Theo 351 - Reading Reflection 1 - Kärkkäinen - Chapter 4

The following post is a reflection on chapter four of the book Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit in Ecumenical, International, and Contextual Perspective by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen.

The purpose of chapter four of this book is to present a survey of how major Christian traditions approach pneumatology. Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Pentecostal traditions are surveyed, followed by a look at the World Council of Churches. Kärkkäinen seeks to show that the various emphases placed on the work of the Holy Spirit by each tradition arise out of the needs and theology peculiar to each tradition. He goes on to explore the idea that church unity could be fostered through agreement on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

For Kärkkäinen all of these different traditions form “a rich treasure of spiritual experiences” from which to draw.[1] It should be noted that Kärkkäinen is a Finnish Pentecostal theologian who is involved in the World Council of Churches. Seeing as both Orthodox and Lutheran churches are recognized as state churches in Finland [2], it is not surprising that Kärkkäinen would have knowledge of both Orthodox and Lutheran theology. As well, being involved in the World Council of Churches is also reflective of Kärkkäinen’s ecumenical focus.

Overall, I believe Kärkkäinen meets his objective. To the best of my knowledge he has given a fairly accurate presentation of each tradition’s views on the Holy Spirit, and why each tradition emphasizes what it does. Nevertheless, at least at this point in my study, I question the validity of the Pentecostal / Charismatic claims on the workings of the Holy Spirit.

As Kärkkäinen explains the impact that the Charismatic movement has had on the various Christian traditions, he optimistically talks of the perceived renewal wrought by this new focus on the Holy Spirit throughout the church during the 20^th century. However, was and is this true renewal? I cannot help but wonder if the Pentecostal and Charismatic phenomenon of the last century are truly from the Holy Spirit. Was the tongues experience of Charles F. Parham’s students in 1901 a true gift from the Holy Spirit and a true revival? Was this experience of glossolalia the same gift that is spoken of in the New Testament? If not, would this not call into question the 20^th century Pentecostal, as well as Charismatic, experience? Are the Pentecostal / Charismatic teachings on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit accurate or helpful? 

For those who disagree with the validity of the Pentecostal and Charismatic claims, these traditions do not present “a rich treasure of spiritual experiences” from which to draw.[3] It is difficult to see how those who object to these claims will be able to reconcile differences in this area.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see where Kärkkäinen takes this discussion in the ensuing chapters of this book.

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[1] Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit in Ecumenical, International, and Contextual Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), 67.

[2] "Church of Finland," Wikipedia, accessed 9 June 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Finland.

[3] Kärkkäinen, Pneumatology, 67.