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Charismatic Christianity: Introducing Its Theology through the Gifts of the Spirit
What is the essence of charismatic Christianity, a renewal movement that stresses the Holy Spirit's work, the church's use of spiritual gifts, and the significance of the supernatural? Helen Collins gives a novel summary explanation drawn from the spiritual gifts. Through Scripture and doctrinal reflection, she shows that charismatic spirituality is a coherent, reasonable, and rich tradition with much to offer.
Collins demonstrates how practicing spiritual gifts embodies a distinctive theology, making these practices carriers of doctrine. Using the Acts 2 narrative, she summarizes seven key emphases and associated expectancy (prophecy), enchantment (miracles), encounter (healing), expression (testimony), equality (tongues), empowerment (evangelism), and enjoyment (worship). The result is a fresh introduction that is biblical, theologically robust, and practical, helping charismatic students to learn more about themselves and others to understand the movement and what it has to contribute to global theological discussions.
Collins demonstrates how practicing spiritual gifts embodies a distinctive theology, making these practices carriers of doctrine. Using the Acts 2 narrative, she summarizes seven key emphases and associated expectancy (prophecy), enchantment (miracles), encounter (healing), expression (testimony), equality (tongues), empowerment (evangelism), and enjoyment (worship). The result is a fresh introduction that is biblical, theologically robust, and practical, helping charismatic students to learn more about themselves and others to understand the movement and what it has to contribute to global theological discussions.
- GenresTheology
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 21, 2024
Disclaimer: just a humble continuationist looking for global perspectives on how spiritual gifts are to be stewarded to the glory of God and for the good of the Church.
I wish this book had a different title because I think it could be received by other Christian traditions and denominations and prove fruitful, but in any case this was one of the most clear and impressive academic works I’ve read. Collins is gifted in writing in a way that is clear, humble, compelling, and well-structured. Walked away with a better grasp of how gifts manifest in different cultures and an understanding of how we see them misused immaturely in Western contexts…and an imagination for what a mature practice of the gifts could look like in the 21st century Church.
I wish this book had a different title because I think it could be received by other Christian traditions and denominations and prove fruitful, but in any case this was one of the most clear and impressive academic works I’ve read. Collins is gifted in writing in a way that is clear, humble, compelling, and well-structured. Walked away with a better grasp of how gifts manifest in different cultures and an understanding of how we see them misused immaturely in Western contexts…and an imagination for what a mature practice of the gifts could look like in the 21st century Church.
May 9, 2023
By cleverly unpacking Pentecost (Acts 2) in terms of sharing spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12) and fruit (Gal 5), Collins pushes beyond expressivist stereotypes to present a mature and inspiring charismaticism. By enfolding everything from tongues to teaching in a mutually enriching Spirit-joined community, she offers an ecclesiology that would enrich churches of all traditions.
October 9, 2023
"Charismatic Christianity: Introducing Its Theology through the Gifts of the Spirit" by Helen Collins is a breath of fresh air in the world of theological literature. In a time when understanding and embracing the supernatural in Christianity is more relevant than ever, Collins delivers a masterful exploration of the charismatic movement, weaving together doctrine and practice.
Collins invites readers on an enlightening journey into the heart of charismatic Christianity. With clarity and insight, she unravels the complexities of this spiritual tradition, emphasizing the role of spiritual gifts as the focal point of its theology. Her approach is not only profound but also accessible, making this book a valuable resource for scholars and the curious.
Collins grounds her exploration in Scripture. By digging deep into biblical passages, particularly the Acts 2 narrative, she provides a solid foundation for her theological reflections. This connection to Scripture not only validates the charismatic tradition but also highlights its biblical roots.
Collins focuses on the practical aspects of charismatic spirituality. She demonstrates how the practice of spiritual gifts embodies a distinctive theology, turning these practices into carriers of doctrine. By doing so, she bridges the gap between belief and action, offering a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic Christian movement.
Collins' breakdown of the seven key emphases and their associated practices is a stroke of brilliance. From expectancy through prophecy to empowerment through evangelism, each emphasis is explored with depth and clarity. This framework not only helps charismatic students gain a deeper understanding of their own tradition but also assists others in appreciating the movement's contributions to global theological discussions.
In a world where spirituality and the supernatural are often overlooked, "Charismatic Christianity" rekindles the significance of these elements within Christianity. Helen Collins' work is a valuable addition to the theological landscape, offering fresh insights, deep reflections, and a practical approach to understanding this vibrant and influential Christian tradition.
“A groundbreaking exploration of charismatic Christianity that beautifully marries theology and practice. Helen Collins provides readers with an insightful journey through the heart of this vital spiritual movement.”
"In 'Charismatic Christianity,' Helen Collins demystifies the charismatic experience through the lens of spiritual gifts. Her unique approach makes complex theology accessible to all."
"A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the charismatic movement. Collins' book bridges the gap between doctrine and action, offering a comprehensive exploration of this transformative Christian tradition."
"Helen Collins has crafted an enlightening guide to charismatic Christianity. Her deep insights into the spiritual gifts breathe life into the movement's theology, making this book an invaluable resource."
"Collins' 'Charismatic Christianity' is an example of theological clarity. Her examination of spiritual gifts as the cornerstone of this tradition is profound and accessible."
"This book is a revelation. Helen Collins brilliantly captures the essence of charismatic Christianity by linking beliefs to the practice of spiritual gifts."
"Helen Collins' 'Charismatic Christianity' is a breath of fresh air in theological literature. Her seven key emphases provide a roadmap for understanding the heart of this dynamic Christian tradition."
"A scholarly yet approachable exploration of charismatic Christianity. Collins' book is a beacon of understanding in a complex theological landscape."
"In 'Charismatic Christianity,' Helen Collins unpacks the mysteries of the charismatic movement with precision and insight. Her focus on spiritual gifts makes this book a valuable contribution to Christian literature."
"Collins' work offers a refreshing perspective on charismatic Christianity. Her emphasis on the practice of spiritual gifts as a means of understanding the movement's theology is enlightening and engaging."
Collins invites readers on an enlightening journey into the heart of charismatic Christianity. With clarity and insight, she unravels the complexities of this spiritual tradition, emphasizing the role of spiritual gifts as the focal point of its theology. Her approach is not only profound but also accessible, making this book a valuable resource for scholars and the curious.
Collins grounds her exploration in Scripture. By digging deep into biblical passages, particularly the Acts 2 narrative, she provides a solid foundation for her theological reflections. This connection to Scripture not only validates the charismatic tradition but also highlights its biblical roots.
Collins focuses on the practical aspects of charismatic spirituality. She demonstrates how the practice of spiritual gifts embodies a distinctive theology, turning these practices into carriers of doctrine. By doing so, she bridges the gap between belief and action, offering a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic Christian movement.
Collins' breakdown of the seven key emphases and their associated practices is a stroke of brilliance. From expectancy through prophecy to empowerment through evangelism, each emphasis is explored with depth and clarity. This framework not only helps charismatic students gain a deeper understanding of their own tradition but also assists others in appreciating the movement's contributions to global theological discussions.
In a world where spirituality and the supernatural are often overlooked, "Charismatic Christianity" rekindles the significance of these elements within Christianity. Helen Collins' work is a valuable addition to the theological landscape, offering fresh insights, deep reflections, and a practical approach to understanding this vibrant and influential Christian tradition.
“A groundbreaking exploration of charismatic Christianity that beautifully marries theology and practice. Helen Collins provides readers with an insightful journey through the heart of this vital spiritual movement.”
"In 'Charismatic Christianity,' Helen Collins demystifies the charismatic experience through the lens of spiritual gifts. Her unique approach makes complex theology accessible to all."
"A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the charismatic movement. Collins' book bridges the gap between doctrine and action, offering a comprehensive exploration of this transformative Christian tradition."
"Helen Collins has crafted an enlightening guide to charismatic Christianity. Her deep insights into the spiritual gifts breathe life into the movement's theology, making this book an invaluable resource."
"Collins' 'Charismatic Christianity' is an example of theological clarity. Her examination of spiritual gifts as the cornerstone of this tradition is profound and accessible."
"This book is a revelation. Helen Collins brilliantly captures the essence of charismatic Christianity by linking beliefs to the practice of spiritual gifts."
"Helen Collins' 'Charismatic Christianity' is a breath of fresh air in theological literature. Her seven key emphases provide a roadmap for understanding the heart of this dynamic Christian tradition."
"A scholarly yet approachable exploration of charismatic Christianity. Collins' book is a beacon of understanding in a complex theological landscape."
"In 'Charismatic Christianity,' Helen Collins unpacks the mysteries of the charismatic movement with precision and insight. Her focus on spiritual gifts makes this book a valuable contribution to Christian literature."
"Collins' work offers a refreshing perspective on charismatic Christianity. Her emphasis on the practice of spiritual gifts as a means of understanding the movement's theology is enlightening and engaging."
January 2, 2026
All Christians are charismatics or should be if understood biblically.
Masterfully, thoroughly, and biblically, Helen Collins interweaves seven dynamics of charismatic Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Expectancy, Enchantment, Encounter, Expression, Equality, Empowerment, and Enjoyment.
She further layers her theological and spiritual paradigm with spiritual practices, the doctrine of God, dangers, and the fruit of the Spirit.
What if a local church intentionally rewrote its purpose or mission statement, and actually revolved its practices and identity around these seven features?
Masterfully, thoroughly, and biblically, Helen Collins interweaves seven dynamics of charismatic Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Expectancy, Enchantment, Encounter, Expression, Equality, Empowerment, and Enjoyment.
She further layers her theological and spiritual paradigm with spiritual practices, the doctrine of God, dangers, and the fruit of the Spirit.
What if a local church intentionally rewrote its purpose or mission statement, and actually revolved its practices and identity around these seven features?
January 10, 2026
An academic work that is easy to read and highly informative. This is a much needed systematic theology of pentecostalism. Definitely one to return to.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews