Pneumatology: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Daniel Castelo

This guide aims to elaborate and constructively engage some of the ongoing dogmatic challenges within the field of Christian pneumatology. Rather than a strict survey, the book largely represents a collection of working proposals on a number of relevant themes, including cosmology, mediation, the nature and role of Spirit-baptism, and discernment.

For those who have found pneumatology frustrating and confusing, the book can serve as an aid to clarify some of the most crucial matters at stake in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and in turn provide some ways forward amidst the morass of possibilities available.

Genres: Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2015

Reviews

[Chaim Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps not for beginners, but certainly for the “perplexed.” This account is eye-opening enough that you may finish this work and be even more perplexed about what it to come in the movements of the Holy Spirit. Castelo is a strong, ecumenical voice with a concern for reprioritizing pneumatological discussions and expressing the “indeterminacy” of the Spirit in discernment that leaves space for human involvement while respecting the integrity of canon and tradition.

[Toby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read three of these "Perplexed" books, I am beginning to work them out now. Clearly cashing in on the "for dummies" "Very Short Introductions" etc. series, the books are designed to hook in the interested amateur theologian who wants to go that much deeper. The problem is that the depth is rather like that of a coastal shelf. Those most likely to benefit from reading these books are probably not going to be exceptionally perplexed to begin with. It is entirely possible that they may be more perplexed by the time that they have finished.

Take pneumatology for instance. Castelo's book is very interesting but pitched, I would suggest, at the postgraduate level. It reads (in a similar vein to the others in the series) as a series of extended essays and arguments rather than an introduction. The key bases are covered: creation, sanctification etc. but it's difficult to feel that you have much of handle on the concepts after reading them. I had hoped that this book might be a good one to recommend to my students training for lay ministry in the church, but unfortunately it is a long way above the level of most of them. I would suggest Pneumatology: A Guide for the Initiated might be a little more accurate.

[Kathleen Krynski · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are *actually* perplexed about pneumatology and want an introduction, this is not the book for you. It is going to leave you more perplexed. Castelo may have been asked to write an introduction to the topic, but instead he has written a moderately advanced-level semi-constructive theology. It's also way too short for what he is doing, and probably because of the need for brevity, he ended up making several sweeping, unfair generalizations as well as unfortunate wording choices. Referring to the Spirit as an "entity" is a memorable one.

There was a lot of philosophical background I felt like I was missing here. If you want an actual introduction to pneumatology, read Thiselton's "A Shorter Guide to the Holy Spirit" instead. I was able to parse through Castelo precisely because I had read Thiselton first.

That being said, theologically/philosophically I tend to be more aligned with Castelo than Thiselton, and I thought his chapters on creation, Spirit-baptism, and discernment were very interesting and fair. The chapter on creation, especially, gave me a lot to think about.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the current state of Christian pneumatology

A good overview of issues concerning Christian pneumatology. Biblical and theological themes from the Christian tradition are surveyed, and then particular current matters concerning the Holy Spirit AR highlighted and analytically presented. Current issues include the Spirit's relationship to creation (metaphysics and science); Spirit baptism as a separate experience from conversion; and discernment of the Spirit in current social political, and ethical spheres. The presentation of the various positions, especially in the chapter in Spirit baptism, was helpful and clear. A good resource for a course in pneumatology or for those seeking to understand the theological landscape today.

[George Kogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accessible overview of Pneumatology that suffers from imbalance in certain areas. While some arguments are sound and helpful, others seem to be less rational and more reflective of the author’s theological commitments.