Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity (Paperback)

~ Gregory Boyd (Author) "The present status of the Oneness heresy on the world scene and the present lack of reliable information on this movement are themselves enough reason..." (more)
Key Phrases: distinct preexistence, ness exponents, actual preexistence, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, God the Father (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A world-wide movement is assessed by a former oneness Pentecostal who warns that the time has passed for ignoring this small group. Boyd clarifies misconception that the early church believed a "oneness" gospel and carefully distinguishes the views of oneness believers from trinitarian Pentecostals and charismatics.

About the Author

Gregory A. Boyd is the senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church (BGC) in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of many books, including the best-selling Letters from a Skeptic, and formerly taught theology at Bethel College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (June 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801010195
• ISBN-13: 978-0801010194
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #686,163 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, February 11, 1999

By A Customer

Gregory A. Boyd is a Professor of Theology who clearly has done his homework on Oneness Pentecostalism. As a former Oneness Pentecostal myself, I found that Boyd convincingly cuts through the smoke and mirror rhetoric of Oneness, probing the underlying problems inherent in their theology and the often damaging psycho-spiritual baggage that results. Somehow, he pulls this off without gratuituously attacking Oneness believers themselves. He seems to truly understand the inner-working psychology of the people behind the movement.

Even one of the leading apologists for Oneness Pentecostalism, David K. Bernard, has acknowledged that Boyd has handled Oneness belief fairly, even if a bit roughly. I think that says it all. If you can only get one popular book on Oneness Pentecostalism, this is it!

My only complaint is that I wish it had been published much earlier - it would've saved me from much needless pain and aggravation in my own "spiritual journey".

21 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of UPC, July 19, 2005

By	E. Johnson (El Cajon, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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There are a number of well-meaning individuals found in UPC and Apostolic churches who have an immense hatred for the Trinity. "It's not a word found in the Bible," adherents often cry, begging the question that words they use to describe the Godhead are not found there either (i.e. "oneness"). In this book, Boyd does a good job explaining why the Trinity is true, as the concepts are clearly taught in scripture. But UPC people often don't end up with merely rejecting the Trinity; they also say a person must be water baptized (by them, of course, in Jesus' name only) and abide by their numerous rules and regulations. They are, leaders will say, the only true church. Meanwhile, justification and sanctification--important terms in soteriology--are mixed up in a hodgepodge, as there is no distinction. This is a perfect environment for a legalistic mindset and, if I may be so bold, creates a cult. Thus, anyone who has ears, let him hear what the Word of God truly has to say about the subject. Boyd's work is a big help in explaining the prooftexts used by UPC advocates so that answers may be given to all.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed review, October 20, 1999

By A Customer

From the viewpoint of a oneness pentecostal, I must say that although Gregory Boyd is wrong on several counts, he has presented-so far-the most accurate representation of the oneness movement by a major publisher, Zonderan. I can only say this because every single other author touching the subject have consistently and grossly misrepresented the Oneness faith.