient of the news she has incurable Stage IV cancer. In her book Everything Happens for a Reason, she reminds us that we don’t. And it’s not because God doesn’t care […]
In today’s video, I interview theologian Dr. Chris Green from Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Tennessee). I asked him about how Pentecostals historically and in current scholarship have thought about the Lord’s Supper and what implications this has for when we participate in communion today.
I was a little surprised yesterday when the publisher for my next book sent me 12 different options for my book cover. I thought they might send me a few options. By contrast, when I’ve published academic books, I’ve had no input into the book cover. I’ve narrowed down the options to 6, but I would love to hear which cover you like best.
Earlier in the summer my family visited a tourist church. I call it a “tourist church” because the church was in the heart of the downtown of a major tourist destination and also because about half of the people attending the church that morning were tourists. I know because the pastor asked the congregation at […]
A few months ago, I signed a contract to write the chapter on “Pneumatology” for the Routledge Handbook of Pentecostal Theology. Wolfgang Vondey is editing the handbook. As I prepare to write the essay, I’m wondering if you might be able to help me out. What is Pentecostal pneumatology? But, here’s the kicker […]
Some pray, “I apply the blood of Jesus over my family,” or “I apply the blood of Jesus over my marriage,” or “I apply the blood of Jesus over my car.” Such prayers (are they really prayers?) can sound very pious. But, you will not find such prayers in the Bible. Why? Because you […]
Linguists who analyze glossolalia (speaking in tongues) generally conclude that in many cases it does not fully meet the characteristics of human language. Critics sometimes use this finding to dismiss tongues completely. In contrast, an examination of what constitutes spiritual information can help us affirm tongues as Spirit-enabled communication […]
Some Pentecostals are proud to say that Pentecostals affirm women in ministry. They might point to the leadership of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles (one of the most influential centers of early North American Pentecostalism), where about half of the leaders were women. As Pentecostal denominations formed, some churches continued to give prominent place to women leaders. Most, however, placed restrictions on women’s ministry and leadership in some form […]