Chances are you have not heard of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. For some, the idea of Pentecostals engaged in scholarship may even seem contradictory. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, much of the creative theological thinking today is taking place among Pentecostals. The Society, founded in 1970, has moved far along since its early days and hosts an annual conference with hundreds of scholars. This week, March 10-13, 2011, the conference meets in Memphis, Tennessee, with the theme “Receiving the Future: An Anointed Heritage.” Check out the Society’s website!
Moving towards the half-a-century hallmark, the Society is subject to to the powers of change. One of the most visible changes is the age and diversity of scholars at the meetings. This transition offers an opportunity to revisit the self-understanding of the Society. I have attended the annual meetings for the past 15 years, and it seems to me that there are two kinds of attitudes dominant among scholars. We can characterize them by a different construction of the title of the Society. When asked what “SPS” stands for, you will readily get two different answers: Society FOR Pentecostal Studies or Society OF Pentecostal Studies. Considering that single iota has proven significant in the history of Christian doctrine, it seems to me that the difference of an entire preposition should not be overlooked. So which is it, friends and colleagues? It is time to settle the question! Read the rest of this entry »
