Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Restoration

Although history is replete with tales of revenge, Christian forgiveness provides an alternate response. In this volume, Pentecostal scholars from various disciplines offer their vision for forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. The essayists offer long-overdue Pentecostal perspectives through analysis of contemporary theological issues, personal testimony, and prophetic possibilities for restoration of individual relationships and communities. Though Pentecostals remain committed to Spirit-empowered witness as recorded in Luke-Acts, these scholars embrace a larger Lukan vision of Spirit-initiated inclusivity marked by reconciliation. The consistent refrain calls for forgiveness as an expression of God's love that does not demand justice but rather seeks to promote peace by bringing healing and reconciliation in relationships between people united by one Spirit. ""Pentecostal perspectives on forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration?! Yes--finally--those claiming a Spirit-filled Christian life are following in the steps of the Spirit-anointed Christ to engage a world in need of good news that forgiveness and reconciliation apply not only to individual hearts but to people groups and communities as well. A must-read not only for Pentecostals but for all who also yearn to experience and see the fullness of the Spirit of Christ!"" --Amos Yong, Regent University ""This volume is rich with godly and pastoral wisdom from an international panel of Pentecostal scholars who explore the Scriptures and offer practical advice on what it means to be people of the Spirit. Numerous contributors have lived through pain and responded with forgiveness, sought reconciliation, and worked to restore people to wholeness. All of them encourage thoughtful reflection on an ever-relevant topic in a world bent on violence. This book belongs in Bible study settings, the college classroom, and the pastor's study!"" --George Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God ""Richly diverse, yet held together by a focus on the Pentecostal heritage, this volume offers a refreshing look at a timely topic for a world prone to anger and revenge. Through historical, theological, educational, literary, and social scientific lenses, one easily sees and appreciates the Pentecostal imprint on such valued Christian virtues as forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. Congratulations to each contributor, and especially to editors Mittelstadt and Sutton, for a job well done."" --Peter C. Hill, Biola University Martin W. Mittelstadt (PhD, Marquette University) is Associate Professor of New Testament at Evangel University. His publications include The Spirit and Suffering in Luke-Acts (2004) and Reading Luke-Acts in the Pentecostal Tradition (2010). Geoffrey W. Sutton (PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia) is Professor of Psychology at Evangel University. He is a consulting psychologist, lecturer, and author. He contributes articles on faith and psychology for various journals, and serves as a director on the International Board of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.