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From Pentecost to the Triune God – A Pentecostal Trinitarian Theology

Reviewed by Chris Skilton.

Studebaker writes as an academic theologian working in Canada. This is a major book on Pentecostal theology, divided into three parts. The first two chapters are a persuasive account of the need to take seriously and theologically the experience of Spirit-baptism in Pentecostal theology. Whilst all may not be so persuaded, the author’s key point is an important one: “The Spirit does not merely facilitate the relationship of the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is a distinct divine person who exists in relationship with the Father and the Son, contributes to the identities and constitutes the fullness of the Triune God” (p.100).

The middle chapters (3–5) are an engagement with three distinct strands of Trinitarian theology – Eastern and Western Trinitarian theology; Reformed Evangelical Trinitarian Theology (especially Jonathan Edwards) and charismatic Trinitarian Theology. For British readers it would have helped to have had some more ‘local’ names in the study. Colin Gunton is mentioned a few times, but there is no reference to Tom Smail who has done more than anyone in recent years to explore the theology of the Trinity and the Spirit in accessible theological writing. It was also surprising that in the biblical material more reference was not made to fellow-Canadian, Gordon Fee.

The final two chapters are the most interesting in a book from this tradition, seeking to bring this theology to bear on two contemporary issues. First, there is a fascinating chapter on other religions, with a focus on the Spirit’s unified work in creation and redemption (thereby suggesting that other religions may be a context for God’s grace and salvation). The final chapter explores care for creation and the environment through this lens. Studebaker writes that this theology “supports creation care as a form of Christian formation…Just as the Spirit brings to fullness the fellowship of The Trinitarian God, so the Spirit brings all of creation to its proper participation in the triune life” (p.268).

This is not an easy read and probably not a first port of call for many ministers. However, for someone looking for a slightly different focus for two or three days study that will stretch and challenge them, this would be a good choice. A bibliography focussed on each chapter would be a helpful addition, notwithstanding some excellent footnotes and a good index!