Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Religions: Encountering Cornelius Today

A topic of ever increasing importance, theology of religions requires Spirit-gifted and Spirit-attuned reflection, reasoning, and discernment. Religiously motivated violence is precipitating an international security crisis. Even in relatively peaceful environs, globalization has contributed to the unprecedented co-existence of peoples of cultural diversity and religious plurality. In particular, global Pentecostalism blends diverse social, racial, economic, and national groups together with diverse religious and intellectual traditions. Such complexities point to a need for an intentional and articulate Pentecostal theology of religions as a consistent and coherent guide for living and ministering in a world of multiple religious faiths. The conversation of this book is framed by the transformative encounter of the Jewish Christian apostle, Peter, and the Gentile pagan convert, Cornelius (Acts 10). It confronts straightforwardly the reality of non-Christian religions and calls for a substantive Pentecostal response. It rejects the relativistic ideology of religious pluralism. More than that, drawing from classical Pentecostal heritage and engaging leading contemporary theologians, it presents a viable alternative to pluralistic philosophy. The result is a distinctively Pentecostal theology of religions marked by high Christology and robust pneumatology with a strong sense of ecclesial mission through evangelism and dialogue.