Branch of Christian theology that studies the Holy Spirit
This article is about Pneumatology as a discipline in Christian theology. For other uses, see
Pneuma (disambiguation). For pressurized air and its uses, see
Pneumatics.
Pneumatology refers to a particular discipline within
Christian theology that focuses on the study of the
Holy Spirit. The term is derived from the
Greek word Pneuma (
πνεῦμα), which designates "
breath" or "
spirit" and metaphorically describes a non-material being or influence. The English term pneumatology comes from two Greek words: πνεῦμα (pneuma, spirit) and λόγος (logos, teaching about). Pneumatology includes study of the person of the Holy Spirit, and the works of the Holy Spirit.[1] This latter category also includes Christian teachings on
new birth,
spiritual gifts (charismata),
Spirit-baptism,
sanctification, the
inspiration of
prophets, and the indwelling of the Holy Trinity (which in itself covers many different aspects). Different
Christian denominations have different theological approaches on various pneumatological questions.
Development
History of Christian theology is traditionally divided into four main stages, representing also the main periods in historical development of Christian pneumatology:
Patristic period. The
early Church engaged in a debate over the
divinity of Jesus, with
Arius asserting that the Son is a "creature" or "angel" and
Athanasius countering that the Son possesses divine attributes (such as immutability, transcendence, ability to sanctify, and involvement in creation). Although the debate was not pneumatological in nature, it led to a very similar debate between the Pneumatomachians and the
Cappadocian Fathers.
Medieval period. In this period ensued a debate regarding the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit. The
Eastern Church asserted that the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone (as stated in the
Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed), while
Augustine of Hippo and the medieval
Catholic Church added the "
filioque" clause to the Creed (the Spirit proceeds from the Father "and the Son").
Reformation and
Counter-reformation. Here the relationship between the Spirit and the Scriptures is re-examined.
Martin Luther and
John Calvin hold that the Spirit has a certain "interpretive authority" to "illuminate" scripture, while Counter-reformation theologians respond that the Spirit has authorized the Church to serve as authoritative interpreter of Scripture.
Contemporary era. The contemporary church understands a distinctive relationship between the Spirit and the Church community. Various contemporary theologians grant the Spirit as authority to govern the church, to liberate oppressed communities, and to create experiences associated with faith. Contemporary pneumatology is often marked by the
Pentecostal Movement.
Linton M. Smith Jr. "Not By Might Nor By Power: The Bible Believer's Guide to the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit" (DayStar Publishing; Miamitown, OH 1995)
John McIntyre, The shape of pneumatology: studies in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1997)