Pentecostal Theology
WELCOME TO PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY
When you hear the terms “Pentecostal” and “Theology” placed alongside one another, does it strike you as an oxymoron, or a contradiction in terms?
In this video, we will offer an overview of the class, establish a working definition of the term “theology,” and explain why the Pentecostal emphasis on oral narrative and personal testimony offers the wider church rich insight into how theology might be approached.
As you watch ask yourself:
- What role has “theology” played in my spiritual formation so far?
- Do I see theology as primarily an exercise of the head or of the heart?
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PENTECOSTAL + THEOLOGY?
Unlike some other Christian denominations, Pentecostals are not often thought of as a group that emphasizes the formal study of theology. For some, even the idea of “Pentecostal Theology” is a contradiction. You may even be wondering if it is possible to think seriously about theology as a Pentecostal. However, if we think about theology not primarily in terms of academic inquiry but personal testimony, then isn’t every Christian already a theologian in some sense?
Here are some questions to think about as we proceed through this course together:
- What comes to mind when you hear the word “Pentecostalism?”
- From the knowledge you had prior to enrolling in the course, what do you believe distinguishes Pentecostalism from other branches of the Christian faith?
What will I learn ?
Course Objectives
Primary Learning Outcomes – After completing this course you will…
- Be able to explain how Pentecostals throughout the movement’s history have understood what it means to “do” theology.
- Become acquainted with how the movement’s approach to theological reflection has shaped its reading of Scripture, distinctive doctrines, and presentation of core beliefs.
Head (Cognitive) – After completing this course you will…
- Be able to offer a working definition of Pentecostalism, including its relationship to and differences with the broader Charismatic Movement and other branches of the Christian Tradition.
- Understand the historical context and theological antecedents that gave rise to the Pentecostal movement and its core doctrinal distinctives.
- Appreciate how the unique approach Pentecostals take toward theological reflection has influenced the content of the movement’s theology.
Heart (Affective) – After completing this course you will…
- Acquire a greater awareness of why Pentecostals, both historic and contemporary, hold the theological and metaphysical perspectives that they do.
- Appreciate the distinctive contributions that the Pentecostal movement has made to the wider Christian tradition.
- Anticipate with excitement what the Spirit of God might accomplish in and through the movement as it continues to grow rapidly on a global scale.
Hands (Conative) – After completing this course you will…
- Utilize the theological framework and categories discussed to better understand your own Christian experience.
- Consider how your own personal testimony has contributed to the development of your theology and practice.
- Reflect critically on how cherished Pentecostal distinctives might be defended, enhanced, or reimagined, while also considering new avenues for Pentecostal theological reflection that the movement has yet to grant sufficient attention to.
Course Ingredients
The course consists of:
5 lessons
Up to 5 hours of video content
Interaction with several learning activities/quizzes
Requires completion of 1-2 assignments
(For credentialing with ACOP or for
Eston College’s future accreditation of online learning)
Some of the suggested books for this course will be available on Scribd. Click below for more information.
