Cheryl M. Peterson is among the very few contemporary Lutheran theologians writing about the Holy Spirit. She has even more limited company in her efforts to expand the Lutheran understanding of the Holy Spirit beyond what can be gleaned or extrapolated from lesser-known writings by Martin Luther. Peterson’s engagement with Pentecostal and charismatic scholars combined with her faith that attention to the Spirit will bear good fruit (rather than fearing the destruction of the status quo) equip her to offer this comprehensive framework for re-envisioning the role of the Holy Spirit (in Lutheranism).

While the underlying ideas are needed by everyone, "The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life" is desperately needed by the academy. The audience for this book is not the average Christian, even the highly educated one with a solid understanding of theology (although I am sure there are many outside of academia who would absolutely understand, learn from, and enjoy this book). This book is aimed at Lutheran theologians and people interested in Lutheran theology. There are a number of interrelated reasons this book is so needed: the dearth of contemporary Lutheran theologians, the dearth of contemporary theological inquiry into the Holy Spirit, the dearth of Lutheran theological inquiry into the Holy Spirit, the dearth of Lutheran attention to the Holy Spirit in terms of general understanding, and the dearth of Lutheran attention to the Holy Spirit in terms of experience. There is also not nearly enough systematic theological inquiry related to the Holy Spirit from any tradition, nor attention to the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in many mainline denominations.

Until I encountered Peterson’s scholarship from the past 10-15 years, I thought Lutherans were uncomfortable with the mystery of the Spirit or just used to a certain way of “doing church" based on my personal experience in mainline churches (primarily UMC and ELCA). I joined a Lutheran (ELCA) congregation in 2013, and I enjoy worship at my church and feel more comfortable with the denomination’s doctrine than I would with most. However, having attended a few non-denominational churches when I became a Christian as a young adult, I have experienced Pentecostal worship and all that implies. More relevant, through my own spiritual practices, I have experienced the very real presence and empowerment of the Spirit. Having attended several wonderful UMC churches, the Methodist doctrine of prevenient grace also resonates with me and aligns with how I have experienced God in my life, including my conversation by reading the Bible. Therefore, I appreciate Peterson’s framework of looking at how the Spirit works for us, in us, and through us in this book. Her approach is scriptural, and yet would make plenty of Lutherans uncomfortable if it were taken seriously. Mostly this is because they are so accustomed to focusing almost exclusively on Jesus. But it is also because taking the Spirit seriously is risky because then we just might begin to notice what the Spirit is trying to do in and through us.

I first came across Peterson’s writing while researching the final paper for my master’s degree, which was entitled, “Reconnecting with the Holy Spirit and breath in a Lutheran context.” Thinking the theology would be richer than the practice, I was shocked to discover Lutheran theology has tried since the beginning to control and limit the role of the Holy Spirit. Cheryl Peterson knows the history but chooses to cooperate with the Spirit as she advocates for a more robust theology. While I kept wishing Peterson would go further with her thesis, and, in particular, advocate for a more embodied understanding of the Holy Spirit, I realize she is already pushing boundaries within a tradition that defaults to, “but Martin Luther said…” or “In the small catechism…”

This is an excellent book, and I hope it is read, considered, and taken seriously by contemporary theologians and, especially, seminary professors.

Thank you to the publisher, Baker Academic, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading a DRC of this book. I’ll be recommending it to professors I know and to my spiritual direction clients currently in seminary. All opinions are my own.

Sadly, this book wasn't for me. The difference in theology, political mentions and leanings left more to be desired. The writing was fine, but not for the average person who possess the Spirit in the "Christian life". Wish it was more accessible for the most part.