One of the criticisms most commonly levelled at evangelicals in general, and Charismatics in particular, is that the movement/s are anti-intellectual, individualistic, and overly emotional. Without being able to in this post respond fully to those three, I would like to consider a few things that I believe comprise a helpful case to challenge the perspective the Charismatic Christianity is anti-intellectual.
I do not, of course, presume to speak for all 'Charismatics' - I do believe that quite a few movements/churches/individuals are, broadly speaking, anti-intellectual. This post, then, represents a spectrum of Charismaticism that I think is intellectually helpful, engaged, and balancing this world and the coming Kingdom in a helpful way.
First up, then, is a list from a blog titled 'Seedbed', which has one of those tags that does what it says on the tin. '10 of My Favourite Leading Pentecostal Scholars' is exactly that. You can read that interesting list here. Or, if you are lazy, I reproduce the list below, with my own comments:
1) Amos Yong - he is a fantastic scholar, with powerful insights across a range of theological disciplines. We were fortunate to have him at the Society of Vineyard Scholars (SVS) Conference last year.
2) Gordon Fee - an almost legendary scholar, and a very respected top-flight evangelical New Testament Scholar. Fee's work on the Holy Spirit is fantastic, too, and makes for interesting reading.
3) Craig Keener - a versatile New Testament scholar, with a range of interests. I know him largely through some of my friends studies, but am looking forward to hearing him speak at SVS this year.
4) James K. A. Smith - regular readers of this blog will know that I have a great deal of respect for Smith, and his seemingly endless ability to engage carefully and critically with different perspectives. He spoke at SVS a few years ago, and I've reviewed some of his books: 'Letters to a Young Calvinist', 'Desiring the Kingdom', and others forthcoming.
5) Jack Deere - a standby for those exploring being a Charismatic Christian without losing biblical moorings, Deere is best known (by me, at least) for his two books 'Surprised by the Power of the Spirit' and 'Surprised by the Voice of God', which blend personal reflection with theology.
6) Veli-Matti Karkkainen - a Finnish scholar who works at Fuller Seminary, I don't know much about him personally.
7) Laurence Wood - another scholar I don't know a huge amount about.
8) Simon Chan - a pentecostal scholar whom I have encountered a little in his work on sacramental theology.
9) Stephen Seamands - a scholar who I have not yet engaged with, but is on my reading list, who focuses on ministry; broadly 'doing the stuff'.
10) Stanley M. Horton - as the list notes, a 'classical Pentecostal without which this list wouldn't really be complete', Horton is diverse and accomplished scholar.
In various ways, I'd probably like to include Simon Ponsonby, Jason Clark, Jack Levison, Beth Stovell, and Wayne Grudem in this list, in terms of people who have influenced me theologically from a Charismatic perspective.
The second thing I'd like to marshall in response to the challenge that Charismatic Christianity is anti-intellectual is a gathering within my own tribe about which I am particularly passionate - the Society of Vineyard Scholars. SVS exists, officially 'to foster a community of theological discourse across the Vineyard movement', and does this through a website, discussion on Facebook, and the Annual Conference. I was lucky to attend and present a paper on the Lord's Supper last year, and I blogged some reflections during and afterwards.
This year is shaping up to be a great conference, with keynotes from Dr. Craig Keener, Dr. Jack Levision, Dr. Amy Plantinga Pauw, Insoo Kim, Dr. Lester Ruth, and Dr. John Pittard. This is an impressive roundup - and is sure to be made even stronger with some fantastic panel sessions on live theological issues of all sorts.
The Society of Vineyard Scholars demonstrates that, in the Vineyard Movement at least, anti-intellectualism is at worst an issue we are very aware of, and at best something we have actively worked to avoid. SVS celebrates scholarship in a variety of disciplines, and this has, I think, filtered out into the wider movement with things like Vineyard Institute, and also echoed in the UK, where we had our first Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland Theology Symposium last year.
Finally, for the moment, I'd like to recommend my friend Jason Clark's excellent article, over at the VCUKI website, 'Why Bother With Theology in the Vineyard?'. It is a great read, and cements some of what I've been getting at here.
This post represents the latest in a sporadic series, which began with reflection on a rather divisive statement of belief. I've since blogged on C. S. Lewis and intimacy with God, a response to Strange Fire, and some thoughts on what Strange Fire got right. Forthcoming posts include a reading list, a look at Discernment and 'Naming and Claiming', what Jesus meant by 'Greater things than these', and 'What I talk about when I talk about God talking to me'. Looking forward to sharing these with you!
I do not, of course, presume to speak for all 'Charismatics' - I do believe that quite a few movements/churches/individuals are, broadly speaking, anti-intellectual. This post, then, represents a spectrum of Charismaticism that I think is intellectually helpful, engaged, and balancing this world and the coming Kingdom in a helpful way.
- i -
1) Amos Yong - he is a fantastic scholar, with powerful insights across a range of theological disciplines. We were fortunate to have him at the Society of Vineyard Scholars (SVS) Conference last year.
2) Gordon Fee - an almost legendary scholar, and a very respected top-flight evangelical New Testament Scholar. Fee's work on the Holy Spirit is fantastic, too, and makes for interesting reading.
3) Craig Keener - a versatile New Testament scholar, with a range of interests. I know him largely through some of my friends studies, but am looking forward to hearing him speak at SVS this year.
4) James K. A. Smith - regular readers of this blog will know that I have a great deal of respect for Smith, and his seemingly endless ability to engage carefully and critically with different perspectives. He spoke at SVS a few years ago, and I've reviewed some of his books: 'Letters to a Young Calvinist', 'Desiring the Kingdom', and others forthcoming.
5) Jack Deere - a standby for those exploring being a Charismatic Christian without losing biblical moorings, Deere is best known (by me, at least) for his two books 'Surprised by the Power of the Spirit' and 'Surprised by the Voice of God', which blend personal reflection with theology.
6) Veli-Matti Karkkainen - a Finnish scholar who works at Fuller Seminary, I don't know much about him personally.
7) Laurence Wood - another scholar I don't know a huge amount about.
8) Simon Chan - a pentecostal scholar whom I have encountered a little in his work on sacramental theology.
9) Stephen Seamands - a scholar who I have not yet engaged with, but is on my reading list, who focuses on ministry; broadly 'doing the stuff'.
10) Stanley M. Horton - as the list notes, a 'classical Pentecostal without which this list wouldn't really be complete', Horton is diverse and accomplished scholar.
In various ways, I'd probably like to include Simon Ponsonby, Jason Clark, Jack Levison, Beth Stovell, and Wayne Grudem in this list, in terms of people who have influenced me theologically from a Charismatic perspective.
- ii -
This year is shaping up to be a great conference, with keynotes from Dr. Craig Keener, Dr. Jack Levision, Dr. Amy Plantinga Pauw, Insoo Kim, Dr. Lester Ruth, and Dr. John Pittard. This is an impressive roundup - and is sure to be made even stronger with some fantastic panel sessions on live theological issues of all sorts.
The Society of Vineyard Scholars demonstrates that, in the Vineyard Movement at least, anti-intellectualism is at worst an issue we are very aware of, and at best something we have actively worked to avoid. SVS celebrates scholarship in a variety of disciplines, and this has, I think, filtered out into the wider movement with things like Vineyard Institute, and also echoed in the UK, where we had our first Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland Theology Symposium last year.
Finally, for the moment, I'd like to recommend my friend Jason Clark's excellent article, over at the VCUKI website, 'Why Bother With Theology in the Vineyard?'. It is a great read, and cements some of what I've been getting at here.
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I think it would be helpful if you could outline your criteria for the term 'Charismatic'. Do you include anyone not declaring themselves a cessationist?
ReplyDeleteOr, are you perhaps carving out a sub-group of Charismatic thinkers who wish simply to be more expressive in worship style? It seems to me the only time Charismatics and conservatives part company is when the former appeal to feelings above and beyond scriptural rigour. Maybe it's time SVS came out of the closet!
Afternoon, Glyn, thanks for the comment!
DeleteEssentially, I am referring to those who believe in and, as Paul wrote 'earnestly desire' (in practice, prayer and theology) the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we see them in the New Testament. It is more than worship style, certainly.
I'm intrigued how you would define 'feelings above and beyond scriptural rigour'. I don't think that everyone who identifies as pentecostal/charismatic would fit under my definition, indeed, many people don't like my emphasis or scripture. Its what we in the Vineyard call a 'radical middle', living in a tension, echoing the tension of the Kingdom of God.
SVS is unique, in my understanding/experience, in having both scholarship AND a desire to see God move. Keynotes may be followed by worship and prayer ministry, and time is set aside to hear from God.
Hope that helps, and thanks again for commenting.
Thanks Mr. Creedy! I'd love it if you could expand a little on this. Why have some accused Charismatics of anti-intellectualism? Is it a more general thing like in Mark A. Noll's critique of evangelicalism as leaving unchallenged an essentially populist and culture-wars-driven suspicion of academic philosophy and theology among laypeople, or is it a question of religious epistemology (are charismatics more driven to mysticism, experiential theology or pragmatic theology and less focussed on tradition or biblical exegesis?)
ReplyDeleteIs this strong word-rhema distinction you find in some Charismatic teaching a symptom of this? A bit of all the above?
It's fine for you to say, "here are some scholars who are Charismatic and not at all anti-intellectual, and of course there is the SVS" but then why do some people claim Charismatics are particularly anti-intellectual? What's at the heart of that claim, and how might it be responded to?
Hi Aunty Intellectual, thanks for the comment.
DeleteAs I understand it, many critique 'us' because of our understanding of experience, the value of experience, and (as you point out, perhaps) epistemology.
Certainly there is an element of it being an offshoot of evangelicalism, so Noll's critique is inherently valid. I would take it further with those charismatics that functionally or generally reject biblical authority, or those who dislike church history/tradition: such charismatics, I would argue, ARE anti-intellectual.
The heart of the claim, I think, are the abuses fo some in the Charismatic movement, an uncharitable approach from some conservatives (such as myself, a few years ago), and a lack of understanding.
My response, generally, is writing this 'charismatic clarity' series, there is a lot still to write!
I hope that unpacks things a bit more, do let me know if that isn't clear or helpful at all!
thanks again for commenting.