Revisioning a Pentecostal Theology of Water Baptism

In this monograph, Ed George constructs a Pentecostal theology of water baptism. He first explores what Pentecostal scholars and prominent Pentecostal leaders have written concerning water baptism, then offers a careful reading of the early Pentecostal periodical materials. George continues with a study of the biblical text, offering a literary/narrative reading of Matthew and Romans. Having examined the Pentecostal perspectives and practices on water baptism and the biblical perspectives from Matthew and Romans, George constructs a Pentecostal theology of water baptism. He addresses in detail those issues that are judged to be especially important to Pentecostals, engaging with key Pentecostal voices, the biblical witness, and non-Pentecostal assessments of the relationship between the Triune God, embodied persons, and mediated learning in an attempt to hear the voice of the Spirit leading forward. George proposes a integrative Pentecostal way of thinking about and practicing water baptism that explains how water baptism 'narrates' us into the Pentecostal story, guiding us into and along the via salutis and is informed by the heart of the Pentecostal tradition. He suggests an understanding of water baptism as a divinely mediated learning rite of incorporation into the eschatological community. Edward D. George, Jr., earned the PhD from Bangor University, Wales.