40 Questions about Pentecostalism - by Jonathan Black (Paperback)

About the Book

"Clear, theologically focused guidance on Pentecostals and Pentecostalism. At just over a century old, the Pentecostal movement looms large in the global Christian landscape, with adherents and influence across multiple cultures and contexts. Still, confusion abounds over what Pentecostals believe and teach about the Holy Spirit, worship, salvation, healing, and much more. In 40 Questions about Pentecostalism, Jonathan Black gives an appreciative yet realistic look at the historical, theological, biblical, and experiential factors that make Pentecostalism a vibrant and worldwide Christian movement. He answers questions such as these: How did Pentecostalism begin? How are Charismatics different from Pentecostals? What did Jesus accomplish at the cross according to Pentecostals? What is the Pentecostal doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? What do Pentecostals believe about healing? What ministries has Christ placed in his church according to Pentecostal theology? How do Pentecostals understand water baptism? The thematic organization of 40 Questions about Pentecostalism provides valuable insight into the issues that matter most in understanding Pentecostalism. And as with all the 40 Questions books, the question-and-answer format offers readers targeted guidance on the questions that matter most to them. Instructor resources are available at 40questions.net"--

Book Synopsis

How to understand the beliefs and practices of Pentecostalism
At just over a century old, the Pentecostal Movement accounts for over 500 million believers worldwide and continues to grow. Still, confusion abounds over what Pentecostals believe and teach about the Holy Spirit, worship, salvation, healing, and much more.
In 40 Questions About Pentecostalism, Jonathan Black provides an accessible overview of the historical, theological, biblical, and experiential factors that make Pentecostalism a vibrant and worldwide Christian movement. He answers questions such as these:

• How did Pentecostalism begin?
• How are Charismatics different from Pentecostals?
• Do Pentecostals affirm the prosperity gospel?
• What is the Pentecostal doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
• What do Pentecostals believe about healing?
• What ministries has Christ placed in his church according to Pentecostal theology?
• What is "speaking in tongues"?

As with all the 40 Questions books, the question-andanswer format offers readers targeted guidance on the questions that matter most to them, and controversial issues are addressed with robust scholarship and in a spirit of grace.

Review Quotes

"'It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.' These were the words proclaimed from the first council of the Church who found the mind of Christ and the grace to minister his life, as they came together as one body. So too in this excellent and comprehensive work. Jonathan powerfully illustrates how the Holy Spirit continues to transcend earthly boundaries of nationality, generation, and culture, to call the church up into one mind on fundamental truths of the faith. Asking questions remains foundational to our growth, not just in the knowledge of Christ, but in the humility and gentleness of he who always looked to his Father as the answer to every question. The answers Jonathan shares in this book ultimately point readers not to one part of the church, but to one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."--Phelim Doherty "Deputy National Leader of The Apostolic Church, UK" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"As a lifelong Pentecostal, I have read several books about the Pentecostal movement and its history. What is marvelous about Jonathan Black's book is that he has written a text that is profoundly theologically aware, extremely well informed by primary sources, and placed within the wider context of church history--whilst simultaneously being relatively short. This is a great book for anyone who would like to know more about the Pentecostal movement, both in terms of its history and beliefs, it provides insight helpful to people both within and outside of the Pentecostal churches. For anyone looking for a great introductory text to the Pentecostal movement, this is that text."--Helgi Gudnason "Pastor, Filadelfia Pentecostal Church, Reykjavik, Iceland" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Jonathan has written an expansive book covering a vast scope of Pentecostal theology and understanding worldwide. But he has done so succinctly without losing depth or rigor. These 40 questions will give the reader an accurate overview of Pentecostal belief and practice in several areas. While also correcting errors from within and caricatures often directed towards Pentecostals. These 40 questions will benefit Pentecostal churches and small groups who wish to deepen their understanding and strengthen their biblical convictions."--Jamie Lavery "Pastor, Elim Church Crawley" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Jonathan is (perhaps uniquely!) gifted in being able to successfully combine a depth and breadth of Pentecostal theological and historical research with an engaging, accessible writing style which means this book is eminently suitable for, and deserves, a wide readership. This latest work of his will certainly become a core text for our theology students and recommended reading for our ministers-in-training."--Jenny Kimble "Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Regents Theological College, UK" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Jonathan Black's 40 Questions About Pentecostalism is an exceptionally good theological introduction to the modern Pentecostal movement. A faithful 'insider, ' Black writes with knowledge, insight, and clarity. He emphasizes the evangelical nature of this dynamic, global movement and thus also the biblical foundations and core beliefs that provide for its cohesion amid considerable diversity. Black's meticulous research, which draws upon sources from every continent, enables him to speak with conviction and represent mainstream classical Pentecostalism well. This book will benefit both interested observers in search of understanding and committed Pentecostals desiring to go deeper. I warmly recommend it to all."--Robert Menzies "Director of the Asian Center for Pentecostal Theology, Author of Christ-Centered, This Pentecost: This Story is our Story, and Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Jonathan Black's book not only answers key theological questions from a global perspective but also fleshes out important beliefs and practices which are central to, yet not usually associated with, Pentecostalism such as its worship of Word and Sacrament. This is a remarkable achievement. For anyone looking for an accurate and up-to-date understanding of this global phenomenon, I cannot recommend this book too highly."--Simon Chan "Editor, Asia Journal of Theology, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Trinity Theological College (Singapore)" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Once again Jonathan has given us a practical, entertaining, edifying, and inspiring book. His powers of synthesis and argumentation make this book a practical tool that I can't wait to have at hand. This book is timely and I am convinced that the Lord will use it to help Pentecostals of today and tomorrow rediscover their roots. Its presentation in the form of questions is wise and practical. I believe it will be a blessing to many. Thank you, Jonathan."--Eric Maréchal "President of the Apostolic Church of Belgium" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Pentecostalism bewilders scholars and laypersons alike. In this excellent volume, Jonathan Black provides an academically robust account of the movement's core characteristics with impressive clarity and conviction. Anyone curious about the historical and theological roots of Pentecostalism does not need to look any further!"--Tommy H. Davidsson "Associate Professor, The Norwegian School of Leadership and Theology" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Pentecostalism in all its diversity and global variety is an extraordinary phenomenon which has in just over 100 years encircled the globe and established itself in practically every country. This excellent introduction provides a careful and precise account of Pentecostal origins, variants, and beliefs. The text is anchored in primary sources and enhanced by reference to reputable scholars and academic sources. This is first class book from which to begin a study of one of the most vibrant religious movements in today's world."--William K. Kay "Fellow of the Institute for Pentecostal Theology, Regents Theological College, West Malvern" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"This is a remarkable resource for understanding Pentecostalism. Refusing to settle for merely sociological descriptions of the movement, Black serves up a properly theological account, posing all the right questions and giving clear answers documented from Scripture and from a dazzling survey of international Pentecostal primary texts. The resulting survey locates Pentecostalism securely within the vast common ground shared by all evangelical believers, while giving an appropriate amount of special attention to the unique ideas of Pentecostalism. I cannot imagine a better book to equip Christians for constructive conversations about these issues, under the guidance of the one Spirit (Eph 4:4)."--Fred Sanders "Torrey Honors College at Biola University" (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)