Christianity Without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

by Thomas A. Fudge

Grounded in primary source research, this boldly revisionist book examines the doctrine of salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism (United Pentecostal Church) from its origins through its several developmental stages. The gradual rise of a literal interpretation of Acts 2.38 eliminated a tradition of doctrinal diversity within Oneness thought which regarded salvation as occurring at repentance prior to water and Spirit baptism. With this development a main link to the wider stream of evangelical Christianity was severed. The "water and Spirit" theology resulted in a form of Christianity which does not necessarily require the cross in any meaningful sense for salvation. This study recovers the lost theological tradition associated with important figures such as Howard A. Goss, A.D. Gurley, W.M. Greer, C.H. Tadon, Wynn T. Stairs, Earl Jacques, E.P. Wickens, John Paterson and the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated. Combining traditional historical methodology and theological research with the principles of a broadly based oral history, this study argues for a theological diversity within the history of Oneness Pentecostalism and in so doing bridges an important gap in the history and theology of the United Pentecostal Church.

Genres: Theology, History

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Caleb Curry · Rating 3 out of 5]

For members of the UPCI, or former PAJC, PCI, or similar oneness groups, this book is a 4-5 star rating. This book provides probably the only definitive history on the modern UPCI organization as well as a short overview of the Pentecostal American movement as a whole.

Non-involved individuals may find this book rather long in its investigation of the organization and its roots, as well as its theological conclusions. While Fudge asserts to identify if the UPCI’s beliefs are “Christianity without the Cross”, I believe he makes some assertions and conclusions that require a bit more development to conclude. While he is not wrong on most if not all of these, it’s worth noting.

As a whole this book has an enormous number of sources and first hand interviews that I think are invaluable. Fudge as a whole reveals a unique narrative, showing all the puzzle pieces that lead to each cornerstone event in the history of the organization.

If anything, this is an important look at an organization that has flown under the radar in the greater Christian community for far too long, and hopefully this book can set the foundation for outsiders to get a good look on the inside.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I left the UPCI in 2007 after almost 30 years. It started about half way through getting my MDiv from Regent University. Things were just not adding up for me. Dr. Fudge’s excellent work framed what was happening in my mind, heart and spirit from a fair historical context. A must read for anyone questioning the fundamental doctrines of the Oneness Pentecostalism movement as it pertains to the United Pentecostal Church International.

[Raquel C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fudge provides a lengthy history of the United Pentecostal Church, Incorporated and describes the organization's interactions with its core doctrines overtime. However, the book fails to live up to its title "Christianity without the Cross" because Fudge fails to examine UPCI doctrine in the light of scripture. While reading the book, it was unclear what Fudge's view of UPCI doctrine is.

This book provides a very detailed history. Yet, I was left feeling unsatisfied because Fudge did not use scripture or even broader Christian church history to critique the UPCI's flawed teachings.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, this book was about 50% longer than it needed to be. The footnotes are nearly as lengthy as the main text. This book is a dissertation of Dr. Fudge's research of the results of the merger of the 2 entities that combined to form the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in 1945. He focuses mostly on congregations in Canada and the far eastern and far western corners of the US. I had to look up a lot of big words he used which was frustrating. The book highlights ministers and pastors who belonged to these 2 former entities but who were still ministering in the UPCI and explains that not everyone felt like things were going as they wanted them to go. There was certainly dissention among the ranks along the way, and the book explains in great detail how much of that dissention was summarily handled by the authorities within the UPCI (many of whom are in leadership positions today).

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of strengths and weaknesses.

There are typically two types of reviews that I've read on this book. The first seem to be bitter former Oneness Pentecostals who praise the book and, the second, are Oneness Pentecostal representatives crying foul.

It seems that the first group wants this book to tell 'the full story' so that this provides ammo by which to nail the UPCI with divisiveness and hypocrisy.

The second group seems to use some weaknesses to avoid that Fudge has made any contributions. Hear, the main reviews I read were those of David K. Bernard, David Norris, J.R. Ensey, and Jason Dulle.

I will have to write more later. For now, while there is no question that some statements and conclusions could have been written more carefully, I don't think that this due to an underlying discrediting of his research - though there may be bias in his presentation.

Important info here; give those he's critiquing the benefit of the doubt.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever your view are about Fudge, his motivation, or the title of his book-- he has documented more history concerning the United Pentecostal Church than anyone else. It seems to me that the Founding Fathers of the UPC were misguided in there belief that something as vital as the doctrine of Salvation could live under a big tent. One side was bound to win out and the PCI men went into the situation as a minority to begin with.

[Matthew Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fudge's sources are interesting, but he is obviously writing from an anti-Apostolic Pentecostal perspective. He highlights the opinions of detractors and does not provide an adequately-balanced examination of the theological development of Oneness Pentecostalism.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in a complete history of Oneness Pentecostalism from the perspective of the United Pentecostal Church, Incorporated. Please read with an open mind.