Pneumatology: A Guide for the Perplexed - (Guides for the Perplexed) by Daniel Castelo (Paperback)

About the Book

Offers a clear introduction to the field of Christian pneumatology - the study of the Holy Spirit

Book Synopsis

This guide aims to elaborate and constructively engage some of the ongoing dogmatic challenges within the field of Christian pneumatology. Rather than a strict survey, the book largely represents a collection of working proposals on a number of relevant themes, including cosmology, mediation, the nature and role of Spirit-baptism, and discernment.

For those who have found pneumatology frustrating and confusing, the book can serve as an aid to clarify some of the most crucial matters at stake in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and in turn provide some ways forward amidst the morass of possibilities available.

Review Quotes

"This book does exactly what it says on the label. It provides a guide for readers to navigate some of the most perplexing issues in pneumatology. It does so with insight and wisdom. In short, it is a most welcome addition to the literature and I expect that it will become a key introductory text for theology students. I commend it most warmly." --Mark Cartledge, University of Birmingham, UK

"Daniel Costelo has written a text that is best described as a short but exemplary introduction to pneumatology. In plain speech but without oversimplification and avoidance of controversy, Costelo provides a splendid survey of the field of pneumatology. He begins with a study of the meanings of spirit in Scripture and the distinctions of God's Spirit (or Holy Spirit) from other realities which are described through use of the term spirit and moves on to an examination of interpretations of the Holy Spirit in the first four centuries of Christianity and the consequence of these early developments for the division of Christianity into East and West, then next to the dialogue between pneumatology and the natural sciences for interpretation of the doctrines of creation and providence, the work of the Holy Spirit in Christian religious life and moral formation, the meanings of Spirit-baptism within the Sacramental, Evangelical, and Pentecostal traditions of Christianity, and ends with suggestions on how to discern the Holy Spirit's presence and work in the world today. More than just a guide for the perplexed, Costelo's book is significant for all persons seeking to not only learn more about pneumatology but also to gain a sense of its breadth." --Frederick L. Ware, Howard University School of Divinity, USA

"Although unwieldy and often neglected in Christian theology, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is rich with possibility. In this engagingly written book Castelo introduces the historical discussion and offers suggestive hints for future work in pneumatology. At the same time, he retains an appropriate level of perplexity that corresponds to the subject matter and cultivates deeper faith in God. Written with a broad, ecumenical audience in mind, Castelo's work is a wonderful resource for both beginning students and seasoned scholars who want to be conversant with the latest developments in pneumatology." --Mark E. Powell, Harding School of Theology, USA

"This volume is a lovely introduction to the Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit. It is honest about the theological complexities, insightful regarding the different traditions, and creative with its constructive proposals. For those looking for a fresh and contemporary primer on pneumatology, Daniel Castelo has written the ideal companion." --Paul T. Nimmo, University of Aberdeen, UK

"Daniel Castelo has written a text that is best described as a short but exemplary introduction to pneumatology. In plain speech but without oversimplification and avoidance of controversy, Castelo provides a splendid survey of the field of pneumatology. He begins with a study of the meanings of spirit in Scripture and the distinctions of God's Spirit (or Holy Spirit) from other realities which are described through use of the term spirit and moves on to an examination of interpretations of the Holy Spirit in the first four centuries of Christianity and the consequence of these early developments for the division of Christianity into East and West, then next to the dialogue between pneumatology and the natural sciences for interpretation of the doctrines of creation and providence, the work of the Holy Spirit in Christian religious life and moral formation, the meanings of Spirit-baptism within the Sacramental, Evangelical, and Pentecostal traditions of Christianity, and ends with suggestions on how to discern the Holy Spirit's presence and work in the world today. More than just a guide for the perplexed, Castelo's book is significant for all persons seeking to not only learn more about pneumatology but also to gain a sense of its breadth." --Frederick L. Ware, Howard University School of Divinity, USA

About the Author