'The authority of the Holy Spirit' in contemporary theology with special reference to authority in the church.

摘要

The evidence for “the authority of the Holy Spirit” within the Church is certainly more abundant than the books written on the subject! This critical yet undefined doctrine, however, can no longer be ignored. Postmodern theology is ravaging the Church's understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit with “non-authoritative” (i.e., panentheistic, universalistic, experiential, and domesticating) approaches.; The Spirit's authority with respect to the Church, however, can be demonstrated through a proper understanding of the Spirit's place within the pattern of divine authority as specified in Scripture. Chapter one shall define this pattern as the revelation of God's authority with respect to Christ, the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit. The principle of authority introduced here holds that divine authority is located in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) and is revealed through an execution of this pattern.; Chapter two delves into the various debates in Church history concerning several aspects of pneumatology. These debates will allow us to discern provisional “definitions” of the Spirit's authority in relation to the pattern of divine authority.; Chapters three and four probe the most critical passages for developing a biblical and systematic understanding of the Spirit's authority. These passages are exegeted and utilized according to a specified methodology, thus providing a biblical basis for responding to postmodern and contemporary pneumatology and for developing formal descriptions of the Spirit's authority within Systematic Theology.; Chapters five, six, and seven present three specific areas of local church life and practice wherein which the model of the Holy Spirit's authority developed in chapters three and four may be applied: Hermeneutics, Church structure and guidance, and Christian spirituality. This application will also allow a biblical response to be made to contemporary theologians who are attempting to associate the Spirit with such “practices.”; Chapter eight offers specific conclusions and further implications of this “new” doctrine—specifically with respect to evangelical theology, contemporary theology, and other practical fields as well.