The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life
The Spirit's Work for, in, and through Us
by Cheryl M. Peterson
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Pub Date Mar 19 2024 | Archive Date Apr 02 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Baker Academic
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Description
Lutheran theologian Cheryl Peterson identifies three key movements of the Christian life, showing the Spirit's role in each: justification (God the Holy Spirit working for us), sanctification (God the Holy Spirit working in us), and mission (God the Holy Spirit working through us). Peterson explores scriptural and doctrinal perspectives on the person and work of the Holy Spirit--especially from churches with Reformation roots--in view of contemporary spiritual movements, including the spiritual-but-not-religious and the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. In addition, she explores the means of the Spirit's work through Word, sacrament, and spiritual gifts.
This book offers a fresh look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church today. It is ideal for seminarians and working pastors.
Advance Praise
“Peterson has composed for us a beautiful, well-constructed, and inspiring symphonic poem in three movements. As a seasoned Lutheran theologian whose work is a prayer for the unity of a divided church in a world yearning for the spiritual life, she writes a balanced-yet-engaging symphony in an ecumenical and missional key. Under the grand theme of the Holy Spirit as our life giver, companion, and empowerer, the composer joyfully invites us to participate in the transformative work of the Spirit for us, in us, and through us. Bravo! Encore!”—Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., professor of systematic theology, director of the Center for Hispanic Studies, Werner R. H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, Concordia Seminary
“Finally! Here is a book that corrects longstanding bilateral lacunae in pneumatology. The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life has theological breadth and depth as well as pastoral and practical applications. Not only does it adroitly and incisively address existing theological lacunae in the Reformed and Lutheran traditions regarding pneumatology and provide serious engagement of developing Pentecostal pneumatologies; it is also well-written, making it both instructive and enjoyable. With Peterson’s personable style and careful scholarship, this text is a must-read. Definitely recommended!”—Tony Richie, associate professor of theology, Pentecostal Theological Seminary
“In this wonderful book, Cheryl Peterson brings together biblical and theological resources on the Holy Spirit. Grounding herself within classic Reformation understandings of the Spirit’s person and work, rooted in the Word and sacrament, she also attends to contemporary spiritual expressions—from the Pentecostal and charismatic to those considered ‘spiritual but not religious.’ I highly recommend this book for use in colleges, seminaries, and congregations and to anyone interested in the work of the Holy Spirit in our time.”—Lois Malcolm, The Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Reigstad Chair of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary
“An exquisite pneumatological feast. A rare combination of profound theological learning, mature pastoral sensitivity, and keen religio-cultural analysis. Drawing widely from Lutheran resources, in dialogue with emerging Pentecostal theologies of the Spirit, and in consultation with the best of the pneumatological reservoir of ecumenical theology, Professor Cheryl Peterson establishes her fame as the leading American Lutheran pneumatologist. The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life is a must-read not only for mainstream Protestants but also for Pentecostals and charismatics—and everyone who wishes to learn more about a fresh experience of the divine Spirit.”—Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, professor of systematic theology, Fuller Theological Seminary; docent of ecumenics, University of Helsinki
“Peterson’s book is a welcome contribution to conversations about the Holy Spirit. She brings her reflections to bear upon our daily engagements with the world. Peterson has done us a service by focusing on God’s activity in and through us, speaking of the Spirit’s work in and after justification. Her approach helps us to articulate our experiences of the Spirit in trusting ways.”—Nelson Rivera, director, Master of Divinity, J. T. Hamilton Associate Professor of Doctrinal Theology, Moravian Theological Seminary
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781540963925 |
| PRICE | $24.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 208 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Media/Journalist 979886
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.
Nicole V, Reviewer
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.
