The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life - by Cheryl M Peterson (Paperback)

About the Book

This book offers a fresh look at the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on the question of the person and work of the Spirit in the Christian life.

Book Synopsis

The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life offers a brief account of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on the question of the person and work of the Spirit in the Christian life.

Lutheran theologian Cheryl Peterson identifies three key movements of the Christian life, showing the Spirit's role in each: justification (God the Holy Spirit working for us), sanctification (God the Holy Spirit working in us), and mission (God the Holy Spirit working through us). Peterson explores scriptural and doctrinal perspectives on the person and work of the Holy Spirit--especially from churches with Reformation roots--in view of contemporary spiritual movements, including the spiritual-but-not-religious and the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. In addition, she explores the means of the Spirit's work through Word, sacrament, and spiritual gifts.

This book offers a fresh look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church today. It is ideal for seminarians and working pastors.

From the Back Cover

"Invites us to participate in the transformative work of the Spirit"

This book offers a fresh look at the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on the question of the person and work of the Spirit in the Christian life.

"Peterson has composed for us a beautiful, well-constructed, and inspiring symphonic poem in three movements. Under the grand theme of the Holy Spirit as our life giver, companion, and empowerer, the composer joyfully invites us to participate in the transformative work of the Spirit for us, in us, and through us. Bravo! Encore!"
--Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., Center for Hispanic Studies, Concordia Seminary

"Finally! Here is a book that corrects longstanding bilateral lacunae in pneumatology. Not only does it adroitly and incisively address existing theological lacunae in the Reformed and Lutheran traditions regarding pneumatology and provide serious engagement of developing Pentecostal pneumatologies; it is also well-written, making it both instructive and enjoyable. A must-read."
--Tony Richie, Pentecostal Theological Seminary

"In this wonderful book, Peterson brings together biblical and theological resources on the Holy Spirit. She also attends to contemporary spiritual expressions--from the Pentecostal and charismatic to those considered 'spiritual but not religious.' I highly recommend this book for use in colleges, seminaries, and congregations and to anyone interested in the work of the Holy Spirit in our time."
--Lois Malcolm, Luther Seminary

"An exquisite pneumatological feast. A rare combination of profound theological learning, mature pastoral sensitivity, and keen religio-cultural analysis. The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life is a must-read not only for mainstream Protestants but also for Pentecostals and charismatics--and everyone who wishes to learn more about a fresh experience of the divine Spirit."
--Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Fuller Theological Seminary and University of Helsinki

"Peterson has done us a service by focusing on God's activity in and through us, speaking of the Spirit's work in and after justification. Her approach helps us to articulate our experiences of the Spirit in trusting ways."
--Nelson Rivera, Moravian Theological Seminary

About the Author

Cheryl M. Peterson (PhD, Marquette University) is the academic dean at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), she served parishes in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for 12 years. Peterson is the author of Who Is the Church? An Ecclesiology for the Twenty-First Century and served on the recently completed first round of the International Lutheran-Pentecostal Dialogue.