Theological Dialogue with Classical Pentecostals: Challenges and Opportunities

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The last two decades have witnessed the growing participation in theological dialogues of non-institutional (free church) movements. This poses a serious challenge to 21st century ecumenism, since ecclesial realities and internal diversity of these movements impede fruitful dialogue in the classical manner. The present volume addresses fundamental aspects of this challenge by a critical study of an exemplary case of such dialogues, the International Roman Catholic-Classical Pentecostal Dialogue (1972-2007). This unique study builds both on primary archival sources and on earlier research on the IRCCPD. After providing an ecumenical profile of the Classical Pentecostal dialogue partner, Creemers demonstrates how fair representation of the Classical Pentecostal movement has been pursued in the course of the dialogue. Next, he gives attention to the ecumenical method of the IRCCPD. First, the development of a dialogue method hinging on hard questions is traced, which has allowed a balanced theological exchange between the dialogue partners. Regarding theological method, it is demonstrated that both partners showed a willingness to experiment together by integrating sources of theological knowledge typically distrusted in their own traditions. In conclusion, the analyses are integrated in an overview of challenges and opportunities for dialogue with the Classical Pentecostal movement in the context of ongoing discussions on ecumenical method.

Reviews

[This] is a work of monumental and definitive scholarship... * Theology Journal *
A helpful and even necessary resource for gaining understanding of a dialogue between two of the largest Christian communities in the world. * Ecclesiology *
This is definitely the most in-depth study on methodological issues related to 35 years of international ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic church and Classical Pentecostalism. A careful study of the final reports of each dialogue phase makes it clear that, once the unique dialogue method of raising and answering to hard questions was firmly established, the theological quality of the dialogue could benefit. The discovery that a rich variety of theological sources has been used in the final reports allows for fruitful comparison with other bilateral dialogues. * Peter de Mey, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium *
The International Roman Catholic-Classical Pentecostal Dialogue is a remarkable discussion that has already enjoyed over four decades of existence. Creemers has written what I believe is the single most significant study of this dialogue to date. He places the dialogue within the larger ecumenical context and demonstrates its value on a number of fronts. His examination of the unique methodology employing "hard questions" in this dialogue is unparalleled and it points to their significance as yet another tool that can aid in the continuing development in the field of ecumenics. This is a valuable contribution to those seeking information on the two largest Christian families in the world, to professional ecumenists who are interested in documentation, and to students. * Cecil M. Robeck, Jr., Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *

Author Bio

Jelle Creemers is Research Assistant at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium. His current teaching and publications focus on the relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Classical Pentecostal Movement, as well as on the ecumenical potential of Free Churches.