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I Believe in the Holy Spirit (Milestones in Catholic Theology)

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Yves Congar's classic study I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT works to restore badly needed balance to the theological topic of pneumatology. First, it is an authentically ecumenical endeavor. Although a Catholic scholar, Congar extensively and sensitively interacts with Protestant theology as well. Obviously conversant with Roman Catholic and magisterial Protestant history, liturgy, and theology Congar also articulately addresses the Orthodox tradition and contemporary Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal movements. Second, the overall work expertly draws on biblical, historical, and theological disciplines. This makes for an exceptionally integrative effort. Third, although perhaps of first importance, Congar's underlying intention appears to be bringing the oft-neglected topic of pneumatology to its rightful place in classic Christian theology. Accordingly, he insightfully discusses the centrality of the Holy Spirit's person and work in relation to Christology and ecclesiology, especially, as well as in relation to other complementary categories. In the process, Congar clearly contends for the importance of a strong doctrine of pneumatology in the discipline of Christian theology. A Pentecostal/Charismatic Christian myself, I found Congar's approach both stimulating and challenging.

Originally published as three successive volumes, the three-volumes-in-one edition is a convenient way to approach Congar's classic text and a smart buy to boot. I am certainly well pleased with my personal copy. Volume 1 begins with an overview of the biblical and historical basis of Christian experience of and reflection on the Holy Spirit. Volume 2 digs more in depth into the development of pneumatological doctrine and understanding. Volume 3 addresses difficulties in and offers constructive and definitive ideas for advances. Although they can certainly be read separately with profit, they do form an organic whole that offers optimum benefit to those who tackle them together. Volume 3 is perhaps the most dense reading, although throughout the three volumes there are areas which require some potentially intimidating technical exposition. However, in general Congar writes in a quite readable way, and the entire work is amazingly accessible for such breadth and depth.

If there is a shortcoming to this series, it is simply that in the mammoth task of summarizing and analyzing so much material Congar is inevitably forced to be somewhat selective. A few times I have found myself wishing he had gone deeper here or less deep there. Nevertheless, that's just the nature of the work and not usually a noticable negative. With an almost unerring instinct, Congar attempts to offer the most focus where it appears it will be most effective for the most members of the wide-ranging Christian family. Of course, it is always distinctly Catholic. An excellent benefit is that one could easily follow up on Congar's clearly identified sources for further investigation in areas of special personal or professional interest. In this regard, it serves as an extraordinarily helpful bibliography on pneumatological studies (up to its own publication date, of course). Overall, I'd certainly say Yve Congar's I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT is a highly recommended resource for those with interests in serious investigations into contemporary pneumatology!

I read this book because I have been doing research on the Cursillo Movement (a spiritual renewal movement in various Christian denominations). Eduardo Bonnin, founder of Cursillo, references the work of Yves Congar in a 1996 interview in a Canadian newspaper as being part of the foundation for Cursillo. The book is a wonderful exposition on The Holy Spirit and is well worth reading. I believe that God intends us to use all His gifts, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual in our attempt to move closer to Him. For those in the Cursillo Movement this is "must reading".