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While Christianity appears to be in decline in the West it is growing robustly in the global South. What does this mean for the Christianity that was once considered to be the religion of the West? The new contexts and trajectories require innovative responses and relevant theological reflection in the church. This volume addresses these changes through identifying and analyzing global shifts, highlighting practical innovations in the church that attempt to deal with new trajectories, and proposing theological positions intended to help face the issues and challenges of the twenty-first century. Contributors to this volume include Philip Jenkins (The Next Christendom, The New Faces of Christianity, God's Continent), Steven M. Studebaker, Gordon L. Heath, Bradley K. Broadhead, Christof Sauer, Lee Beach, Michael P. Knowles, Peter Althouse, Michael Wilkinson, John H. Issak, David K. Taurus, and Seongho Kang.

This book brings together the papers presented at the McMaster Divinity College 2007 Pentecostal Forum: "Defining Issues in Pentecostalism: Classical and Emergent." It highlights the defining topics, past and present, of Pentecostal theology. The chapters are grouped under Pentecostal theology and biblical studies, with selections on classical and contemporary issues in each category. This book provides an introduction to the classical doctrines of Pentecostalism and key contemporary developments in Pentecostal theology in one volume. Professors desiring to introduce students to Pentecostalism will find here a concise and accessible introduction to the defining historical and contemporary issues.

Tithing is a well-known church practice in our day and age, but do church-goers really practice it? When did the concept of tithing begin? How is it justified? What does the Bible say about it?You Mean I Don't Have to Tithe? is a detailed study on the controversial topic of tithing, covering over 2,000 years of well-known theologians regarding this topic. Dr. Croteau's intense tithing investigation will enable you to explore tithing and related topics in-depth, expounding many misconceptions of tithing as well as aiding in a correct understanding of this popular topic.

In little over a century, the Pentecostal movement has emerged from small bands of revival seekers to become one of the largest Christian groups in the world. Primarily a movement within Western Christianity for much of its brief history, it is increasingly characterized as a global movement. Pentecostal theology and ministry in a Western context must engage global Pentecostalism and be willing to rethink its traditional patterns of thought and practice in light of the evolving nature of the movement.The essays in this book come mainly from the McMaster Divinity College 2008 Pentecostal Forum: ""The Many Faces of Pentecostalism: Pentecostalism and Globalization."" The first section outlines the nature of globalization and establishes it as the context for contemporary Pentecostal theology and ministry. The other contributions explore the impact of globalization on traditional areas of Pentecostal theology, such as Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues, and twenty-first-century Pentecostal ministry.

Apologetic methodology has been the subject of intense debate in Reformed circles. This book argues that we can test Reformed apologetic methods for consistency using two linchpin theological topics: the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of Scripture. Should apologetics move from establishing theism to the resurrection and then to Scripture? Or should theism, the resurrection, and the doctrine of Scripture be accepted on the testimony of the Holy Spirit as basic beliefs? Alternatively, do these doctrines need to be presupposed and incorporated into a transcendental defense of the faith? After analyzing classical apologetics, historical evidentialism, Reformed epistemology, and presuppositionalism for their apologetic cogency, Steven D. West contends that any method used by Reformed apologists should be able to argue successfully for a high view of Scripture, the source of the doctrine of the resurrection. The book will be useful to everyone interested in the relationship between theology, philosophy, and apologetics.

Apologetic methodology has been the subject of intense debate in Reformed circles. This book argues that we can test Reformed apologetic methods for consistency using two linchpin theological topics: the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of Scripture. Should apologetics move from establishing theism to the resurrection and then to Scripture? Or should theism, the resurrection, and the doctrine of Scripture be accepted on the testimony of the Holy Spirit as basic beliefs? Alternatively, do these doctrines need to be presupposed and incorporated into a transcendental defense of the faith? After analyzing classical apologetics, historical evidentialism, Reformed epistemology, and presuppositionalism for their apologetic cogency, Steven D. West contends that any method used by Reformed apologists should be able to argue successfully for a high view of Scripture, the source of the doctrine of the resurrection. The book will be useful to everyone interested in the relationship between theology, philosophy, and apologetics.""Debate has raged within evangelicalism regarding proper apologetic methodology with little progress. However, in this very helpful work, West breaks the impasse and navigates current apologetic approaches within Christian theology in a highly readable way. He then argues cogently for a presuppositional method that incorporates the best of the other approaches. In a short space, West not only introduces us to contemporary apologetic polemics, he also points the way forward. I highly recommend this work.""--Stephen J. Wellum, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary""There are at least three reasons why I highly welcome and recommend this book. First, there is the relevance of and necessity for truly Reformed apologetics in these turbulent times. Second, there is a great need for consensus of opinion on the best possible methodology--based on sound philosophical and other principles--in the implementation of Reformed apologetics. And finally, there is a constant and urgent need for sound doctrine on Scripture and the resurrection . . . The depth and honesty of his research add value to Reformed theology in the global context."" --Callie Coetzee, North West University""West writes the way he speaks, with clarity, conviction, coherence, and an appropriate sense of humility. His incisive analysis of Reformed approaches to apologetics convincingly shows the necessity of a presuppositional and transcendental orientation, while taking seriously the important contributions of Reformed apologists from other schools of thought . . . An important primer on Christian apologetics and a valuable addition to the library of student, pastor, and apologist alike.""--Joe Boot, Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity Steven D. West is an adjunct professor at Toronto Baptist Seminary where he teaches Research and Philosophy. He is also the pastor of Madoc Baptist Church in Madoc, Ontario.

This book brings together the papers presented at the McMaster Divinity College 2007 Pentecostal Forum: ""Defining Issues in Pentecostalism: Classical and Emergent."" It highlights the defining topics, past and present, of Pentecostal theology. The chapters are grouped under Pentecostal theology and biblical studies, with selections on classical and contemporary issues in each category. This book provides an introduction to the classical doctrines of Pentecostalism and key contemporary developments in Pentecostal theology in one volume. Professors desiring to introduce students to Pentecostalism will find here a concise and accessible introduction to the defining historical and contemporary issues.""This volume brings together some of the most important theological and biblical scholars of Pentecostalism. Each chapter examines significant questions in relation to current contextual challenges facing the movement as they reflect upon its past and its future. No doubt, this collection represents a crucial voice among Pentecostal scholars wrestling with a variety of critical issues.""--Michael Wilkinson,Trinity Western University""Defining Issues in Pentecostalism, the inaugural issue of the McMaster Theological Studies Series, is a glimpse into the current strength of Pentecostal scholarship, offering creative and constructive proposals in Pentecostal theology and biblical studies. The authors argue for holistic and ecumenical approaches to a theology of the Spirit that has significant implications for the broader, theological world. A work of this caliber is long overdue.""--Peter Althouse, Assistant Professor of TheologyCollege of Christian Ministries and Religion Southeastern UniversitySteven M. Studebaker (PhD, Marquette University) is Assistant Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He is an active member in the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and is the author of several articles on Pentecostal theology and of the forthcoming book, Jonathan Edwards'' Social Augustinian Trinitarianism in Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (2008). He is ordained with the Assemblies of God.