Gift and Giver - Softcover

Keener, Craig S

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801022665 ISBN 13: 9780801022661

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2001

Synopsis

In Gift and Giver, a substantial revision of his 3 Crucial Questions about the Holy Spirit, prolific author Craig Keener takes a probing look at the various evangelical understandings of the role of the Holy Spirit in the church. His desire is for Christians to "work for consensus, or at least for unity in God's work despite our differences on secondary matters."

Employing a helpful narrative approach and an ample number of stories, Keener enters into constructive dialogue with Pentecostals, moderates, and cessationists, all the while attempting to learn from each viewpoint. He seeks to bridge the gap between cessationists and Pentecostals/charismatics by urging all Christians to seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment. His irenic approach to this controversial issue has been endorsed by charismatics and non-charismatics alike.

Sure to provoke helpful dialogue on a topic that has caused unfortunate divisions within the church, Gift and Giver will be a valuable addition to college and seminary courses on pneumatology. It will also be helpful to lay readers interested in a balanced discussion of spiritual gifts.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"The level-headed, anecdotally enriched exegesis that Craig Keener offers in this book broadens the categories of Spirit-baptism, ongoing charismata, and current manifestations of the Spirit in a way that is pacifying, unifying, and edifying, and neatly rounds off a good deal of recent debate." -J. I. Packer, Regent College

"Most books on the Holy Spirit offer us either light or heat. . . . Those wishing to walk successfully through the minefield of questions (without blowing up) that both the Bible and contemporary experience raise will find this a welcome guide. I heartily commend it." -Ben Witherington III, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Keener assures us that we can love and embrace God the Holy Spirit and his gifts with intellectual integrity and a genuine humility that breaks the back of divisiveness." -Todd Hunter, former national director of the Vineyard in the USA

"Both scholarly and warmly personal, it should be helpful to Pentecostals, charismatics, evangelicals, and any others needing a fresh perspective on the Holy Spirit's work today." -Vinson Synan, Regent University

"Keener has already demonstrated his ability to guide readers through difficult biblical and theological issues with splendid pastoral sensitivity and sharp exegetical acumen. Here he tackles key debates between charismatics and cessationists with similar aplomb. . . . Few will agree with every detail, but no one will escape having at least a few cherished theological shibboleths lovingly challenged." -Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary

Craig Keener is professor of New Testament at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.

About the Author:

Craig S. Keener is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of several books, including a commentary on Matthew and the IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, which won Christianity Today Book Awards.

About this edition

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0801022665
• ISBN 13: 9780801022661
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224