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Doctrine of
the Spirit
Short Writing Assignment #1
I. Reading
Simon Chan, Pentecostal Theology and the Christian
Spiritual Tradition, JPTsup 21 (Sheffield: Sheffield
Academic Press,
2000), 7-16, 97-119.
The format of the paper should conform to Turabian.
See the School of Religion Manual, which is available for
purchase in the bookstore.
Photocopies of the appropriate pages
will be available at the circulation desk in the library
beginning Wednesday (2/23) afternoon. Alternatively, you may
purchase the book from Pathway Bookstore for $19.95.
The following link will give you a PDF version of the
essay:
Pentecostal Theology and the Christian
Spiritual Tradition
II. Assignment
In this paper, you will provide an analysis of Simon Chan’s
ecclesiology. Chan is an Assemblies of God theologian who
teaches at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. As a
Pentecostal, he is concerned about passing on (traditioning)
those things that Pentecostals hold dear. In the introduction
(pp. 7-16), he offers an argument surrounding the problem of
passing on what he calls the Pentecostal reality. His
conclusion is that Pentecostals must get better at
traditioning. Part of the way Chan wants to address this
problem is by constructing an adequate view of the church as a
community of the Spirit (pp. 97-119). Here is what your paper
should address:
1. Provide a summary of Chan’s position noting how his
conception of the church addresses the problem of
traditioning. What does it mean to be the church? How does
the Spirit fit into Chan’s conception of the church? How
does the church serve as a vehicle to pass on the
Pentecostal reality?
2. Identify Chan’s critiques of Pentecostalism. What is
wrong with the way Pentecostals tend to view the work of
the Spirit and the nature of the church?
3. Offer a critique of Chan’s position. What is Chan
leaving out in his conception of the church? Where might
he be wrong?
Don't forget that your paper should be at least 1500 words
(see syllabus). The assignment is due March 4.
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