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The Holy Spirit: Works & Gifts (Christian Foundations)

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This book is the fifth of a projected seven volume systematic theology by Prof. Donald Bloesch. Like the other works in this series, it is written from a Protestant position that is largely influenced (although not controlled by) Reformed thought. Also, it continues Prof. Bloesch's irenic approach to the topic at hand. The book is dedicated to the memory of John Wesley (an Arminian) and George Whitefield (a Calvinist). The most surprising aspect of the book is how open Prof. Bloesch is to the pentecostal/charismatic movement. He rejects the view that some or all of the gifts of the spirit detailed in the New Testament were limited to the apostolic age. On the other hand, he rejects pentecostalism's emphasis on the "second blessing" and miracles and instead teaches a more Reformed approach to Christian living.

There is much to commend about this work. A large part of it consists of Prof. Bloesch's discussion of, and interaction with, numerous theological traditions. So, from Puritanism to Pietism, and Mormonism to Spiritism, you get a comprehensive discussion of various viewpoints on the Holy Spirit, as well as Prof. Bloesch's opinion of them. This is also the principal weakness of the book. It is to a large extent Prof. Bloesch's interaction with various theologians and schools. Prof. Bloesch does not ignore the Biblical data, but it unfortunately takes second place to the historical and theological discussions. There is a general background study of both testaments, and fairly detailed exegesis of a few pertinent biblical passages, but I would prefer more. This is particularly important in understanding pentecostalism. For example, basic to one's opinion of pentecostalism is just what happened at Pentecost - what were the "other tongues" that are mentioned in Acts 2 and what is their relation to the tongues at Corinith? Are they the same or different? Do both describe speaking human languages? If that's the case, then most of what goes on in pentecostal "tongue speaking" isn't biblical. In addition, what is wrong about the arguments that have convinced most theologians -- particularly those of Prof. Bloesch's Reformed tradition -- that the more spectacular gifts mentioned in the New Testament were of limited duration? Prof. Bloesch "glosses over" these issues.

Another volume has been added to Donald Bloesch's growing Systematic Theology. As the title indicates this work presents Bloesch's view of the Spirit and, for those who have read his works, emphasizes his reformed position. Bloesch continues to show his ability at understanding many viewpoints from numerous positions within the Christian tradition. He is extremely well read and touches base with main stream, obscure and abherrant views. This work is up to date and will be a "must read" for students of the Bible and theology. However, this book is not up to par with the earlier in his series (search Amazon: Christian Foundations) since there is a great emphasis upon historical theology and a focus, almost an attraction, to the gifts of the Spirit. True, this is an area of needed discussion today but missing is a discussion on the role of the Spirit in prayer, meditation or the interpretation of Scripture, a large gap for this work. It is a great book, characteristically Bloesch and will be helpful to many, so recommended.