God the Spirit: Introducing Pneumatology in Wesleyan and Ecumenical Perspective

by Beth Felker Jones

Who is the mysterious Holy Spirit, and why does it matter for the Christian life? How do we know when the Spirit is working? This book introduces the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in the Wesleyan theological tradition and within the greater church. It covers key biblical bases for thinking about the Spirit, and it seeks to inspire confidence in the Spirit's power. "This book is a gracious introduction to the person and work of God the Spirit grounded in the communion of the triune God and God's people. From both a particular Wesleyan and a wider ecumenical perspective, Jones helps to navigate historical, creedal, and contemporary experience of the Spirit under the wisdom and authority of Scripture and the reasonable discernment of the saints. In a world vague on 'spirituality' and a church that swings between domesticating and overemphasizing certain experiences of the Spirit, this helpful book for students, pastors, and laity will encourage all who desire to know and walk in the Spirit to do so in the joy, power, and humility of Christ." --Cherith Fee Nordling, author of Knowing God by Name "A pneumatology at once biblical, orthodox, evangelical, and Wesleyan? Beth Felker Jones's lovely book signals a way past the West's common forgetfulness of the Spirit toward recognition and worship of the one Augustine called our 'perpetual comforter.' Highly recommended for teaching at all levels of church and academy." --Jason Byassee, author of Discerning the Body "I hope this books gets into many seminary classrooms, pastors' studies, and church small groups, because I know of no better guide to help us understand, discern, and--best of all--participate in the re-creating work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. With stylistic grace, theological insight, and conceptual clarity, Jones has written a genuinely inspiring book on the Spirit." --L. Roger Owens, Associate Professor of Leadership and Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary "Beth Felker Jones manages both subtlety and accessibility in her account of the complex history and interpretation of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Even better, in concert with the Scriptures, her beautiful prose fills readers with a sense of the Spirit's presence and sustaining love." --Fred Edie, author of Book, Bath, Table, and Time Beth Felker Jones is Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Religion

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2014

About the author

Beth Felker Jones teaches theology at Northern Seminary, near Chicago, and loves to write for the church.

Reviews

[Shawna Songer-Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this book for three reasons: I am Wesleyan, I am prepping a class for clergy on Holiness, and I love everything Felker Jones writes! I quickly realized this would become the cornerstone text for my class and a favorite on my Kindle shelf. God the Spirit brings new life to a doctrine that should be all about new life, yet often gets mired in confusion and misconception. But Felker Jones leaves no room for misconceptions. Her writing is clear and concise, readable and engaging, spanning all the important thinkers and topics. If you have ever felt foggy about the doctrine of the Spirit or the Spirit's work in the Christian life, you must read this book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Accessible, clear, generous, and thoughtful.

“Spiritual practices in the Wesleyan tradition, embodied practices, acknowledge this reality in that they involve the body. The Wesleyan small group meeting, concern for the poor and hungry, meeting for love feasts or potlucks: all these are practices in which we are gathered by the Spirit, to whom our bodies matter.”

“Against a moralism that offers only generic virtues—bland goodness and vague niceness—the Holy Spirit grows specific fruit in us.”

“Wesleyans are wildly optimistic about what God may do with us in this life, and this is only coherent if our hope for holiness rests in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the holy Trinity.”

[Richard Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book. An easy read. Yet, an incredibly profound introduction to Pneumatology. Further, in her introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit Felker Jones provides great insight into Wesleyan Theology as a whole. I intend to use this text in the church I serve!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read.

Beth Jones opens up the work of the Spirit in the life of individuals and the church in a relatable way. Though written about the Holy Spirit, there is a deep sense of Trinity that speaks to the revelation of God's, (Father, Son, and Spirit), love.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jones helps us understand the Holy Spirit and the role He plays in our sanctification. The book has questions at the end of each chapter that allows for more study and reflection. This can be used as individual study or a group study.