Pentecostal Spirituality: A Passion for the Kingdom

by Steven Jack Land

In what is perhaps the most significant study of Pentecostal Theology to date, Steven Jack Land offers a constructive interpretation and issues a call for the re-vision of the Pentecostal tradition. Viewing the first ten years as the heart, not the infancy of its spirituality, Land identifies the theological heart of the tradition as the five-fold gospel that proclaims, 'Jesus is Savior, Sanctifier, Holy Ghost Baptizer, Healer, and Soon Coming King'. Land's work recovers the crucial importance of the tradition's Wesleyan, Holiness, and nineteenth-century revivalist-restorationist roots. Beginning with a discussion of the relationship between spirituality and theology, Land offers a description and analysis of Pentecostal beliefs and practices, a demonstration of how these beliefs and practices are integrated in the Pentecostal affections, and a Trinitarian re-visioning of Pentecostal Spirituality, arguing that a passion for the kingdom of God is ultimately a passion for God.

Genres: Spirituality

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2010

Reviews

[Kaden Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Land provides a compelling framework for understanding Pentecostalism not merely as a collection of doctrinal propositions, but as a holistic spirituality. He highlights that Pentecostal spirituality involves the integration of beliefs, practices, and affections, rather than emphasizing doctrine alone. His second chapter, which highlights eschatology as the primary framework shaping Pentecostal identity and practice, is especially helpful for those seeking a deeper understanding of the movement. While examining confessions from certain Pentecostal denominations is helpful, Land’s deep dive into early Pentecostal periodicals and hymns reveals a deep passion for God and the Kingdom that is sometimes missing from more formal confessional statements. By doing this, he shows how “the witness, fruit, gifts, and filling with the Holy Spirit contribute to a single unifying passion which orders the affections and directs them to a single goal: the kingdom of God” (172). This work is foundational for anyone seeking to study or understand Pentecostal theology at a deeper level.

[Dillon Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Land did an excellent job explaining Pentecostalism and it’s roots. Although I differ with him on sanctification (I believe in the finished work view) I found myself nodding yes many a times as he explained Pentecostals as people passionate for Jesus Christ. Land is a part of The Church of God (Cleveland, TN) which is a holiness Pentecostal denomination. I used to attend a church in this denomination and my faith grew exponentially while I was there. I would definitely recommend this volume to anyone interested in Pentecostal theology and it’s roots of love for God and love for one’s neighbor.

[Mike Ivaska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. Great vision of pentecostal spirituality for today. Appreciated reading a work by an unapologetically Wesleyan pentecostal, even if I lean toward Finished Work. Definitely had me thinking hard at times, and had a very deepening effect on my affections.

[Eric Johnson]

This part of series academic studies in Pentecostalism. This study by Land explores the development and essence Pentecostal spirituality. He also show the contributions that Pentecostal spirituality has made upon the evangelical church at large. It grabbed my interest while taking some classes for my Masters and it was not an quick or easy read on the side with heavy required reading I had at the time, but I was able several times in several class projects. I would definitely read Land again.

[Paul Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent dialogue

Steve Land has written an excellent study that should open and broaden conversation pertaining to what it means to be a Pentecostal. Far from focusing on one area, such as tongues, this work examines the many facets of Pentecostal spirituality, especially the affections.

[Nevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes a theology a theology?
Steven Land has successfully tackled the task of describing the the indescribable Pentecostal Spirituality as a Kingdom Centric theology. Giving and expressing the life of Pentecostal thoughts as distinct from Evangelicals.

I happily wait for the supposed 2nd edition with revisions to address the modern world of Pentecostalism, as this books dated nature comes through very quickly.