Branch of Christian theology that studies the Holy Spirit
This article is about Pneumatology as a discipline in Christian theology. For other uses, seePneuma (disambiguation). For pressurized air and its uses, seePneumatics.
Pneumatology refers to a particular discipline withinChristian theology that focuses on the study of theHoly Spirit. The term is derived from theGreek wordPneuma (πνεῦμα), which designates "breath" or "spirit" and metaphorically describes a non-material being or influence. The English termpneumatology 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 onnew birth,spiritual gifts (charismata),Spirit-baptism,sanctification, theinspiration ofprophets, and the indwelling of the Holy Trinity (which in itself covers many different aspects). DifferentChristian denominations have different theological approaches on various pneumatological questions.
History of Christian theology is traditionally divided into four main stages, representing also the main periods in historical development of Christian pneumatology:
Patristic period. Theearly Church engaged in a debate over thedivinity of Jesus, withArius asserting that the Son is a "creature" or "angel" andAthanasius 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 thePneumatomachians and theCappadocian Fathers.
Medieval period. In this period ensued a debate regarding the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit. TheEastern Church asserted that the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone (as stated in theNiceno-Constantinopolitan Creed), whileAugustine of Hippo and the medievalCatholic Church added the "filioque" clause to the Creed (the Spirit proceeds from the Father "and the Son").
Reformation andCounter-Reformation. Here the relationship between the Spirit and the Scriptures is re-examined.Martin Luther andJohn 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 thePentecostal 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)
