Theological Dialogue with Classical Pentecostals: Challenges and Opportunities (Ecclesiological Investigations)

Jelle Creemers

ISBN 10: 0567656985 / ISBN 13: 9780567656988

Published by Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2015

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Theological Dialogue with Classical Pentecostals: Challenges and Opportunities (Ecclesiological Investigations)
• Publisher: Bloomsbury T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0567656985
• ISBN 13: 9780567656988
• Binding: hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The last two decades have witnessed the growing participation in theological dialogues of non-institutional (free church) movements. This poses a serious challenge to 21st century ecumenism, since ecclesial realities and internal diversity of these movements impede fruitful dialogue in the classical manner. The present volume addresses fundamental aspects of this challenge by a critical study of an exemplary case of such dialogues, the International Roman Catholic-Classical Pentecostal Dialogue (1972-2007). This unique study builds both on primary archival sources and on earlier research on the IRCCPD.

After providing an ecumenical profile of the Classical Pentecostal dialogue partner, Creemers demonstrates how fair representation of the Classical Pentecostal movement has been pursued in the course of the dialogue. Next, he gives attention to the ecumenical method of the IRCCPD. First, the development of a dialogue method hinging on “hard questions” is traced, which has allowed a balanced theological exchange between the dialogue partners. Regarding theological method, it is demonstrated that both partners showed a willingness to experiment together by integrating sources of theological knowledge typically distrusted in their own traditions. In conclusion, the analyses are integrated in an overview of challenges and opportunities for dialogue with the Classical Pentecostal movement in the context of ongoing discussions on ecumenical method.

About the Author

Jelle Creemers is Research Assistant at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium. His current teaching and publications focus on the relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Classical Pentecostal Movement, as well as on the ecumenical potential of Free Churches.