Christianity Commons^™

Covid-19 And Church Attendance Behavior Trends: Evidence From Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches, Justice A. Arthur, Lydia Andoh-Quainoo

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The concept of religious economy views churches as corporate entities, pastors as marketers offering a range of products, and church members as consumers whose preferences shape the goods and services provided by ministers. Within this framework, church members react quickly to changing economic, social, and cultural conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only had an economic impact, with job losses and financial struggles, but has also brought about social and cultural changes that have affected consumer behavior in many areas of life worldwide. For instance, during the pandemic, church gatherings were restricted or prohibited, socializing was replaced with social distancing, …

The First Oru Seminary: An Experiment Of Unity Without Uniformity, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article explores the history of Oral Roberts University’s first Graduate School of Theology (1965–1969), the first seminary in the Pentecostal tradition. It will explore the story of the founding faculty that pioneered the first seminary and their contributions to scholarship and the shaping of ORU. It highlights the conflicts and challenges they went through that resulted in the closing of the seminary in 1969. It concludes with a recognition of the contributions of this group of faculty that continue to bear fruit today.

Pentecostal Socio-Political Engagement And The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jonathan Cantarero

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The coronavirus pandemic has raised important questions regarding the correct balance between religious freedom and public health. These questions have become increasingly difficult to address given the diverse reactions within the church to government-imposed restrictions on religious freedom such as limitations on public gatherings in places of worship. Nowhere has this diversity been more prevalent than within Pentecostalism. This article discusses the religious response to the pandemic in the United States within the Pentecostal Movement as gleaned through three sources: public statements, legal action, and other public activity. I suggest that Pentecostalism’s diversity in this area is consistent with its …

Jimmy Swaggart: The Conflict Between Spirit-Empowerment And Human Weakness, Robert D. Mcbain

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article explores how Jimmy Swaggart fits the profile of a Spirit-empowered leader. It summarizes Swaggart’s life and ministry, focusing on his calling, role as a defender of the faith, moral failure, and demise. The article then reflects on Swaggart’s story within the context of Spirit-empowered leadership, exploring how Swaggart fits Lee Roy Martin’s paradigm of a prophetic preacher while demonstrating various negative leadership traits. Stuck between the convictions of his calling and his weaknesses, Swaggart appears as a conflicted individual not immune from making serious errors. The article discusses this aspect of Swaggart’s life to consider how his story …

Against These Things There Is No Law: Spirit-Empowered Witness In Secular Uruguay, Rebekah Bled

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Uruguay is a country unique in Latin America for its secularism. It secularized early, thoroughly, and publicly, under the leadership of President José Batlle y Ordoñez, at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. A century later, Uruguay still boasts the highest percentage of atheists, agnostics, and nones in the continent. This is a country that seems to defy the sometimes triumphalist narratives of the pentecostalization of the global South. Yet, even amidst this backdrop, there are bright spots of Spirit-empowered witness. This article seeks to examine two of these bright spots of Spirit-empowered hope during …

Editorial - Spiritus 6.1 (Spring 2021), Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue - Spiritus 6.1 (Spring 2021), Spiritus@Oru.Edu

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The full issue of Spiritus 6, vol 1 (Spring 2021)

Bulgarian Pentecostal Leadership In The Crucible Of Change, John Paul Thompson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Bulgarian Pentecostal leaders have navigated the waters of turbulent cultural change over the last thirty years in the wake of the fall of Communism in Bulgaria. From May to July 2020, eighteen Bulgarian Pentecostal leaders were interviewed to explore their leadership characteristics and how their leadership behavior and values changed over time amid a rapidly evolving society. Three generational groups of present-day Pentecostal leaders were identified, and their characteristics described. The study concludes with the leadership development needs of young emerging leaders given the continuously changing cultural environment.

In Memoriam : Vinson Synan: Model Of Spirit-Led Leadership, Sally Jo Shelton

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

H. Vinson Synan (December 1, 1934—March 15, 2020) was a key successor to David du Plessis, known as Mr. Pentecost, to Catholic and mainline Protestant leaders. Like du Plessis, Synan was a classical Pentecostal who dedicated much of his life to promoting the move of the Holy Spirit beyond the confines of his own classical Pentecostal denomination, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. His call to this work came in 1972 at an annual Catholic Charismatic Conference held at Notre Dame University when seeing some 8,000participants singing in the Spirit, he came to the conviction that Catholics had indeed received the …

Pentecostalism And Social, Political, And Economic Development, Allan H. Anderson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article traces the global impact of Pentecostalism with reference to its definition, varieties, and statistics. It also discusses the subject of development from a theological perspective, considering how development applies to Pentecostalism. The first part considers the ambivalence involved in Pentecostal sociopolitical engagement, and then in the second part, discusses how Pentecostalism and development relate to each other. It gives examples throughout the article of how Pentecostals are involved in development projects and sociopolitical activities worldwide.

"I Tried Poverty": Exploring The Psychological Impact Of Poverty And Prosperity In The Life Of Oral Roberts, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The origin of the prosperity gospel is most often linked to the influence of American Pentecostal Christianity, particularly to Oral Roberts and his concept of “seed faith.” In light of this, this study seeks to understand Oral Roberts’ concepts of poverty and prosperity by exploring the psychology of his own experience of poverty. It will suggest that the biology of inequality he experienced as a child shaped the development of his prosperity theology.

South German Anabaptist Ecclesiology And Its Present-Day Pentecostal Counterpart, Mathew Clark

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Th is article accepts that twentieth-century classical Pentecostalism originally shared a similar ethos to that exemplified among the South German Anabaptists, and investigates some resonances in ecclesiology between the two. Scrutiny of a selection of early sixteenth-century documents relating to Anabaptism identifies the following: a radically consistent application of sola scriptura, a rejection of the state-church synthesis, a revisioning of sacramental belief and practice that subverts the clergy-laity divide, commitment to the teachings of Jesus as the primary and central guide to discipleship, a sacrifi cial pilgrim mentality of “just passing through this world,” individual choice and responsibility to …

Editorial, Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Spiritus 4.1 (Spring 2019) Full Issue, Holy Spirit Research Center Oru Library

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Oral Roberts: A Brief Bibliography, Holy Spirit Research Center Oru Library

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article contains the first published bibliography of works by Oral Roberts and published studies of his life and ministry. Included in this bibliography is an account of the holdings of primary and secondary source works available to researchers at the Holy Spirit Research Center at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

Oral Roberts: A Man Of The Spirit, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article explores the role that the experience of the Pentecostal baptism in the Holy Spirit played in shaping the ministry of Oral Roberts. It charts the development and importance of his experience from his early life and ministry, his launch into healing evangelism, and the founding of Oral Roberts University.

The Spirit Of Immense Struggle: Oral Roberts' Native American Ancestry, Timothy Hatcher

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts was proud of his blended white, Cherokee, and Choctaw heritage and spoke openly about it. To understand Roberts’ view of his own hybridized identity better, it is necessary to consider how his parents and grandparents negotiated the issues related to their mixed ancestry. His own view changed over time from conscious pride to overt activism on behalf of his fellow Native Americans. From the early years of the ministry, the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association engaged in a variety of creative outreaches to Native Americans where Roberts identified deeply with his brothers and sisters. Several Native American communities across …

Spiritus 3.2 Full Issue, Holy Spirit Research Center

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Spiritus 3.2 (Fall 2018) is a special issue dedicated to Oral Roberts studies. For this issue, Wonsuk Ma, now Dean of the College of Theology and Ministry at Oral Roberts University, has collected a dozen studies covering several areas of Roberts’ life, thought, ministry, and legacy. All of the contributors have a connection to Oral Roberts University, whether as students, faculty, and/or administrators. So it is, in effect, an in-house offering to the university community and the Spirit-empowered community at large, a remembrance of a figure who, now gone, may get overlooked in today’s fast-paced world of Christian theology and …

A Comparative Analysis Of Pauline Missiology, Assemblies Of God Missiology, And Conclusions For Today, Colbry H. Martin

Selected Honors Theses

The following work researches the Missiology of the Apostle Paul, displayed in his mission’s practices in the book of Acts. This work also researches the mission practices of the Assemblies of God in order to discover their unique missiology. The key principles from these two parties are then compared in order to discover the similarities and differences. Since the argument is made that the recordings in the book of Acts of the working of the Apostle Paul are inspired by the Holy Spirit, the similarities between Paul’s practices and Assemblies of God practices are seen as strengths which need to …

"The Pentecostal Evangelical Church: The Theological Self-Identity Of The Assemblies Of God As Evangelical 'Plus'", Daniel D. Isgrigg

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Research and Scholarship

Are Pentecostals simply evangelicals who have had the Pentecostal experience? In recent years, this topic has found its way into the conversation about Pentecostal theology, especially on the academic level. As Pentecostal scholarship matures, many scholars are interested in not only doing theology as Pentecostals, but they are also working toward building a Pentecostal theology reflective of the movement’s true theological identity rather than simply evangelical or Fundamentalist theology plus a doctrine of the Spirit. This article will survey Assemblies of God periodical literature of the first decade and a half (1914-1927) to reveal the degree to which evangelical identity …

The Pneuma Network: Transnational Pentecostal Print Culture In The United States And South Africa, 1906-1948, Lindsey Brooke Maxwell

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Exploding on the American scene in 1906, Pentecostalism became arguably the most influential religious phenomenon of the twentieth century. Sparked by the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, the movement grew rapidly throughout the United States and garnered global momentum. This study investigates the original Los Angeles Apostolic Faith Mission and the subsequent extension of the mission to South Africa through an examination of periodicals, mission records, and personal documents. Using the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa as a case study, this study measures the significance of print media in the emergence and evolution of the early Pentecostal movement. …

Towards An African Inculturation Biblical Pneumatology: A Response To The Rise Of Neo-Pentecostalism In Tanzanian Christianity, Faith Lugazia

Doctor of Philosophy Theses

In this dissertation, 1 seek to lay the groundwork for developing an African inculturation of biblical pneumatology relevant to the Tanzanian context. The Neo- Pentecostal phenomenon is a strong reality in Tanzania today. Neo-Pentecostal churches and groups are mushrooming, emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit and drawing on the heritage of African spirituality and worldview. Many mainline Protestants, including Lutherans, participate and worship in these churches and groups, yet they maintain their formal membership in their mother churches. This could be due, in part, to the fact that Lutheran theology and teaching in Tanzania has tended to pay little …

The Doctor Corvin Story, Oral Roberts

ORU Archival Collection

Oral Roberts tells the story of Dr. R. O. Corvin, his life-long friend and partner in creating Oral Roberts University. Despite their friendship, Dr. Corvin left ORU in 1968 after a falling out over the direction of the University.

From the HSRC-Vertical Files.

Robert Parham Convention, Baxter Springs, Robert Parham

Apostolic Faith Fliers

A flier for Robert L. Parham convention in Baxter Springs, C. 1930.

The Apostolic Faith 5 No. 2 (February 1929), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

This issue is the final issue following Parham's death.

• "In Loving Remembrance" - an obituary of Charles Parham
• "Hundreds Attend Funeral Service of Chas. F. Parham"
• "Into the Cycle of Eternity"
• "Greater Love Hath No Man" - Dora Preston-Campbell
• "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" - J.M. Smith
• "Regarding the Paper" - this article announced the end of the Apostolic Faith paper and gives a history
• "A Personal Letter" by Sarah E. Parham
• "A God-Given Sign" by R. E. McAlister
• Various letters of condolences

** Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly his view of race. …

The Apostolic Faith 5 No. 1 (January 1929), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

Articles in this issue include:

• "Spiritualism" by Carlyle B. Haynes
• "Sanctification: The Second Work of Grace"
• "Memories of One Year Ago"
• "The Jewish Passover" - Phillip Sidersky
• "Praise"
• "The Christian Warfare" - Lillian Thistlethwaite
• "Professor Darwin's Last Days" - A story about a conversation by Lady Hope with Charles Darwin at the end of his life and his faith in Christ.
• "Glory Before the World Was" - J. M. Smith
• "Church Entertainments" -
• "The Bible and Tobacco"
• "Last Word" - Reports from Charles Parham on a recent trip.

** Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly …

The Apostolic Faith 4 No. 10 (October 1928), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

Articles include:

• Special notes on upcoming lecture tour with Holy Land Photos
• "The Dream of an African Chief"
• "Some Startling Facts about Missionary Work" - An article about missions, evangelism and higher education.
• World Jewry Day by Day
• "Scriptural Baptism Made Plain" - John Bates
• "The Broken Lamp: The Spirit's Victory Over Temper"
• "The Value of Tithing"

** Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly his view of race. This information is being made public for its historic value to researchers. Views expressed in the items posted on the Digital Showcase are those of the contributors …

The Apostolic Faith 4 No. 8 (August 1928), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

Articles in the issue include:

• "Grieving the Holy Spirit"
• "Why I Believe in Christ's Virgin Birth"
• "The Quaker Girl's Dream"
• "History of Kansas Just Published in Five Volumes"
• "Christian Giving"

** Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly his view of race. This information is being made public for its historic value to researchers. Views expressed in the items posted on the Digital Showcase are those of the contributors only. Their publication on the Digital Showcase does not express or imply endorsement by the Digital Showcase or Oral Roberts University.**

The Apostolic Faith 4 No. 7 (July 1928), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

This issue includes...

• National Camp Meeting announcement
• "Is the Church Honest?" - John E. Brown
• "A Plea for Deeper Consecration"
• "The Voice of God"
• "Startling Signs of the Times"
• "Holman-Parham" - an announcement of the marriage of Pauline Holman to Robert L. Parham.
• "Stanton Launches War on Evolution"
• "Russia" by Rev. K. Gretzenger
• "The Anglo-Celtic-Saxon Race" - by J. G. Campbell - an article about the Anglo-Israel theory
• "Companionate Idea is Called Barbaric Relic"

**Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly his view of race. This information is being made public for its historic value to …

The Apostolic Faith 3 No. 8 (August 1927), Holy Spirit Research Center, Oral Roberts University

Apostolic Faith - Baxter Springs, KS

This issue of the Apostolic Faith includes:

• A report on the National Convention of Apostolic Faith
• "Parham Revival Shows Promise"
• "Signs of Sanctification"
• "Spiritual Strength"
• "Set Apart for God"
• "The Second Blessing: The Origin and Use of the Term"
• "Christ Within the Hope of Glory"
• "The Buffeting Thorn"
• "What About the Fate of the Sinner"
  
  

** Disclaimer: Some of the views of Charles Parham are controversial, particularly his view of race. This information is being made public for its historic value to researchers. Views expressed in the items posted on the Digital Showcase are those of the contributors only. Their …