Ethics in the Age of the Spirit: Race, Women, War, and the Assemblies of God

by Howard N. Kenyon, Martin W. Mittelstadt (Foreword)

What causes us as a people of faith to think and act the way we think and act? Are we motivated by whatever is most practical, by a particular understanding of Scripture, by the influence of the culture around us, or by something more profound? On the premise that Pentecostalism does have much to contribute to the study of ethics, this book explores how one group, the American Assemblies of God, has wrestled with issues of racism, women in ministry, and Christian involvement in war. In the process, readers are invited to examine the connection--or disconnect--between what we believe and how we live out our faith. "…a must on the reading list of every serious Christian." --Thomas F. Reid, Bishop of The Tabernacle and the Covenant Community of Churches "It has been my privilege to know Howard Kenyon since the early 1980s. He is a friend and colleague in ministry. This book gives a wonderful picture of history that should help us to consider our future." --Darius Johnston, Lead Pastor at Christ Church Fort Worth, Regional Executive Presbyter of the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God "Howard Kenyon's thought-provoking book tackles a discomforting topic for Pentecostals What are we to say to the ethical issues of our day--in particular, racism, women in ministry, and Christian involvement in war? Within these pages, Kenyon serves Pentecostals well, challenging them to reengage their theology and experience to inform how they think and live ethically. How fitting that, in the process, Kenyon models the very prophetic voice he is calling people of the Spirit to raise for this generation and time. Outstanding work. Inspiring read." --Beth Grant, Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter, missionary educator "Many women, immigrants, and ethnic minorities in our AG fellowship have not always felt at home in their own tribe. This book lifts and affirms in so many ways. It lifts from inaccuracy, ignorance, and indecision. In reading it, I felt my Black hands lifted, like Moses. It affirmed my worth and purpose in the kingdom of God. Dr. Howard Kenyon is a prophetic voice of truth, justice, and restoration in this age of the Spirit." -- Walter Harvey, President, National Black Fellowship, Assemblies of God "In this work, Howard Kenyon takes us on a journey from early Pentecostalism through the Assemblies of God, focusing on three ethical race relations, women in ministry, and attitudes towards war. . . . [T]his is a book worth repeatedly contemplating and reflecting on to remember the past and plan for the future." --Paul W. Lewis, Associate Dean and Professor of Historical Theology and Intercultural Studies, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University "Issues surrounding race, war, and women have bedeviled the Pentecostal movement from the beginning. Its pragmatism led to its alignment with Evangelicalism. Using the example of the Assemblies of God, Kenyon outlines the development of the fellowship's historical decisions in all three areas. He challenges his readers to return to the sources that guided early Pentecostals in making their ethical decisions--Scripture and the contemporary working of the Spirit--in order to become more fully Pentecostal." --Cecil M. Robeck Jr., Senior Professor of Church History and Ecumenics, Fuller Seminary Howard N. Kenyon is vice president of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. He is a lifelong Pentecostal, and his work has included university student outreach, pastoral care, intercultural ministry, direct service to those in need, and public policy advocacy. He has lectured at hundreds of universities, seminaries, and conferences throughout the United States and in numerous other countries.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2019

Reviews

[Chaim Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read- Kenyon integrates three historical trends on race, women, and pacifism into one analysis of white Pentecostalism (more specifically A/G). A wake up call for anyone still interpreting our history hagiographically.
Hoping to find others who take on his challenge to formulate a Pentecostal ethic in light of the historical tradition and failures.

[Lee Murray Brazos Booksellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking

As a disclaimer, let me say that I know the author and many of the local people discussed in the book.

This book has a very limited audience, in that you would need to be a lifelong member of the Assemblies of God, at the very least a Pentecostal with a long understanding of the movement.

It was a very meticulous read, and to be truthful, I didn’t grasp the point of the book until his concluding and application chapters.

The book started off as a doctoral thesis, and quite frankly, reads much like one. Based primarily on documents, minutes, magazine articles as well as interviews and unpublished materials, the book measures the Assemblies of God (A/G) in three issues—racism, women in ministry, and the stance on war/pacifism.

The thought provoking conclusion chapters give you a much needed guide for reflection.

If you have the background, it is worth the read.