Pentecostal Rationality: Epistemology and Theological Hermeneutics in the Foursquare Tradition

This book explores a tradition-specific Pentecostal rationality of Biblical Pragmatism, providing an intellectual history of the Elim Pentecostal Church. It analyzes contemporary Pentecostal rationalities and epistemologies, proposes a tradition-constituted Pentecostal rationality, and develops it in dialogue with William P. Alston.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book goes beyond simply articulating a tradition-specific Pentecostal rationality of Biblical Pragmatism; it also offers the first intellectual history of a significant British classical Pentecostal denomination: the Elim Pentecostal Church. Pentecostal theologians are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating a Pentecostal rationality, epistemology, and theological hermeneutics into their theological methodology. Simo Frestadius presents a Pentecostal rationality from a Foursquare perspective, offering valuable insights into contemporary Pentecostal rationalities and epistemologies.

Frestadius begins by critically analyzing and evaluating some of the key contemporary Pentecostal rationalities and epistemologies. He places particular emphasis on the works of Amos Yong, James K.A. Smith, and L. William Oliverio Jr., exploring their contributions to the field. Frestadius then proposes that Alasdair MacIntyre's tradition-focused and historically-minded narrative approach is conducive to providing a more tradition-constituted Pentecostal rationality.

Utilizing the methodological insights of MacIntyre, the book proceeds to provide a philosophically informed historical narrative of the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance, a major British Pentecostal tradition. By delving into its underlying context and roots as a classical Pentecostal movement, its emergence as a religious tradition, and its two significant epistemological crises, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the tradition's development.

Through this historical narration and analysis, the book argues that Elim's tacit Pentecostal rationality can be best defined as Pentecostal Biblical Pragmatism within a Foursquare Gospel framework. This form of rationality is further developed in dialogue with William P. Alston, exploring its implications for Elims Pentecostal concept of truth, biblical hermeneutics, and pragmatic epistemic justification.

In addition to articulating a tradition-specific Pentecostal rationality of Biblical Pragmatism, this book also makes a significant contribution to the field of intellectual history. It provides a detailed account of the Elim Pentecostal Church and its historical development, shedding light on the theological and philosophical influences that have shaped the denomination. The book's interdisciplinary approach, combining theology, philosophy, and historical analysis, makes it accessible to scholars and practitioners alike, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between Pentecostal theology and other theological traditions.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for Pentecostal theologians, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of Pentecostal theology, philosophy, and history. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of Pentecostal rationality, epistemology, and theological hermeneutics, and provides a valuable contribution to the study of British classical Pentecostalism and its historical development.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567698919