In the Days of Caesar: Pentecostalism and Political Theology (Sacra Doctrina: Christian Theology for a Postmodern Age

by Amos Yong

In the Days of Caesar is a constructive political theology formulated in sustained dialogue with the Pentecostal and charismatic renewal ― one of the most vibrant religious movements at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Amos Yong here argues that the many tongues, practices, and gifts of renewal Christianity offer up new resources for thinking about how Christian community can engage and transform the social, political, and economic structures of the world.

Yong has three goals here. First he seeks to correct stereotypes of Pentecostalism, both political and theological. Secondly he aims to provoke Pentecostals to reflect theologically from out of the depths of their own Pentecostalism rather than merely to adopt some framework for theological or political self-understanding. Finally Yong shows that a distinctively Pentecostal form of theological reflection is not a parochial activity but has constructive potential to illuminate Christian belief and practice.

This book’s engagement with political theology from a Pentecostal perspective is the first of its kind.

Genres: Theology, Politics

397 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2010

About the author

Amos Yong is the J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology and Director of the Ph.D. in Renewal Studies program at Regent University Divinity School in Virginia Beach, VA. He is the Co-editor of Pneuma, the journal of the Society of Pentecostal Studies.

Reviews

[Chaim Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In classic fashion, Yong utilizes his “many tongues” motif to apply the Pentecostal fivefold gospel (albeit on his own terms, not in the traditional sense) to political theology. Surprisingly, what the reader discovers is Yong expands far beyond a discussion on church political engagement to nuanced discussions of christology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. This makes for a helpful introduction to Yong even if he doesn’t explicitly detail his views.
Further, the genius of this volume lies in Yong’s engagement with non-Pentecostal voices writing on political theology , particularly what he describes as post-Constantinian, Radical Orthodoxy, and Catholic Social Teaching Tradition. Part II is a search for interaction with these traditions and others with the Fivefold Gospel. In short, Yong does what Pentecostals often do- search for the best practices, principles, and models available and apply them to ourselves when and where it’s possible to do so.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yong is a consistent and welcome conversation starter within Pentecostal theology. Whenever one embarks on a literature review within the tradition more often than not, regardless of focus, Yong will appear. It is easy to see why. His erudition and even-handed usage of sources make conversational possibilities clear. Additionally, his ecumenical and global focus ensures that future conversations cannot exclude these voices. I do wish he pushed the constructive trajectory into a more daring space. Additionally, his thorough reading of numerous dialogue partners makes the book significantly longer than its argument would demand. Nevertheless, it is hard to look back on this volume with anything less than gratefulness for setting off an important conversation on the right foot.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter Seven is the best explanation/defense of Prosperity Gospel I've ever read. I think this is a significant work for many reasons, but I thought that was worth saying. I love the plurality and diversity present in Yong's understanding of the pneumatological imagination. And, I genuinely believe that he does represent the movement - although of course, he acknowledges that within its heterodoxy, there are varied problems. Nobody would want to assert that Pentecostalism is perfect, but it is beyond doubt the most significant social movement of the 21st century.

[Jared Laskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an aspiring scholar and want to know about political theology from a Renewal/Pentecostal perspective then you should read this book. Also, it has a great chapter pertaining to wealth, offering a balanced stance from a biblical standpoint.