Spirit & Scripture
A Symposium on Renewal Biblical Hermeneutics
October 17 & 18, 2008
Pentecostal, Charismatic and renewal movements throughout the world share a common theological experience. However, several seminal questions about renewal biblical and theological studies have not been sufficiently treated for today. For example:
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical hermeneutics?
What are the distinctive presuppositions, methods and goals of renewal biblical hermeneutics?
With the present growth of both renewal scholarship and the movement around the world, we believe that the time has come for a focused and concerted treatment of this topic. On October 17th & 18th, 2008 a gathering of scholars addressed this vital subject for biblical and theological studies in the 21st century. Six prominent renewal scholars, representing important trajectories in the renewal movement, each presented a constructive way ahead for biblical hermeneutics:
The Holy Spirit, Scripture and Interpretation: The Perspective of a Pentecostal African-American in Old Testament StudiesHarold V. Bennett (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; President-Dean, Charles V. Mason Theological Seminary)
The Roadmap to Restoration through the Window of the Spirit of God: The Perspective of a Pentecostal in Old Testament StudiesWonsuk Ma (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary; Director, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies; Co-editor, Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies)
Faith is a Way of Knowing: The Perspective of a Charismatic Catholic Biblical ScholarFr. Francis Martin (S.S.D., Pontifical Biblical Institute; Professor of Sacred Scripture, John Paul II Institute, Washington D. C.)
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Interpretation of Holy Scripture: The Perspective of a Charismatic Biblical TheologianClark H. Pinnock (Ph.D., Manchester University; Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, McMaster Divinity School)
Biblical Criticism and the Prophetic Spirit: The Perspective of an Anglican Charismatic in New Testament StudiesMark Stibbe (Ph.D., Nottingham University; Vicar, St. Andrew’s Church, Chorleywood, England)
Hearing What the Spirit is Saying to the Church: The Testimony of a Pentecostal in New Testament StudiesJohn Christopher Thomas (Ph.D., University of Sheffield; Clarence J. Abbott Professor of Biblical Studies, Church of God Theological Seminary)
This symposium consisted of six, forty-five minute papers, each followed by a ten minute response.