Overview

This incisive work shows that faith does not need to be understood as what one believes, does, or feels when faith is understood as being in Christ by being in the Spirit. The way in which Christians and Christian theology, at least in Western traditions, including the family of Pentecostals and renewal movements, engages with the idea of faith has a problem – faith is often defined as what people must do, whether that is to believe in a list of doctrines, to do “good” works, or to love properly, in order for God to respond with forgiveness and salvation. However, this work takes a new approach with a pneumatological trajectory in constructing a theology of faith understood as life in the Spirit, overcoming a stalemated discussion on faith as belief versus works. As such, “faith is being in Christ by being in the Spirit” is the theological recognition that faith is first relationality to the Spirit by which a person is invited into life with Christ and the triune God. Faith is not what one does (beliefs, works, affections) but rather what one is, in relationality with the Spirit. Beliefs, works, and affections are best understood as those things that are the outward expressions of the relationality rather than that which brings one into relationality with God.

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9780567716293

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Reviews

Ross has provided a critical and constructive account of faith through the lens of pneumatology. Engaging with Paul Tillich, the New Perspective on Paul and the theology of faith, it takes the conversation in a different, holistic, and participatory direction using Pentecostal dialogue partners. This is a book that should be read by biblical and systematic theologians, especially those who are sympathetic to Pentecostal and Charismatic theology. However, given its engagement with a range of interdisciplinary and ecumenical sources, there is much that contributes to the wider theological academy. I would encourage students and scholars to read this book. It may change your understanding of the concept of faith in relation to the Christian life! * Mark J. Cartledge, London School of Theology, UK * Ross offers a refreshing and ground-breaking intervention into the discussions regarding the nature of faith. This is a generative and creative theological work that unfreezes dichotomies such as faith and works, cognition and emotion. Ross envisions a dynamic and holistic understanding of faith as being in Christ by being in the Spirit. Out of this vision flows a paradigm of faith that is relational, participatory and transformative. * Cheryl Bridges Johns, United Theological Seminary, USA *

Author Information

Aaron Gabriel Ross serves as Chief of Staff at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., USA. He is also a Visiting Lecturer of Theology at the London School of Theology, UK.

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