TY - CHAP

T1 - Introduction

T2 - Towards a Pentecostal Public Theology in Europe

AU - Frestadius, Simo

AU - Cartledge, Mark

PY - 2024/7

Y1 - 2024/7

N2 - This introduction outlines the developments of public theology generally and Pentecostal public theology particularly. It notes that although public theology is an established academic and ecclesial discourse, Pentecostals have been latecomers to the conversation. There are now an increasing number of valuable works on “Pentecostal” public theology, but there are still only a few contributions from a European perspective. This edited book addresses the limited discussion on European Pentecostal public theology by providing historical studies on European Pentecostal public engagement (Part I) and constructive chapters on pressing public issues (Part II). As well as summarising the book’s chapters, the introduction proposes that the historical isolationist leanings of European Pentecostals have been largely shaped by the marginalised experience of Pentecostal communities as religious minorities in hostile political and religious environments. It also points out how more recently there has been a noticeable shift among European Pentecostals towards public engagement. In this context, the book’s constructive chapters demonstrate what Pentecostals may have to offer. There is, of course, an overlap with other Christian public theologies, but there are also some distinctive Pentecostal elements (e.g., focus on Acts 2, Spirit empowerment and inclusive/democratic Pentecostal spirituality) that can provide fresh resources for wider public theology.

AB - This introduction outlines the developments of public theology generally and Pentecostal public theology particularly. It notes that although public theology is an established academic and ecclesial discourse, Pentecostals have been latecomers to the conversation. There are now an increasing number of valuable works on “Pentecostal” public theology, but there are still only a few contributions from a European perspective. This edited book addresses the limited discussion on European Pentecostal public theology by providing historical studies on European Pentecostal public engagement (Part I) and constructive chapters on pressing public issues (Part II). As well as summarising the book’s chapters, the introduction proposes that the historical isolationist leanings of European Pentecostals have been largely shaped by the marginalised experience of Pentecostal communities as religious minorities in hostile political and religious environments. It also points out how more recently there has been a noticeable shift among European Pentecostals towards public engagement. In this context, the book’s constructive chapters demonstrate what Pentecostals may have to offer. There is, of course, an overlap with other Christian public theologies, but there are also some distinctive Pentecostal elements (e.g., focus on Acts 2, Spirit empowerment and inclusive/democratic Pentecostal spirituality) that can provide fresh resources for wider public theology.

U2 - 10.1007/978-3-031-61301-2_1

DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-61301-2_1

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9783031613005

T3 - Christianity and Renewal - Interdisciplinary Studies

BT - Pentecostal Public Theology

A2 - Frestadius, Simo

A2 - Cartledge, Mark

PB - Palgrave Macmillan

CY - Cham

ER -