Book Review: Renewing Christian Theology: Systematics for a Global Christianity

Abstract

Renewing Christian Theology: Systematics for a Global Christianity By Amos Yong, with Jonathan A. Anderson. Waco, Tex.: Baylor University Press, 2014. xxiv + 453 pp. $49.95 (paper).The rise of Pentecostal and charismatic forms of Christianity is reshaping Christianity in twenty-first century, especially in global south. This truly landmark book is first one-volume Pentecostal systematic theology take into account not only this changing global context, but also contributions of global and ecumenical theologians. At same time, Amos Yong wagers that the Christian theological tradition as a whole has something gain from engaging especially with renewal voices and perspectives and may even be revitalized in such a (p. 12).Yong uses Statement of Faith from his tradition, World Assemblies of God Fellowship, as template for structuring his book, signaling his commitment orthodoxy (p. 12). However, he treats loci in reverse order, starting with eschatology and ending with doctrine of scripture. Other theologians, such as Ted Peters, have proposed similar methodological moves, but have not structured their systematic theologies accordingly. To demonstrate Pentecostal view that theology also must pay attention orthopathy, artwork chosen by Jonathan Anderson is woven throughout to engage readers visually in order inspire imaginative thinking about and with text (p. xxiv).Each chapter begins with a narrative reflection on a New Testament character, reflecting oral tradition of global renewal spirituality. This is followed by a treatment of locus in question, first in terms of context of Statement of Faith itself, and then in conversation with ecumenical theology as well as contemporary and global perspectives, raising both contextual considerations and contemporary challenges for global theology. Yong then provides a more in-depth scriptural foundation before offering a constructive restatement of doctrine and suggested related praxis (orthopraxy). Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and a short bibliography. While acknowledging importance of historical-critical method, Yong shows a preference for narrative method of reading, not only of scripture, but also of Christian doctrine.Those familiar with Yongs corpus will recognize themes from his previous works woven throughout, such as relationship between Christian theology and natural sciences (in chapter on creation and fall), a theology of disability (in chapter on divine healing), and theology and world religions (in chapter on Trinity). …