In this volume, Frank Macchia offers a systematic theology written with Christ's outpouring of the Holy Spirit from the heavenly Father at Pentecost as its dominant motif. Christ's death and resurrection provide for our reconciliation with God and make way for the Spirit, for the divine overflowing onto all flesh. The church is born in the grace of that overflowing. From the abundance of this divine self-giving spring forth many different tongues aflame with the church's praise and witness. This systematic theology seeks to join and further guide these tongues in their diverse contexts by reflecting in a coherent fashion across the spectrum of Christian doctrine. The first three chapters offer an extensive treatment of modern approaches to theology. Subsequent chapters explore all of the major topics of importance to theology historically. This is theology written from a Pentecostal interest, yet seeking to speak beyond it to a larger ecumenical horizon.
Industry Reviews
“Frank Macchia’s magnum opus does something no other theological work that I know has delivered before: engages the whole of classical theological thought in dialogue with the best of Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. Always hospitable in posture, Macchia’s solutions to ancient questions and fresh proposals to current ones come as an invitation for further dialogue. No theologian, pastor, or student—Pentecostal or not—can afford anything other than a careful study of this landmark work.”
—Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Fuller Theological Seminary and Helsinki University
“In the spirit of 1 Peter 3:15–16, Frank Macchia offers us with this book a compelling account of the Christian faith from one of Pentecostalism’s most capable and talented theologians. This book is a genuine gift—a culminating achievement that reflects a lifetime of dedication, study, and prayer.”
—Daniel Castelo, Duke Divinity School
“I first met Frank Macchia when we were both research scholars living in Switzerland. Even then he was both brilliant and conscientious, a deep thinker and a gracious conversation partner. Here we have the mature fruits of his seminal theological work which has led to his recognition as one of our leading Pentecostal scholars. This is a magisterial study, deeply rooted in Pentecostal thought but meant for the whole church—at once evangelical and ecumenical.”
—Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School
“Classical Pentecostals have not generally been known for producing ecumenically rich and theologically erudite systems of theology. Frank Macchia has produced just such a work in Tongues of Fire. For this post-Pentecostal theologian, it was a joy to read. It is a surprising and satisfying Pentecostal contribution to ecumenical and evangelical systematic theology.”
—Roger E. Olson, Baylor University, emeritus
