Book Review: The Mediation of the Spirit: Interventions in Practical Theology

Abstract

Mediation of the Spirit: Interventions in Practical Theology. By Mark J. Cartledge. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Publishing, 2015. xvi + 174 pp. $29.00 (paper).Mark Cartledge has produced a lucidly written, closely argued, and highly engaging volume considerably exceeds its stated purpose. Writing primarily for students and scholars of (p. 164), and seeking (in the spirit of the Pentecostal Manifestos series of which it is a part) make a distinctive contribution to the discipline of theology from a P/C [Pentecostal/Charismatic] perspective (p. xii), Cartledge does all of this and considerably more. Cartledge writes from within the P/C tradition, but also as a member of the larger theology community (he amply demonstrates a broad knowledge of and respect for the literature across the theological spectrum), and as an Anglican priest. His book will be a welcome addition to the library of students and practitioners of pastoral care and counseling, congregational leaders (lay and clergy), and a general audience of readers of theology, along with his intended audience.What makes the book so helpful and important is in bringing a P/C perspective, with its particular emphasis on pneumatology, to bear on the field of theology, Cartledge brings the other emphases of classical theology into the conversation, too. This is because, as Cartledge states, The restoration of pneumatology does more than bring the Spirit back into the conversation; it inevitably restores a discussion of the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology as well (p. 117). In addition, a very thorough survey of the theology literature finds practical theology seems either reluctant to use Scripture or under the spell of social science (p. 44). Cartledge brings a close exegesis of biblical texts, particularly from Acts, along with a proposal that theology engage more consciously and rigorously with systematic theological loci (p. 141), in a way expands the vocabulary and resources of the field without in any way diminishing the importance of the emphases he thinks have characterized it. He finds much of value in the contributions of liberation theology, feminist theology, and old-line liberal theology as they have informed the field. His concern, though, is without closer attention to close biblical exegesis and systematic theology, theology runs the risk of engaging in anthropological discourse under the guise of (p. …