Charismatic Glossolalia: An Empirical-Theological Study (Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies)

Description

What is the nature and function of the Pentecostal/Charismatic gift of speaking in tongues? Charismatic Glossolalia aims to answer this question. Drawing on detailed observations and interviews with people who themselves speak in tongues, as well as survey data, Cartledge presents explanations on the meaning of this gift for both the participants and their churches. Cartledge argues that an understanding of the gift of speaking in tongues emerges as a symbol of divine-human encounter, especially associated with the context of prayer and worship and symbolising a sense of beauty, awe, power, intimacy and faith-building. In theological terms, speaking in tongues may be described as trinitarian, sacramental and as demonstrating an important feature of the Kingdom of God. An extensive literature review considers material from the New Testament, Pentecostal and Charismatic theology, and the behavioural and social sciences. This book offers a unique contribution to Pentecostal and Charismatic scholarship, as well as the emerging scholarly tradition of Practical Theology. Charismatic Glossolalia Charismatic Glossolalia British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data List of Figures List of Tables Abbreviations Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction An Empirical Approach to Practical Theology The Voices and Context of the People Introduction Methods A Survey of the Literature A Survey of Charismatic Glossolalia Theological Perception and Reflection Summary Operationalization A Theology for the People The Symbolic Configuration of Glossolalia Charismatic Glossolalia and Theologia Crucis Practical Theological Consequences SS#Se: Conclusion Summary Methodological Reflection Future Research Bibliography Author Index Content Index Scripture Index