Charismatic Christianity - by Helen Collins (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explores charismatic Christianity by focusing on seven key emphases that mark this modern renewal movement.

Book Synopsis

What is the essence of charismatic Christianity, a renewal movement that stresses the Holy Spirit's work, the church's use of spiritual gifts, and the significance of the supernatural? Helen Collins gives a novel summary explanation drawn from the spiritual gifts. Through Scripture and doctrinal reflection, she shows that charismatic spirituality is a coherent, reasonable, and rich tradition with much to offer.

Collins demonstrates how practicing spiritual gifts embodies a distinctive theology, making these practices carriers of doctrine. Using the Acts 2 narrative, she summarizes seven key emphases and associated practices: expectancy (prophecy), enchantment (miracles), encounter (healing), expression (testimony), equality (tongues), empowerment (evangelism), and enjoyment (worship). The result is a fresh introduction that is biblical, theologically robust, and practical, helping charismatic students to learn more about themselves and others to understand the movement and what it has to contribute to global theological discussions.

From the Back Cover

"A rich yet accessible account of the practices, spirituality, and theology of charismatic Christianity"

Helen Collins explores charismatic Christianity by focusing on seven key emphases that mark this modern renewal movement.

"Collins introduces charismatic theology through biblical and doctrinal reflections on the foundational story of Pentecost and the central experiences and practices of spiritual gifts. In this way, Charismatic Christianity celebrates the theology and spirituality of charismatic and Pentecostal movements and joins them for a global theological conversation and testimony to the church living in the power of the Holy Spirit."
--Wolfgang Vondey, University of Birmingham

"Confessionally charismatic, as well as more broadly catholic, this book is a treasure trove of creative theological reflection and scriptural engagement. It is a gift to scholars seeking to find ways to express the dynamics of a Spirit-filled life."
--Cheryl Bridges Johns, Global Pentecostal House of Study, United Theological Seminary

"Collins has made a significant contribution to charismatic theology. Scholars, students, and regular church members will find much to inform their minds, warm their hearts, and shape their ecclesial practices. I commend this study and look forward to using it in my own class on the person and work of the Holy Spirit."
--Rev. Mark J. Cartledge, FRSA, London School of Theology

"In this valuable work, Collins provides a rich yet accessible account of the practices, spirituality, and theology of charismatic Christianity. Her explanation of the key emphases of charismatic Christianity as a substantive, mature form of Christian faith will be beneficial to charismatic Christians, to charismatic pastors and leaders, and to academic theologians."
--Jon Stovell, Vineyard Churches of Canada

"For those not typically called charismatic, this book offers an on-ramp for understanding, appreciation, and even joining. For charismatics, it models a mature spirituality that in turn inspires a fulsome ecclesiology. Lucid and compelling, Charismatic Christianity is a gift to the church."
--Jon Coutts, Ambrose University

About the Author

Helen Collins (PhD, University of Bristol) is vice principal academic and tutor in practical theology at Trinity College, Bristol, England. She is a charismatic movement insider and an Anglican priest. Her books include Reordering Theological Reflection: Starting with Scripture and Mary the Worshipping Mother.