RT Article
T1 Negotiating the non-negotiable: the Elim Pentecostal movement and theological normativity
JF Practical theology
VO 13
IS 5
SP 466
OP 479
A1 Arthur, Sheryl Joanne
LA English
PB Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
YR 2020
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1737572834
AB In light of the Elim Pentecostal movement’s pneumatological heritage and commitment to a ‘non-negotiable’ doctrinal statement founded on biblical certainties, this study attends to three key questions. First, what, if any, is the theological value of conducting empirical enquiry from a seemingly fixed starting point underpinned by an infallible view of Scripture? Second, where, does theological normativity lie within the research process? And, third, who, in practice, has the power to decide what counts as theologically normative within any empirical enquiry? This study argues that since, for the Elim movement, theological normativity is located in the experienced reality of Scripture, empirical enquiry has the potential to both constructively challenge and evoke a deeper understanding of those doctrines that form its basis. Given Elim’s emphasis on the availability of Spirit encounter for all believers, it suggests that it is not for the researcher alone to decide what is theologically normative, but that this should be collectively discerned with members within Elim congregations. Whilst this study concerns itself with the more peculiar nuances of the Elim movement, and therefore dialogues most explicitly with the work of other charismatic/Pentecostal writers such as Mark Cartledge and Ray Anderson, it contributes to the wider discourse within practical theology regarding the place of theological normativity within the empirical research process.
K1 Bible
K1 Elim
K1 Holy Spirit
K1 Normativity
K1 Pneumatology
DO 10.1080/1756073X.2020.1734286