Customer Reviews

Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective (Three Volumes in One)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pentecostalism is the largest movement of the past 100 years, easily accounting for 25% of all Christians in the world! The knock against it is that it has had no solid theological roots. Well, look no further. Williams' theology is solid. First and foremost, he worships God in this book. Second, he respectfully explains other viewpoints on issues (original sin, eschatology, gifts of the Spirit, etc.), while providing logical, scriptural arguments for his own. This and Grudem's _Systematic Theology_ are the only contemporary ones I own, and they are well-worn.

This book is well worth the reading. No "empty hands on empty heads" theology here! This book is a well-balanced, scholarly work. A must-read for every Christian with a desire to undergird their faith with reason. He graciously avoids the unfortunate extremes of "charismania" while holding to the conviction that God is STILL a God of supernatural power.

For many years, Charismatics have been found wanting with respect to an authoritative systematic theology written from a Charismatic perspective. We have had to "borrow" the systematic theologies of others like Grudem, Schafer, et al. And this isn't bad in and of itself. But in areas such as pneumology, the current evangelical theology has always differed with the charismatic viewpoint, and has left the charismaric wanting in this and other areas.

But not any more.

Williams covers each important theological subject in a thorough fashion and provides a complete systematic theology for the Charismatically-inclined as well as for the body of Christ at large.

It is nice to see a sound theology advanced by an eminently capable scholar who embraces the charismatic world view.

I could not give the book five stars because for all its worth, Williams does not believe that healing is in the atonement--a staple for the charismatic community. But William's viewpoint in this area may be due to his Presbyterian roots.

Good book if you want a theology from a charismatic viewpoint.

This is a highly readable book dealing with systematic theology from a reformed position yet with a thoroughly Biblical exposition of the Holy Spirit, the role of the Spirit in a Christian's life, gifts of the Spirit, and the current renewal movement (which almost all other reformed theology ignores). Many have said that this book combines the intellectual foundation that the charismatic movement has needed. This book is for every Christian looking to strengthen their mind with the truth of God's Word while at the same time drawing one closer in that vital relationship with the Triune God that is absolutely necessary to make theology come alive in words and deeds. Many of my theologically untrained friends have read this book and have found it very easy to read yet life changing. It confirmed to them the reality and theological basis of the Holy Spirit in their lives today. It strengthened their understanding of the core doctrines of the Word of God. Dr. Williams' character and enthusiasm for the truth of God and the movement fo the Holy Spirit shines through each of the chapters. Christians will certainly be challenged with his exposition on limited atonement, and foreordination or predestination vs. free-will debates which he attempts to show another prespective that both miss. I highly recommend this book to every believer seeking to read a theological book that not only stimulates the intellect providing truth and wisdom from God's Word but also encourages the heart in one's relationship to God, the Church and towards the world.

Unlike many dry theology books, Renewal Theology by J. Rodman Williams is full of life. While learning the great truths of Theology, I often enjoyed an encounter with the Holy Spirit in these pages. My relationship with God was enriched while my mind was enlightened. Dr. Williams, a professor at Regent University, a graduate university in Virginia Beach, covers theology comprehensively and compassionately. His Presbyterian roots and experience combined with his vital life in the Spirit produce a classic work. Whatever your denominational persuasion, you should read this

I bought this book while attending an evangelical Bible college. This book was not only a great resource to have but has proven to be very useful to me in the ministry.

Williams will challange traditional charismatic thinking and he does a good job of presenting each doctrinal section with clear Biblical texts based on both the Greek, Hebrew, and various translations.

The one area I was challanged was in Williams views of the tribulation (he is post-trib whereas I am more pre-trib). Williams, being a Presybeterian pastor, does a great job of presenting his post-trib views as well as his insights into predestinationa, election, and God's sovereignty are good.

Buy this book! You will not regret getting a copy!

J. Rodman Williams (1918-2008) was a charismatic theologian and Professor of Renewal Theology at Regent University (as well as the founding president of the now-defunct Melodyland School of Theology). This isn't the "only" systematic theology written from a Pentecostal perspective (see Systematic Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective, and Wayne Grudem's sympathetic Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine), but is certainly the most thorough.

This book was written from 1988-92, and has now been published as a single volume. Williams eschews the traditional categories such as "Sotierology," "Ecclesiology," "Eschatology," and so on, simply dividing the book into three parts (1- "God, the World, & Redemption"; "Salvation, the Holy Spirit, and Christian Living"; and "The Church, the Kingdom, and Last Things"), of fifteen chapters apiece.

Obviously, one cannot adequately summarize a 1,400-page work within the confines of an Amazon review; but here are some characteristic quotations (I have the original 3-volume edition, so my page numbers correlate to that):

"It is only through the continuing direction of the Holy Spirit that genuine theological work can be done." (V1, pg. 21)
"(T)here can be no basic difference between the truth the Christian community knows through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and what is set forth in Scripture.... However, in terms of that which is authoritative and therefore normative, what is written in Scripture always has the primacy." (V1, pg. 23)
"I must strongly emphasize that all such modern-day) revelation is wholly subordinate to special revelation.... But that there is subordinate revelation must never be denied." (V1, pg. 44)
"We must not allow the Bible to become an archaic book of long-gone mighty deeds of God." (V1, pg. 167)
"it is of consummate importance that this biblical witness also became a matter of living experience." (V1, pg. 324)
"Because of the fulness of His anointing and this continuous spiritual outworking, Jesus could truly be called 'the charismatic Christ.'" (V1, pg. 340)
"Hence we may rejoice greatly that the gift of the Holy Spirit from the exalted Lord is still promised and therefore available to us today." (V1, pg. 413)
"death or damnation ... does not belong to God's predestinating action, which ... refers only to the general area of salvation." (V2, pg. 17)
"Apostasy can only mean departure from the faith." (V2, pg. 134)
"The evidence in Acts does not allow us to draw an absolute conclusion that speaking in tongues invariably followed the reception of the Spirit; however, the texts much incline in that direction." (V2, pg. 210)
"Any vital information concerning the gifts of the Spirit, the pneumatic charismata, presupposes a participation in them." (V2, pg. 326)
"Regarding 1 Corinthians 12:31 ... we must guard against any idea that Paul intends to describe a way better than desiring the charismata." (V2, pg. 343)
"The interpretation (of tongues) sometimes varies considerably in length from the tongue spoken, so much so that those present may wonder if the interpretation is actually of the tongue. It is possible that the words of a presumed interpretation are not given by the Holy Spirit ... and need to be quickly refuted." (V2, pg. 403-404)
"So let us again emphasize (it would be hard to do so too strongly) that we should expect supernatural manifestations still to accompany the proclamation of the gospel." (V3. pg. 148-149)
"Although there is much overlap with what men are called to do, the role of women by virtue of their own feminine nature cannot be identical with that of men." (V3, pg. 212)
"The fact that God is providing an outpouring of fresh spiritual resources in our time is undoubtedly an 'end-time' sign." (V3, pg. 319)
He also endorses post-tribulationalism (V3, pg. 370) and Amillenialism (V3, pg. 443, although he doesn't like this term for it).

Due to its somewhat excessive emphasis on spiritual gifts, this is not the best "basic" systematic theology to own; but for pentecostals and charismatics, and those wanting a "broad picture" of Christian theology, this is a worthy addition to any theological library.

this book has everything in it, in clear concise terms and the greatest part of all, it is reader friendly.

Ok, so let me clarify a little what I mean by that. If you are looking for an evangelical / charismatic systematic theology then you MUST have this on your bookshelf because it is comprehensive and detailed (sometimes too much so) but that said, really, it is incredibly heavy reading to the point of almost being outright boring in places.

It just isn't written in a readable way especially when compared to the excellent Systematic Theology by Norman Geisler (and why on earth have Zondervan formatted it into columns?). These 2 books couldn't be further apart as far as ease of getting the information out is concerned but if you persevere it WILL pay off. That said, both Grudem and Geisler are MUCH easier to read.

You might also consider the Systematic Theology edited by Stanley Horton as another 'pentecostal' resource for your library. An excellent resource for the evangelical subjects such as Tongues and Gifts etc...

Just started reading the book & so far, is easy to understand & is answering so many questions I have had! Also settled a lot of arguments! Can look up information wherever you need too, covers so many topics! Very thorough!