Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit, By Clark H. Pinnock alt

Flame of Love

A Theology of the Holy Spirit

Second Edition

by Clark H. Pinnock
Foreword by Daniel Castelo
Commentaries by Daniel Castelo

Flame of Love
ebook
  • Length: 304 pages
  • Published: April 05, 2022
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: A0131
  • ISBN: 9781514001318

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In what may be regarded as his magnum opus, Clark Pinnock explores the vital Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Writing out of wide learning and deep personal passion, he points the way to restoring the oft-neglected Spirit to centrality in the life and witness of the church. Pinnock's book is both catholic—respecting the beliefs and worship of the historic church—and evangelical—drawing particularly on the heritage of the Reformation. Always in sight is the mission of the church, because "people want to meet the real and living God and will not be satisfied with a religion that only preaches and moralizes."

For this second edition, theologian Daniel Castelo draws from his experience using Flame of Love in the classroom to add notes with helpful commentary and brief reflections on each chapter's main themes and contributions. While the classic text is preserved, the book becomes even more accessible to contemporary readers.

"What if theology and life were seen through a Holy Spirit lens? Anticipating and contributing toward a Third Article Theology, Pinnock's Flame of Love invites the reader on a thought-provoking ecumenical journey of heart and mind through the pneumatic foundations and implications of Christian theology. Castelo's winsome commentaries and helpful updates add pedagogical value to this revised edition of Pinnock's classic for a new generation of readers."

Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., professor of systematic theology and Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

"Clark Pinnock's Flame of Love has long been an insightful and accessible treatment of pneumatology. His reflections on the Holy Spirit reflect both his wide reading and his deep love for God. The lively style and ecumenical orientation make this book a good fit for classroom use. Now with Daniel Castelo's helpful foreword and commentary, this second edition will introduce a new generation of readers to Pinnock's work."

Doug Koskela, professor of theology at Seattle Pacific University

"In this, one of his later theological offerings, Clark H. Pinnock provides a thoroughly researched and creative discussion of the least familiar member of the Trinity. He shows that the theme of the Holy Spirit sheds a distinctive light on each of the central themes of Christian faith—God, humanity, salvation, and church. Equally important, the doctrine has far-reaching practical implications. Few theologians have more directly connected their intellectual efforts to a personal religious journey, and this is nowhere more apparent than here. Readers may find themselves challenged by Flame of Love—perhaps spiritually ignited by Pinnock's appeal to think of the Spirit as more than an object of abstract reflection. This second edition of Flame of Love is enhanced by Daniel Castelo's foreword as well as the informative and practical reflections he provides for each chapter. And many readers will agree with him that this book is nothing other than a modern-day theological classic."

Richard Rice, emeritus professor of religion, Loma Linda University, and author of The Future of Open Theism: From Antecedents to Opportunities

"Flame of Love is a modern classic that has profoundly shaped a generation of evangelicals and Pentecostals, and Daniel Castelo is a perfect guide. Castelo offers helpful in-text comments and thoughtful postscript reflections that highlight the significance of Pinnock's thought and demonstrate where scholarship has gone since. Without a doubt, this edition should be a mainstay in any classroom where the Spirit is the subject."

Steven Félix-Jäger, chair of worship arts and media at Life Pacific University

"I am thrilled to see this new edition of Pinnock's classic on pneumatology appear with Daniel Castelo's brilliant commentary at key points in the text. Castelo raises issues important for contextualizing and thinking further about the points raised by Pinnock. I can't wait to use this in the classroom."

Frank D. Macchia, professor of systematic theology at Vanguard University of Southern California
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Read an Excerpt

CONTENTS

Foreword: A Testament to a Pilgrim by Daniel Castelo
Introduction
1. Spirit and Trinity
The face of the Spirit in the communion of the Holy Trinity
2. Spirit in Creation
The Spirit as Lord and giver of life, who touches creation and moves it toward completion
3. Spirit and Christology
The Spirit anointed Jesus of Nazareth to heal human brokenness from the inside and bring about atonement
4. Spirit and Church
The Spirit indwells the church and is present sacramentally and charismatically to endow it for mission
5. Spirit and Union
The goal of salvation is to live in loving union with God and to participate in the triune nature through the Spirit
6. Spirit and Universality
God desires all to be saved and is found graciously present with every person in every place by the Spirit
7. Spirit and Truth
The Spirit leads the church into truth along the path of mission, enabling it to be timely and fruitful in ministry
Conclusion
Scripture Index

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Clark H. Pinnock

Clark H. Pinnock (d. 2010) was professor emeritus of systematic theology at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. Widely regarded as one of evangelicalism's most stimulating theologians, he produced several widely discussed books, including The Wideness of God's Mercy and (with four other scholars) The Openness of God.