I RECENTLY heard about the response of one vicar several years ago, upon learning that another had been appointed to lead a Charismatic-renewal ministry: “Congratulations on joining the lunatic fringe.”
In all honesty, I think such descriptions still endure in some quarters, but, in this piece of scholarly theology, Helen Collins seeks to show that Charismatic thought and practice has an important contribution to make to the whole Church.
She neither shies away from the weird excesses of some Charismatic spirituality nor proposes an academic domestication of the Spirit’s work. (There is, for example, a helpful and careful discussion of demons, with an exhortation to “remain Christ-centred rather than demon-obsessed”.) In seven tightly argued chapters, she portrays Charismatic theology “as a valid and coherent expression of the wider Christian tradition”.
The book is rooted in the Pentecost narrative of Acts 2, and systematically addresses seven themes that flow from it, each representing a hallmark of Charismatic life: expectancy, enchantment, encounter, expression, equality, empowerment, and enjoyment. In constant dialogue with the spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12 and elsewhere, each chapter guides its reader through a series of moves “from spirituality to Scripture, to contemporary practice, to doctrine, and to a renewal of practice rooted in Scripture”. There is even an appendix, setting out this schema in tabular form.
Her discussion of healing provides a good example of the rigour and candour with which she faces potentially controversial topics. She locates her discussion in an impressively international and diverse context, providing several examples of attested healing miracles from across the global Church. She then considers several dangers associated with Charismatic healing ministries (including emotionalism, exaggeration, triumphalism, and sensationalism).
Having explored the challenge of seemingly unanswered prayer for healing, she suggests that the knowledge and experience of God’s love “constitutes our most fundamental and ultimate healing”. Throughout this whole discussion, she continues to make theological space for the miraculous and seemingly inexplicable. Not all authors in this space manage to hold such a tension so carefully and fruitfully.
One question for me was whether the book was trying to serve too many audiences. Collins seeks to engage three distinct groups: Charismatic Christians, “noncharismatic readers”, and academics. The third group is the one most obviously served by this text; the first and second may prefer to read a more popular-level version, which I hope that the author will produce in future.
This level of careful thought and clarity about Charismatic theology is too rare, particularly in a British context. In the light of recent scandals, most notably involving Soul Survivor and Mike Pilavachi, there is an urgent need for thoughtful reflection on this influential part of the contemporary Church. “Introducing its theology through the gifts of the Spirit” is a noble aim. A more widely accessible version of this work would, for me, represent a particularly welcome service to the Church.
The Revd Dr Christopher Landau is the Director of ReSource, which continues the work of Anglican Renewal Ministries. He is a former BBC religion correspondent.
Charismatic Christianity: Introducing its theology through the gifts of the spirit
Helen Collins
Baker Academic £19.99
(978-1-5409-6390-1)
Church Times Bookshop £17.99