The Holy Spirit: Works Gifts (Volume 5)

by Donald G. Bloesch

In The Holy Works Gifts Donald Bloesch aptly brings together his grasp of historical and systematic theology as well as his deep concern for spirituality. The fruit of a lifetime of study and devotion, this book masterfully interweaves biblical study, historical overviews and reflection on contemporary developments and issues to shed light on faith in God, the Holy Spirit. On a topic that sadly threatens to divide the church, Bloesch strives to build bridges between the various traditions of Christian faith, especially between Reformed theology and the Pentecostal movement. This wide-ranging and in-depth reflection on the presence, reality and ministry of the Holy Spirit serves as a landmark guide to those seeking a faithful theological understanding of the Holy Spirit as well as those searching for a renewing and empowering hope for the church of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Theology

Paperback

First published November 29, 2000

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the last two chapters of this theology, really a historical theology, of the Spirit. The first nine chapters allowed Bloesch to make some judgments and claims, but were essentially historical overview (one was Scriptural) of the ways the Spirit has been understood, used, misused, and evoked. He examines thinkers from the early church, through the Reformation (heavy on Luther and Calvin throughout), to the Pietists, evangelicals, and the Pentecostal movement, with stops for heresy along the way. He examines modern theologians and addresses modern debates. This can be interesting, it certainly is clearly articulated, but can also be thought of as reference. The last chapters role up the previous and allow Bloesch to talk about the Spirit in the Trinity as well as the Spirit in "the Highway of Holiness." I love his paragraphs in these chapters, especially the last, as he piles up the narrative description of the human life in the Spirit. A wonderful picture of God and of human life in and with God. Bloesch is Reformed but is fairly generous to Pentecostalism and especially to Wesley (the book is dedicated to Wesley and Whitefield). The rating reflects my love of the final chapters (including his curmudgeonly response to mysticism, evangelical rationalism, and modern praise music among other things). A good read and one to return to for its scholarly broadness, but also for its cascade of breathless description of the Christian's life in the Spirit.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a weighty read. Historically and theologically rich. Bloesch is a great example of someone who can learn from other theological traditions and allow it to hone his own position. The survey of positions on the Holy Spirit helped me to trace some of the things that have driven me in my journey as a Christian, and even before. The last chapter called "Highway to Holiness" is well written and really captures the biblical balance of how to view our responsibility in our salvation without thinking it is up to you to earn God's favor.
The chapters are long and thorough and at times I wished he would spend more time on developing what he believes to be true instead of surveying the theological landscape. Obviously, both are needed.

[Rolph Payet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloesch as an accomplished reformed theologian does theological justice to this work, which I would, however not include in a Christian foundation series as it tackles a detailed review of theological perspectives and positions of various theologians over the history of the church, and not explicitly on biblical principles that may contribute to our understanding and practice of pneumatology in the present context. A treatise more designed for theological students rather than the occasional reader, however the last two chapters really nailed the overall theme into perspective with direct application in the life of the Christian reader. That said, I would have expected a more in-depth discussion on past and current debates on cessionism and continuationism and variations thereof, among the many -isms he so aptly discusses throughout the book. Overall a very insightful read which kept me hooked from cover to cover, and definitely deserves a space in my reference library.

[Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I initially started this hoping to gain insights into the charismata, but I ended up learning so much more: about mystical theology throughout Church history, sociological and anthropological dimensions of spiritual experience, and balanced perspectives on the interplay between written revelation and the Spirit's illuminative and existential works.

Bloesch also writes with lucidity and candor that I really appreciate. I made lots of highlights on this one.

[CuriousBob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Bloesch's background is evangelical and reformed. Here is his treatment of spirituality and historical theology of Word and Spirit, offered at a graduate level. It is scholarly, yet accessible (perhaps with patience for some readers). He addresses the understanding of the Holy Spirit and the Spirits effect across multiple denominational lines throughout history. I liken it to a rich feast. I definitely recommend it. Read widely!

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th Volume in Bloesch's Christian Foundation - and this time he delves into the Holy Spirit, covering Works and Gifts, Pentecostalism, Spiritualism / Mysticism, Pietism, and good discussion on Baptism.

However in comparison to previous volumes, I found this one to be a bit disjointed, and I often wasn't certain about the argument that the Author was trying to make, or perhaps more accurately I was not certain that the points made in the concluding paragraphs of most chapters had been thoroughly (nor convincingly) argued.

As in previous volumes, the Author covers Church History well, and places a nice emphasis on the Reformation - especially Calvin and Luther. This approach of his makes these volumes well worth reading :)

I did read this about 12 or so years ago, but cannot recall exactly how I felt then. Now on to the final two volumes.

[Seumas Macdonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bloesch provides a good solid introduction to the doctrine of the HS, and explores a number of issues. I found I wanted some more depth though.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thick and thorough coverage of not just the doctrine of pneumatology, but a survey of the historical development of this theological topic