Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective

by J. Rodman Williams

Students and pastors in the charismatic tradition will find this unabridged, one-volume edition of the three-volume Renewal Theology to be an invaluable resource. The full range of truth from within the tradition is covered, including God, the world, redemption, salvation, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, the church, the kingdom and the last things.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

1470 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 1996

Reviews

[David Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to be taking systematic courses under Dr. Williams at the time he was writing this book. I marked it "read" but more accurately it was "heard" - he taught it as he wrote it. It is an excellent clear delineation of systematic theology from the perspective of a Presbyterian who was experiencing and studying the movement of the Holy Spirit in the charismatic revival of the 1980s.

[Adam Gracia]

I finished it...I finished it... I actually finished it!!!'

[Brandon H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Systematic theology books like this one are important because they supply a significant amount of important knowledge that fills in the gaps we are prone to miss in areas of doctrine and theology these days, especially if the bulk of our reading is primarily the foamy and fluffy offerings found in the modern pop Christian culture. Books like this one are not always easy to read, mostly because of their lengthiness and depth; they are often avoided in favor of much shorter and lighter reads. Nevertheless, if more Christians would read books like this one, especially Charismatics and Pentecostals, they'd be less prone to fall into the silly and semi-heretical doctrines that are found in these branches of Christendom.

Yes, it might be hard work for some but in my opinion is worth it. One must dig deep in order to build a house's foundation on rock if it is to survive the storms of life. Tragically, too many build the theological foundation of their spiritual lives on sand. And when the storms of life come in the form of bad doctrine, like the prosperity gospel or cessationism, for example, their abilities to live radiant, spiritual lives are compromised.

As a committed Continuationist, I especially enjoyed the author's teaching on the spiritual gifts and eschatology. I thought his offerings were more solid and substantial than Grudem's perspective on the same topics in his Systematic Theology book. (Though I must say that Grudem's book was much better organized and succinct; and his arguments promoting Calvinism were stronger and sharper than this author's Arminian leaning views.)

Even so, this book lays a solid foundation for the doctrines of the Christian faith that all believers will benefit from, especially new believers.

Topics covered include the following:

Volume 1

The Knowledge of God
God
The Holy Trinity
Creation
Providence
Miracles
Angels
Man
Sin
The Effects of Sin
Covenant
The Incarnation
The Atonement
The Exultation of Christ

Volume 2

Calling
Regeneration
Justification
Sanctification
Perseverance
The Holy Spirit
The Enabling Spirit
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Phenomenon of Tongues
The Mission of the Holy Spirit
The Reception of the Holy Spirit
The Effects of the Coming of the Spirit
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Ninefold Manifestation
Christian living

Volume 3
Part One

The Church

Definition
Scope
Description
Functions
Ministry
Ordinances
The church and civil government

Part Two

Last Things

The Kingdom of God
The Return of Jesus Christ
Signs
The Manner of Christ Return
The Purpose of Christ Return
The Millennium
The Last Judgment
The Consummation

[Fabio Virag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Por enquanto está na expectativa desejada.

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lutheran in its soteriology, Amillennial in its eschatology, and thoroughly charismatic. I enjoyed and agreed with this volume far more than expected. Rodman Williams is thorough and clear, though not always easy to read. His writing on the Holy Spirit is excellent, but he may allow ground for misunderstanding from those who do not hold his views or by extremists who wish to ostracize non-charismatics. If I had to point to one volume as a reference for the current state of my theology, this would be the one. The only reason it doesn't get the final star is because it's not as easy to read as Grudem's, and because of the muddy distinction between receiving the Holy Spirit at Salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of those issues, it's scary to give any systematic theology five stars. I would heartily recommend this volume as a reference and as a full work.

[StandingMan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pleased to finally find a true Charismatic theologian free from the trappings of Wagner’s New Apostolic Reformation nonsense and has a very grounded view of the Holy Spirit reflecting true biblical teaching regarding it. His analysis on the gifts of the Spirit along with his analysis on the five fold ministry are worth their weight in gold. If only more charismatics would commit to a study of the Scripture like he did to pair with their dedication to the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am greatly appreciative of his commentary on the Holy Spirit along with his views of justification and sanctification.

While I don’t necessarily agree with everything he argues, I find myself in agreement more often than not.

[Elizabeth Aucoin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read 3 Ch.**
Interesting thoughts to understand the Holy Spirit from the Charismatic perspective.