Pneumatology: A Guide for the Perplexed

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This guide aims to elaborate and constructively engage some of the ongoing dogmatic challenges within the field of Christian pneumatology. Rather than a strict survey, the book largely represents a collection of working proposals on a number of relevant themes, including cosmology, mediation, the nature and role of Spirit-baptism, and discernment. For those who have found pneumatology frustrating and confusing, the book can serve as an aid to clarify some of the most crucial matters at stake in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and in turn provide some ways forward amidst the morass of possibilities available.

Reviews

Without doubt Castelo's desire to encourage us to engage more fully with pneumatology is one to be applauded ... [This book] is written to create greater awareness and desire to engage, and this it does well. * Regents Reviews *
This book does exactly what it says on the label. It provides a guide for readers to navigate some of the most perplexing issues in pneumatology. It does so with insight and wisdom. In short, it is a most welcome addition to the literature and I expect that it will become a key introductory text for theology students. I commend it most warmly. * Mark Cartledge, University of Birmingham, UK *
Daniel Castelo has written a text that is best described as a short but exemplary introduction to pneumatology. In plain speech but without oversimplification and avoidance of controversy, Castelo provides a splendid survey of the field of pneumatology. He begins with a study of the meanings of spirit in Scripture and the distinctions of Gods Spirit (or Holy Spirit) from other realities which are described through use of the term spirit and moves on to an examination of interpretations of the Holy Spirit in the first four centuries of Christianity and the consequence of these early developments for the division of Christianity into East and West, then next to the dialogue between pneumatology and the natural sciences for interpretation of the doctrines of creation and providence, the work of the Holy Spirit in Christian religious life and moral formation, the meanings of Spirit-baptism within the Sacramental, Evangelical, and Pentecostal traditions of Christianity, and ends with suggestions on how to discern the Holy Spirits presence and work in the world today. More than just a guide for the perplexed, Castelos book is significant for all persons seeking to not only learn more about pneumatology but also to gain a sense of its breadth. * Frederick L. Ware, Howard University School of Divinity, USA *
Although unwieldy and often neglected in Christian theology, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is rich with possibility. In this engagingly written book Castelo introduces the historical discussion and offers suggestive hints for future work in pneumatology. At the same time, he retains an appropriate level of perplexity that corresponds to the subject matter and cultivates deeper faith in God. Written with a broad, ecumenical audience in mind, Castelos work is a wonderful resource for both beginning students and seasoned scholars who want to be conversant with the latest developments in pneumatology. * Mark E. Powell, Harding School of Theology, USA *
This volume is a lovely introduction to the Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit. It is honest about the theological complexities, insightful regarding the different traditions, and creative with its constructive proposals. For those looking for a fresh and contemporary primer on pneumatology, Daniel Castelo has written the ideal companion. * Paul T. Nimmo, University of Aberdeen, UK *
Castelo provides a succinct and deep examination of significant questions in pneumatology. This text is ecumenically well grounded in the work of past and contemporary theologians, and constructive in its approaches and insights. -- Amanda C. Osheim, Loras College * Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology Society *
[Pneumatology] is a credit to the series - valuable, informative and thought-provoking as [it] invite[s] students old and new to enter into a fresh engagement with [this] doctrinal theme. * Theology Journal *

Author Bio

Daniel Castelo is Associate Professor of Theology at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA, USA. He is the author of The Apathetic God (winner of the Templeton Award for Theological Promise, 2011) and Theological Theodicy (2012).