Pentecostalism has been known much more for its religious
experientialism than for its theology. During the past generation,
however, Pentecostals have taken up the task of reflecting theologically
from their experience of the Spirit of God. This book represents
Pentecostal theology at its best, being thoroughly and unabashedly
Pentecostal on the one hand, and yet being deeply ecumenical on the
other. Within this dual Pentecostal and ecumenical framework, it offers
Spirit-centered theological perspectives on the doctrine of the Church
(ecclesiology), the doctrine of the salvation (soteriology), and the
ministry and witness of Christians to the world (theology of mission).
Toward a Pneumatological Theology is a sign that Pentecostal theology
has come of age. It furthers the discussion of what it means to do
Christian theology by starting with the Spirit of God, thereby
demonstrating that Pentecostalism may indeed have something unique and
distinctive to offer theologically to the larger Christian Church. At
the same time, it will also be of interest to those who wish to begin
understanding Pentecostalism on its own terms as well as to those who
have followed closely the history and theology of the movement.