Product Description

This dictionary is an overview of the important, fascinating, and often confusing mosaic of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, people, and theological perspectives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170861 in Books
• Published on: 1988-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 928 pages

From the Back Cover
Here, for the first time in one volume, is an overview of the important, fascinating, and often (especially to "outsiders") confusing mosaic of movements, people, and theological perspectives that can be grouped together under the heading "Pentecostal and charismatic." The Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements covers the spectrum of Pentecostal and charismatic movements, focusing primarily on North America but also covering to some extent the European scene. The more than 800 articles range from biblical and theological topics to black Pentecostalism, Hispanic Pentecostalism, denominational histories, charismatic renewal movements, the role of women, faith healing, biographies of key leaders, music, sociology, foreign missions, and the church growth. The sixty-five contributors represent a variety of denominational affiliations. Among the contributors are Charles W. Conn, Gordon D. Fee, Josephine Massynbaerde Ford, Peter D. Hocken, Stanley M. Horton, Charles Edwin Jones, Leonard Lovett, Russell P. Spittler, Vinson Synan, Grant Wacker, C. Peter Wagner, and J. Rodman Wiiliams. An introductory article distinguishes between the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, briefly traces their historical roots and their development in the twentieth century, and discusses the tensions between the two. Nearly 300 historical and contemporary photographs help bring to life the Pentecostal and charismatic spectrum, both past and present. The Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements has been written with a broad readership in mind and will prove invaluable for scholars, researchers, teachers, pastors, students, and anyone interested in the Pentecostal and charismatic movements -- whether their interest be personal or professional, and whether they stand within or outside these movements.

About the Author
Professor of Bible and Theology at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.;Dr. Stanley M. Burgess, a Professor of Religious Studies at Southwest Missouri State University, is a specialist in the History of Christian Thought. He has published widely in the history of pneumatology and in Pentecostal/Charismatic studies.;Gary B. McGee (Ph.D., St, Louis University) is Professor of Church History at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri.;Patrick H. Alexander (M.A., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is an editor in Republic, Missouri.

Customer Reviews

Best one volume reference on Pentecostal/Charismatic movents
As a Penecostal missionary and bible college student I have found this to be one of the best refernces on the market. I encourage those who adhere to Pentecostal/Charismatic theologies to buy this book.

Excellent(but too old)
This may be the best examination of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity available in one volume. All aspects of the history and theology of the movement are examined respectfully and in great detail and its more bizarre manifestations are not covered up or ignored.

This book's major drawback is its age. It desperately needs updating; a great deal has happened in Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity since 1988. The Trinity Broadcasting Network barely registers here, and such current Pentecostal and charismatic luminaries as T. D. Jakes, Clarence McClendon, Benny Hinn, Rod Parsley, and others do not show up at all.

This book is as good a reference source for Pentecostalism as exists. If it were updated, it would be even better.

Good concept -- poorly executed
No area of Christendom is more complicated and in need of a good roadmap for the unitiated as Pentecostalism. I was thrilled to get this thick dictionary, with so many entires and photos. It is well-bound and handsomely packaged by Zondervan.

The problem is that it is just so poorly done! It lists several good scholars among its contributors (Edith Blumhoefer, David Barrett, Grant Wacker, Gordon Fee), but these folks didn't write most of the articles. I can't believe Zondervan didn't require better work, or do some heavier editing. While some entires are clearly and crisply written, many are almost unreadable. One rambling article mentions A.J. Gordon, identifying his ministry role, then a couple of paragraphs later reintroduces him, then does it again, etc. Its as if the article were originally 3 or 4 pieces, which were later thrown together with no editing.

Another issue I have is the defensive, propaganda-like tone of most articles. For example, George and Stephen Jeffreys are identified without qualification as *England's greatest evangelists since Wesley and Whitefield*. Huh?!? Many times a person will be identified as one of the *foremost scholars* on a certain topic, simply because they wrote an obscure book on the subject. Often these will be decidely unscholarly, untrained preachers -- their books may be helpful, but these folks are most often nowhere close to being *scholars.* Similarly, entires often incorrectly imply certain figures are Pentecostal/ charismatic (for example, one entry lists Spurgeon among some charismatics simply because he prayed for and received healing -- something close to 100 percent of non-charismatic evangelicals have always believed in). The authors also tend to downplay or ignore embarrassing heresies in their Pentecostal subjects -- One-ness/Sabellian beliefs, quasi-Messianic claims, etc. Parham's long entry never mentions his teaching against the tradition view of final judgment (Conditional Immortality). Indeed, the United Pentecostal Church, Intern'l, classified as a cult by several mainstream evaneglical watchdog groups, contributes several articles to the dictionary. And the book often uncritically accepts triumphalistically many questionable stats. In many places, *revival* is narrowly defined as exercising supernatural gifts. For example, an entry on Presbyterian and Reformed charismatics states that Presbyterians have historically been involved in revival and only lists tongues experiences (rather than, say, leading the Great Awakening of the 18th century) as examples. Apparently its not a revival unless something overtly miraculous happens.

I could go on and on. Bottom-line -- profoundly dissappointing book. I gave it two stars rather than one because it does give some good reference information (if taken with a big chunk of salt).

Hope the updated version is an improvement, because this is an important and interesting topic that deserves better treatment.