Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit

by Clark H. Pinnock

In what may be regarded as his magnum opus, Clark Pinnock explores the vital Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Writing out of wide learning and deep personal passion, he points the way to restoring the oft-neglected Spirit to centrality in the life and witness of the church. Pinnock's book is both catholic—respecting the beliefs and worship of the historic church—and evangelical—drawing particularly on the heritage of the Reformation. Always in sight is the mission of the church, because "people want to meet the real and living God and will not be satisfied with a religion that only preaches and moralizes." For this second edition, theologian Daniel Castelo draws from his experience using Flame of Love in the classroom to add notes with helpful commentary and brief reflections on each chapter's main themes and contributions. While the classic text is preserved, the book becomes even more accessible to contemporary readers.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Spirituality

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Clark H. Pinnock (d. 2010) was professor emeritus of systematic theology at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. Widely regarded as one of evangelicalism's most stimulating theologians, he produced several widely discussed books, including The Wideness of God's Mercy and (with four other scholars) The Openness of God.

Reviews

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very rich theology on the Holy Spirit & His work.


“Spirit is essentially the serendipitous power of creativity, which flings out a world in ecstasy and simulates within it an echo of the inner divine relationships, ever seeking to move God’s plans forward. The Spirit is bringing God’s plans to completion in the direction of new creation and union with God through the participatory journey of Jesus Christ. Spirit also makes Christ’s work of redemption universally accessible and fosters unity amidst diversity in the midst of the segmented body of Christ.”

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a long time since I read some serious Theology. This was easy to read, and I commented to other while reading, I am surprised that a theological book could make me laugh. Flame of Love is refreshing. Why, well because sometimes you experience something, or you are aware of a practical aspect of life, but you do not have the theory to back up the practise. Clark Pinnock gives you the theory that helps to validate what you have already experienced.
I also enjoyed the book because he quoted one of my favourite passages, the comments of Emeth in C. S. Lewis book the Last Battle. He says as he enters the cabin and finds there not Tash as he had been led to believe was in the hut but rather Aslan, and Emeth says ‘I fell at his feet and thought, Surely this is the hour of death, for the Lion (who is worthy of all honour) will know that I have served Tash all my days and not him. Nevertheless, it is better to see the Lion and die than to be the Tisroc of the wold and live and not to have seen him. But says Emeth, the glorious one bent down his golden head and touched my forehead with his tongue and said, Son, thou art welcome. But I said, Alas, Lord, I am no son of Thine, but the servant of Tash. He answered, child, all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me. Then by reason of my great desire for wisdom and understanding, I overcame my fear and questioned the glorious one and said, Lord, is it true, as the Ape said that thou and Tash are one? The Lion growled so that the earth shook (but his wrath was not against me) and said, It is false. Note because he and I are one, but because we are opposites, I take to me the service which thou has done to him, for I and he are of such different kinds that no service which is vile can be done to me and none which is not vile can be done to him. Therefore any man swears by Tash and keep his oath for oath’s sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he knows It not, and it is I who rewards him. And if any man does a cruelty in my name, then though he says the name of Aslan, it is Tash whom he serves and by Tash his deed is accepted. But I said, Yet I have been seeking Tash all my days. Beloved, said the Glorious one, unless thy desire had been for me thou wouldst not have sought so long and so truly. For all find what they truly seek.
Did I enjoy the book? Very much so, worth the read.

[Ryan Kerrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pneumatology, as many theologians and scholars would agree, is best discussed in a dialogical sense, with many denominations, voices, and perspectives all contributing with their respective experiences, exegeses, and traditions. Clark H. Pinnock’s text is no different. Pinnock draws on his own Evangelical, even Pentecostal experiences and philosophies to create a space for dialogue amongst the wider ecclesial body whilst being able to be read and comprehensible to a non-academic audience.
Pinnock writes with a depth of experience and with clarity of mind, making it an invaluable piece of work that anyone studying pneumatology would be remiss to pass over. With a Baptist church upbringing, a missionary grandchild, Pinnock sought higher education and achieved a B.A in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from the University of Toronto, went on to complete his PhD under F.F Bruce at Manchester University. From here Pinnock taught at many different schools, including; Trinity Evangelical Divinity, Regent College, and McMaster Divinity School. Having grown up within the church and developed through seminaries and Universities, Pinnock is recognised today for his contributions to inerrancy, even if he were to leave this belief later in life, and for his Open Theistic beliefs.
However, in this text, Pinnock’s aim “is an attempt to view old truths from fresh angles and in new contexts in order to hear a relevant word from the Lord”, one can see that whilst Pinnock has a creative, intellectual, albeit provocative way of expressing his perspectives on the Trinity, ecclesiology, soteriology, and creation, whilst effectively engaging with contemporary thought. Pinnock’s magnum opus is not to be silenced or left by the wayside. Flame of Love is a significant, prayerful, personal, contemporary addition to the theological community.
Flame of Love is written in a traditional chapter-by-chapter way, each one compounding on its predecessor. Karkkainen describes it as “a full-scale systematic theology from a pneumatological perspective.” Pinnock employs, almost a topical preaching style methodology, in that he builds his case to conclusion, and within the body of the text, relying on critical exegeses performed by notable scholars such as Fee, Schatzmann, Grenz, Burgess, Dunn and Rahner, and drawing from a plethora of philosophical and theological giants in Lewis, Descartes Augustine, and McGrath, not neglecting the Catholic or Eastern Orthodox traditions. Pinnock is critical in places but seeks to elevate the Spirit and the truth existent in the ideologies discussed and thus rights himself when he sees himself becoming too one-sided. This echoes the underlying emphasis of his text, to right the oft-neglected Spirit and his role in the church, creation, and community.
There are a few glaring critiques to be made about this book and some of the perspectives held or emphasised within its pages. Many of which, as one may well have read in many other reviews, focus on Pinnock’s rejection of the traditionally Reformed view of the Doctrine of Salvation and Election. This review will speak to these briefly but will attempt to give a wider critique of the text. The largest issue one might say is Pinnock’s view on the divine will of God, pertaining to the election of sinners for salvation, found in Romans 8:28-30. Pinnock views this text as not speaking to predestination to salvation but rather a sort of privilege one enjoys as they are being conformed to Christ. This obviously is an open denial of the doctrine of predestination for condemnation and salvation, based on the sovereignty of God. This interpretation, however, one could argue, lacks insight into the occasion and intent of the author in the epistle. Pinnock openly criticises the West, in particular the Evangelical movement, for their Christocentrism, which only becomes a helpful critique if it is held in the balance of the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Additionally, Pinnock’s challenging of Logos Christology, relegating it to an apologetic device of early Greek philosophy, is disheartening to see, as one may interpret this as a misreading of the first 14 verses of John’s gospel account. Another critique of this text may be that whilst Pinnock does make mention of many issues within contemporary pneumatology, he lacks in offering an exploration of these issues and defers instead of merely telling the reader to discuss them ecumenically.
Some of the strengths of the text are Pinnock’s clear emphasis of the Spirit, within the body of Christ and outside of it. Encouraging readers to engage with other worldviews to discover the truth. Pinnock also encourages the use of sacrament and the involvement of the sense within the worship and praise of God, this is valuable for a Pentecostal body, in which one can easily condemn such things as idolatry in place of an encounter with God Himself, however as Pinnock argues, when the Spirit’s power is present in them, to affect and move us in our souls. One of the strongest elements of the text is Pinnock’s refocusing on the Spirit’s role in the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Best summed up, I believe by his sentiments, “It was anointing by the Spirit that made Jesus “Christ”, not the Hypostatic Union” . Pinnock creatively and passionately describes the function of the Spirit in bringing about the mission of Jesus, the resurrection, and the continuation of that mission, within the church today. As well as effectively emphasising the Spirit’s role in the Trinity as the ‘bond of love’ between the Father and the Son, ever serving and passing on the glory to the Son and Father.

Pinnock’s contribution has enabled him to be heralded as a thoughtful and formidable Pentecostal theologian and has provided a bridge upon which believers can walk as they continue the discussion of pneumatology.

[ChaseD · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some helpful points that Pinnock puts forward, however, I would not recommend this book. Also, his opinions on how we receive salvation are very close to universalism.

[Emmanuel Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich theology of the Holy Spirit in accessible language. As a Baptist mediating theologian, he does a good job of developing theological concepts in a way that is both challenging and edifying. Examples of this are seen in the following quotes:

"But *person* when seen in the context of the Trinity signifies relationality... We are persons who depend on one another in order to be ourselves... Trinity means shared life is basic to the nature of God (30-31)."

As they grow in grace and holiness, it will become increasingly possible to recognize the Spirit in their faces. Perhaps the church is the face of the Spirit, who shines from the faces of all the saints (41).

Of course, God is not the world and the world is not God, yet God is in the world and the world is in him. Because he is at the heart of things, it is possible to encounter God in, with and beneath life's experiences. By the Spirit, power of creation, God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. 61

In becoming flesh, God turned the human situation around and started history over again. The atonement tells us that God intends to be God for us, whatever it cost him. God registers his yes decisively against the human no. 103

If Christ is the sacrament of God, the church is the sacrament of Christ, because it represents him in the world. When people receive grace through members of the body, they experience communion with God... sacraments are the media that transmit the grace of God to bodily creatures, and thank God, there are many of them. 121-122

He has authority, but it is the authority of one who suffers and one who is politically powerless. In the Temptations Jesus rejected worldly ways of power and chose the path of suffering love. 147

Gazing at the glory of the Lord, we are changed into his likeness a little by little. In effect, we gradually become what we behold. 174

[Our relationship with the Spirit] is bittersweet, because we share in cross and resurrection... The purpose of troubling experiences – so far as we can discern it – is to wean us from our idea of a God who always pampers us and to bring us to God as he really is, our rock and fortress. 180

[Adherents of other religions] are servants destined to become sons and daughters, as Wesley put it. 203

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: A helpful, constructive theology of the Holy Spirit written from an Evangelical perspective. 

I first ran across Flame of Love when Christian Century asked several theologians and biblical scholars for their lists of the Essential books of Theology of the last 25 years (in 2010). I compiled an Amazon wishlist of the books I wanted (and accidentally made it public), and a friend bought me a couple. I started with Flame of Love because Clark Pinnock wrote one of the preaching textbooks I read in seminary, and I remembered it as the best book I had read for that class.

I have been meaning to re-read Flame of Love nearly since I first read it, but it has taken me almost 13 years to get around to it. First, I was waiting until I could pick it up on kindle. And then, once I picked it up on Kindle, it sat on my bookshelf until I saw that a new edition was coming out. But again, the audiobook and some driving led me to pick it up.

Rereading that old review, I am struck by the fact that I compared Flame of Love to Francis Chan's Forgotten God, a book I had completely forgotten. I have done a lot of reading since 2010, and I am aware of new connections in this second read. I was fairly new to atonement theories, and Pinnock and NT Wright were my limited introductions. Richard Beck and many others have expanded my understanding of the atonement, but I recommend The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge. She is a pastor, not an academic theologian (and I have read most but not all of the book), but as long as it is (and it is super long), it is very readable.

I find Flame of Love helpful because Pinnock highlights how the Holy Spirit is present in ways that Evangelicals tend to miss. There are seven chapters. The Spirit and Trinity, the Spirit in Creation, the Spirit and Christology, the Spirit and Church, the Spirit and Union, the Spirit and Universality, and the Spirit and Truth. Each chapter examines where the Spirt, who Pinnock sometimes talks about as "The Hidden God" instead of Chan's "Forgotten God," plays a prominent role.

Amos Yong's commentary on the book of Acts is framed as the church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, doing the work that Christ had done in the book of Luke. And that framing, I think, makes a lot of sense of the type of work Pinnock suggests is common to the Spirit. It is not that the church does the work on its own in Acts. The church is being acted on by the Spirit and becomes the public face of God, but only because of the empowerment of the Spirit.

Similarly, Pinnock brings out how the Spirit has played a role in creation and in Christ's work on earth, and in how we as Christians are brought into union with God. This overly simplifies (and may distort), but I think the first four chapters are more about exploring historical theology and making connections that may have been lost. The last three chapters are more about the theory around the Holy Spirit and can be a bit more abstract theologically. Where I appreciate Pinnock is his limiting of his argument. The sixth chapter about the tension theologically between universalism and exclusivism and the role of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to God nicely bounds what Pinnock thinks can be said biblically with what he would like to be able to say theologically.

I intend to read real theology more than I actually read real theology, but Pinnock is drawing the reader's attention not just to abstractions of how theological reasoning works but to how theological reasoning can impact our devotional and relational lives as Christians. Particularly with the subject of the Holy Spirit, reading theology about the Holy Spirit isn't just about ideas but how we as Christians relate to the person of the Holy Spirit.

Andrew Draper has a thread on Twitter that makes the point that Evangelicals largely have oriented toward biblical studies and not theology. There are some positives to this; Evangelicals tend to know their bible. But the negative that Draper is pointing out is that theology is constructive and orients you toward systems, tradition, and how to act in the world as Christians. Biblical Studies, while important, often is more oriented towards proof-texting and narrow readings. Draper is suggesting we need a better balance because the orientation toward biblical studies as primary has led a number of Evangelicals toward functional heresy (like the Eternal Subordination of the Son) because there is not enough focus on theology as boundaries for our biblical reading. (We can't read Paul's discussions of household codes as modeling how the trinity works if that reading promotes an ancient heresy rejected in the 4th century.)

Overall, I am a more mature reader on this second reading than I was on the first, which causes me to have different questions. I don't think Pinnock got it all right, and I think the commentary by Daniel Costelo is helpful in both pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of Pinnock's work. I also listened to this on audio. The narration was fine. But a weakness of audio is the inability to quickly re-read sections, make highlights, and flip around the book. Flame of Love has clear, readable prose, but it is prose that I wanted to re-read often. Now that I have listened to the second edition (which I recommend if you are buying new), I will reread my first edition book.

If you find a used or cheap copy of the first edition, go ahead and buy it. The second edition adds an introduction and a response at the end of each chapter. This is not a significant addition to the book regarding page length, but it is helpful.
________

Short Review: This is the best theology of the Holy Spirit that I have read. Admittedly I have only read a couple. The chapter on the Trinity was excellent. The early chapters are very good, and not controversial. The later chapters are a bit more detailed and more controversial. This was still a very good book, even if some (primarily Reformed) will not like the later chapters.

Full review on my blog at http://www.bookwi.se/flame-of-love-a-...

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark Pinnock, in his book Flame of Love views salvation more as union with God than as right legal standing (Clark H. Pinnock Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit. Intervarsity Press, 1996, p. 240). He says, “Let us tell the world not so much to flee the wrath of God as to enter the journey that leads to the Father’s house, where we will know the true God and Jesus Christ whom he sent. . . .Let us live in his presence and bathe in his love. Let us grow into union with God, yoked together with others in the community and eagerly awaiting the marriage supper of the Lamb” (pp.182-183). His goal is to move readers from “wooden orthodoxy”(p. 223) and the thin and rare experiences of the Holy Spirit he has experienced in many religious circles. From this perspective he emphasizes the Spirit as Creator, as Truth-giver, as gift-giver, as Empowerer of the church for vocation and mission, and as the One who “floods believers with love everlasting (p. 223).” This experiential emphasis for individuals and communities gives the book a vibrancy and passion that honors the personhood of the Spirit and the Spirit’s critical role in the church and the world today. 5 stars. M.L. Codman-Wilson, PhD 10/20/20

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinnock's book deserves a place among the best pneumatologies in modern theology, beside Jurgen Moltmann's Spirit of Life and Michael Welker's God the Spirit. While Moltmann is perhaps more politically punchy and Welker more conceptually sophisticated (but also way more obscure and abstract), Pinnock's nevertheless offers, as he says, a robustly catholic (drawing off of early church thinkers, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Catholic writers), evangelical and pentecostal. He brings together insights on the Holy Spirit to apply to the doctrine of creation, Christology, ecclesiology, salvation, mission and understanding world religions, and understanding Scripture and the development of doctrine. In each chapter he advances a highly provocative application of pneumatology.

Perhaps what is more striking about the book is his obvious passion. At many points, the book ceases being academic writing and breaks into something closer to poetry. For these reasons, the book stands, I think as Pinnock's greatest work.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful and challenging study of the oft-neglected third person of the trinity. It is accessible writing and not excessively academic, but for me, it was so rich that it was a very slow read. I wanted to take in every sentence fully and really let it sink into deep understanding. His chapter on the Holy Spirit and the church is particularly inspiring and convicting. I've only read half this book for assigned reading in a theology class, but I definitely want to revisit this later and finish. Absolutely worth the read if you can find the brain space for it.

[Ashley Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Theology of the Holy Spirit is what it is.

I enjoyed Pinnocks's thorough, ecumenical, historical-to-present day theology of the Spirit. I don't feel underwhelmed, at all. The writing is very thorough through a shaping of the Spirit's role in the world (and church). Some key words that stuck with me upon completion of the book: Provenient grace, Restrictivism, be a better "hearer" of the Word of God and Spirit.

[Lindy Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Resource

I will refer to this text over and over again. Tempered with grace the text challenges the reader and the greater ecclessia to reconsider treatment of the Holy Spirit. The text is both convicting and empowering. Pinnock does not shy away from difficult topics and addresses areas outside of the church where we see the Spirit move.

[Brodie Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinnock's style of writing is very readable and I was surprised at just how ecumenical he seeks to be. I particularly enjoyed his chapter on Sprit and Christology with the aim of redressing the over emphasis of a logos Christology with a spirit Christology.
The final chapter is perhaps the weakest.

[Robert Spurlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it did get a little difficult after the first few chapters. It IS the go to book on the theology of the Holy Spirit. But if you are expecting it to be primarily a Pentecostal treatise, you may be disappointed although it does have some excellent quotes in there

[Steve Irby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit" by Clark Pinnock.

What an amazing book. He wrote it just like Most Moved Mover: like it was a love letter he was dying to finish and he couldn't get the words on paper fast enough. If you can read make this the book you read.

[Nathan Bozeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Gave me a lot to think about on the topics of the Holy Spirit, the relationship between Scripture and tradition, how to be more ecumenical in our approach, and an ultimate search for unity, joining with Spirit to make that happen.

[Drmkk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, deep in theology, helped to open me to new ways of relating to the holy spirit. It is also rich in theology that is free from denominational and traditional shortcomings - it provides a better understanding of some theological concepts by reminding us that we sometimes overemphasize certain aspects and underemphasize others. Pinnock draws on Eastern Orthodoxy to show some shortcomings in Western Christian theology.

[Jonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great theology on the Holy Spirit. Great for Evangelicals and easy to read

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was easily the most impactful book I read whilst in seminary for 4 years.

[Traynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw-dropping. Just what I needed.

[Kylie Di Mauro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good solid read on the Holy Spirit, the churched the bible and community. Well researched and well written. Highly recommended.

[Mark Ackeret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some decent sections. I like his Soteriology but overall a little too WOKE and ecumenical for my thinking.

[G Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a very good book! I was surprised! Truly so. I know, I know, he's out there, many call him a "heretic" and I certainly don't agree with a lot of what he has written, especially in the last decade and a half, but truly, have you read this book? Even where I would flat out disagree with him, I sense a genuine humility in what he communicates... and even in that disagreement, I am edified, and pushed further into my reliance on the Spirit of God and His life (and my shared life in Christ) in the perichoretic Trinity. Come on, read it... you know deep down inside you want to... and if you have read Ferguson in the IVP series, you for the most part have a good grasp on what you are gonna get anywhere else in the reformed and puritanical books (Owen, Gaffin, Kuyper, Hoekema, Stott, Packer, Bruner, Smeaton, Winslow, Buchanaan,) or anywhere else like WH Griffiths Thomas... take a little risk... indulge yourself and read it... deep down inside, you know you want to.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really great book on "the Cinderella of the Holy Trinity". I especially appreciated Pinnock's perspective on how a recognition of the Spirit should impact our attitude toward creation, other religions, and intimacy with God. Likewise, he has a deep value for the unity of the church, and as such used and affirmed Pentecostal, Mainline, Evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox beliefs. Some beautiful thoughts and ideas well worth contemplating.

[Patrick Mulcahy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinnock does an outstanding job of describing the person of the Holy Spirit, the relationship of the Trinity, and the role of Spirit in creation, the church, and the believer. Drawing from Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical thought, Pinnock provides a rich theology of the Spirit, challenging some of the more rigid and restrictive views common in much of the evangelical world.

[G$ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has helped me tremendously. While I do not agree with ALL of his views, his writings have been an invaluable help to me in the development of my theology.

[FAD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked his take on the Spirit in the Church until the final chapter. The final chapter is loaded with bias and error. If that chapter were not so bad I would have gave higher stars.

[Joshua Bloor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was one book that best presents a theological, scholarly, and charismatic view on the Holy Spirit, this is it. A great book by a great author.

[Elissa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for Bible College.
It is a truly dynamic description of the Holy Spirit