Purity and Power: Pentecostal

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Editor’s Note 171 the Holiness & “Purity and Power: Pentecostal/Charismatic was the theme of the 27th Annual Pentecostal Revisioning Movements for the Twenty-First Century” (WTS). Prior with that agreement, Meeting of the Society for Society Studies (SPS) on March 12-14, 1998. The meeting was a special joint meeting of the SPS with the Wesleyan Theological to the meeting the Executive Committees of SPS and WTS agreed to publish jointly in their respective journals the papers of the plenary sessions that addressed the conference theme. In keeping the Focus section of this issue of PNEUMA is publishing the papers of five plenary sessions of the joint meeting. in the Spring 1999 issue of the (WTJ). Because the Spring 1999 issue of PNEUMA focused on “The Report from the Fourth Phase of the These five articles were published Wesleyan Theological Journal International Dialogue (1990-1997) Church and Some Classical Pentecostal tled “Evangelization, Proselytism ‘ between the Roman Catholic Churches and Leaders,” enti- . and Common Witness,” the plenary papers from the SPS-WTS joint meeting were moved forward to this Fall 1999 issue. This change had the advantage of inviting Barry L. Callen, editor of WTJ, who had already edited the pieces for WTI, to serve as the Guest Editor for the Focus section of this issue. All that was necessary to do for our editorial staff was to translate the papers and footnote format. As the editor of PNEUMA, I thank Barry for lending his editorial expertise to this issue into PNEUMA’s templates of the journal. Intentionally, the joint SPS-WTS Church of God Theological Seminary meeting was hosted by the in Cleveland, Tennessee, the ‘ setting Scholars who had been national seminary of a major Pentecostal denomination associated with the Wesleyan wing of Pentecostalism. Such an institutional . symbolized the historic nature of the meeting. each other by a parting of the ways at the beginning of Holiness were back together at the dawn of the century in dialogue exploring separated from the century into their respective aspects of their common Wesleyan developments. of the plenary sessions reunited with their theological and Pentecostal traditions roots and subsequent distinctive the Holiness & . A feeling of “homecoming” certainly marked the tenor as educators, church leaders and students were cousins in “revisioning Pentecostal/Charismatic movements for the twenty-first century.” As an additional boost to the celebration of revisioning their common Wesleyan Holiness Presidential Address was given by John Christopher Thomas from the Church of God Theological Seminary. His address, “Pentecostal through assessing the movements roots, the SPS 1 172 Theology in the Twenty-First 1998 issue of PNEUMA. Century” ‘ Review Editor, was published in the Spring two review to the read- Book In addition to the Focus section, this issue contains essays and twelve book reviews. Such a hefty contribution ership of P7VB'(/M4 has been the signature mark of PNEUMA’s Dr. Augustus Cerillo Jr. With this issue, Gus will com- plete his six-year tenure as the journal’s to work with Gus, my longtime friend and Book Review Editor. I have the journal. Over the past six years 112 different books were reviewed for an average essays per volume. He has been the substance, both quantitative- so enjoyed the opportunity academic colleague, in producing under his editorship, of nearly 19 book reviews/review unbelievably productive ly and qualitatively, efforts in increasing erage of the book reviews/review serviceable in increasing of the Book Review section of the journal. By his the academic sturdiness and comprehensive cov- essays, he has made the journal more had relevance to I know we have all benefited of the journal when I and enthusiastic gratitude to Gus matic movements, Pentecostal and charismatic from his dedicated work. the membership express my unrestrained for the outstanding job tion as part of our before sending these manuscripts worked tirelessly to the needs of our subscribers. Readers of the journal have been kept abreast with scholarly works on the Pentecostal and charis- or with studies that have scholarship. I also know that I express the sentiments of of the society and readership appreciation he has done as PNEUMA’s Book Review Editor. Gus also deserves high praise for the many hours he has spent reading article-length manuscripts initial screening procedures submitted to PNEUMA for publica- as an editorial board on to a referee or referees. He has the many Dr. Amos and with critical acumen in evaluating paper submissions to the journal in his voluntary service to the society. With the next issue of PNEUMA, at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, become the new Book Review Editor. The next issue will be my last Professor of Theology issue as the Editor of the journal. Yong, Assistant will In the subsequent issue after the next of Christian Theology at Both Gus and I are exuber- that Frank and Amos will will become the antly supportive bring to the journal. issue, Dr. Frank Macchia, Associate Professor Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, California, new Editor of PNEUMA. of the editorial leadership In the interim, all of the members of the current editorial team hope the readers find this issue to be intellectually engaging and relevant to your scholarly interests. Murray W. Dempster Editor 2

2 Comments

  • Reply August 20, 2025

    Francis Shepherfield

    While the article discusses the historical and theological aspects of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, it seems to overlook critical scholarly debates surrounding these topics. For instance, according to Pew Research (2020), the growth of Pentecostalism is often attributed to sociocultural factors rather than purely theological evolution. Furthermore, assertions made in this article may reflect a particular bias towards traditional Holiness theology without adequately addressing alternative perspectives within Christian thought. As noted in various studies found on Christianity.com, gnostic theology is frequently misunderstood; it’s not merely heretical but often represents a rich tapestry of early Christian beliefs that challenge conventional interpretations. The framing of ‘revisioning’ as a return to roots could be seen as an oversimplification, neglecting the complex dynamics at play within contemporary faith practices. Ultimately, while the intentions behind this discourse are commendable, it risks propagating a narrative that could be labeled as false news by failing to incorporate diverse theological viewpoints and current academic discourse.

  • Reply August 20, 2025

    Glenn

    This article is a prime example of how academia can sometimes lose touch with the core values of faith. The author presents what they claim to be a significant ‘revisioning’ of Pentecostal movements, yet neglects the foundational truths that have guided these traditions for centuries. According to Pew Research, there is a rising trend among religious individuals to seek authentic spiritual experiences rather than academic jargon (Pew Research Center, 2021). This article reads more like a convoluted thesis than a genuine exploration of faith. Moreover, the reference to ‘Wesleyan developments’ seems to flirt dangerously close to gnostic theology, which has historically been deemed heretical by mainstream Christianity (Christianity.com). When discussing the ‘Holiness and Purity’ themes, one cannot ignore that these ideals are rooted in Biblical doctrine rather than in scholarly debates. This tendency to prioritize intellectual discourse over spiritual depth only serves to alienate those seeking true connection with God. In conclusion, this piece misrepresents the essence of Pentecostalism and ultimately falls into the trap of false news and misguided theology.

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