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Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements
Provides information on the history, doctrines, and practices of Pentacostalism and related movements.
928 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 18, 2008
No area of Christendom is more complicated and in need of a good roadmap for the unitiated as Pentecostalism. I was thrilled to get this thick dictionary, with so many entires and photos. It is well-bound and handsomely packaged by Zondervan.
The problem is that it is just so poorly done! It lists several good scholars among its contributors (Edith Blumhoefer, David Barrett, Grant Wacker, Gordon Fee), but these folks didn't write most of the articles. I can't believe Zondervan didn't require better work, or do some heavier editing. While some entires are clearly and crisply written, many are almost unreadable. One rambling article mentions A.J. Gordon, identifying his ministry role, then a couple of paragraphs later reintroduces him, then does it again, etc. Its as if the article were originally 3 or 4 pieces, which were later thrown together with no editing.
Another issue I have is the defensive, propaganda-like tone of most articles. For example, George and Stephen Jeffreys are identified without qualification as *England's greatest evangelists since Wesley and Whitefield*. Huh?!? Many times a person will be identified as one of the *foremost scholars* on a certain topic, simply because they wrote an obscure book on the subject. Often these will be decidely unscholarly, untrained preachers -- their books may be helpful, but these folks are most often nowhere close to being *scholars.* Similarly, entires often incorrectly imply certain figures are Pentecostal/ charismatic (for example, one entry lists Spurgeon among some charismatics simply because he prayed for and received healing -- something close to 100 percent of non-charismatic evangelicals have always believed in). The authors also tend to downplay or ignore embarrassing heresies in their Pentecostal subjects -- One-ness/Sabellian beliefs, quasi-Messianic claims, etc. Parham's long entry never mentions his teaching against the tradition view of final judgment (Conditional Immortality). Indeed, the United Pentecostal Church, Intern'l, classified as a cult by several mainstream evaneglical watchdog groups, contributes several articles to the dictionary. And the book often uncritically accepts triumphalistically many questionable stats. In many places, *revival* is narrowly defined as exercising supernatural gifts. For example, an entry on Presbyterian and Reformed charismatics states that Presbyterians have historically been involved in revival and only lists tongues experiences (rather than, say, leading the Great Awakening of the 18th century) as examples. Apparently its not a revival unless something overtly miraculous happens.
I could go on and on. Bottom-line -- profoundly dissappointing book. I gave it two stars rather than one because it does give some good reference information (if taken with a big chunk of salt).
Hope the updated version is an improvement, because this is an important and interesting topic that deserves better treatment.
The problem is that it is just so poorly done! It lists several good scholars among its contributors (Edith Blumhoefer, David Barrett, Grant Wacker, Gordon Fee), but these folks didn't write most of the articles. I can't believe Zondervan didn't require better work, or do some heavier editing. While some entires are clearly and crisply written, many are almost unreadable. One rambling article mentions A.J. Gordon, identifying his ministry role, then a couple of paragraphs later reintroduces him, then does it again, etc. Its as if the article were originally 3 or 4 pieces, which were later thrown together with no editing.
Another issue I have is the defensive, propaganda-like tone of most articles. For example, George and Stephen Jeffreys are identified without qualification as *England's greatest evangelists since Wesley and Whitefield*. Huh?!? Many times a person will be identified as one of the *foremost scholars* on a certain topic, simply because they wrote an obscure book on the subject. Often these will be decidely unscholarly, untrained preachers -- their books may be helpful, but these folks are most often nowhere close to being *scholars.* Similarly, entires often incorrectly imply certain figures are Pentecostal/ charismatic (for example, one entry lists Spurgeon among some charismatics simply because he prayed for and received healing -- something close to 100 percent of non-charismatic evangelicals have always believed in). The authors also tend to downplay or ignore embarrassing heresies in their Pentecostal subjects -- One-ness/Sabellian beliefs, quasi-Messianic claims, etc. Parham's long entry never mentions his teaching against the tradition view of final judgment (Conditional Immortality). Indeed, the United Pentecostal Church, Intern'l, classified as a cult by several mainstream evaneglical watchdog groups, contributes several articles to the dictionary. And the book often uncritically accepts triumphalistically many questionable stats. In many places, *revival* is narrowly defined as exercising supernatural gifts. For example, an entry on Presbyterian and Reformed charismatics states that Presbyterians have historically been involved in revival and only lists tongues experiences (rather than, say, leading the Great Awakening of the 18th century) as examples. Apparently its not a revival unless something overtly miraculous happens.
I could go on and on. Bottom-line -- profoundly dissappointing book. I gave it two stars rather than one because it does give some good reference information (if taken with a big chunk of salt).
Hope the updated version is an improvement, because this is an important and interesting topic that deserves better treatment.
July 4, 2012
This is an excellent resource if you want to see the origins and practices of Pentecostalism. It is written by Pentecostal scholars, so cannot be accused of unfavourably misrepresenting them. For me, this is its great contribution to the Church.
If you don't want to learn of the widespread gullibility and deception that has characterised so much of the Movement from its rise at the beginning of the 20th Century, don't read this. If you want an honest account, here's the best.
If you don't want to learn of the widespread gullibility and deception that has characterised so much of the Movement from its rise at the beginning of the 20th Century, don't read this. If you want an honest account, here's the best.
October 28, 2019
Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
August 11, 2008
Fairly comprehensive reference book. The editors did a good job.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews