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Oral Roberts And The Spiritual Dna Of Oral Roberts University, William M. Wilson Oct 2018

Oral Roberts And The Spiritual Dna Of Oral Roberts University, William M. Wilson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

William M. Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University, shares his thoughts on Oral Roberts and his impact on the spiritual DNA of Oral Roberts University.


An Overview Of The Theology Of Oral Roberts, R. Samuel Thorpe Oct 2018

An Overview Of The Theology Of Oral Roberts, R. Samuel Thorpe

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts’ life and healing ministry were shaped by his theology of God. Roberts viewed God as good, who personally worked in the lives of people in the present, and who had good plans for each believer. The manifestation of these plans depended, however, on the faith of the individual believer. God was affected by events in time, was limited in his ability to act by the cooperation of the believer, and suffered emotional distress even as people do. The overriding element in all of Roberts’ message is that “Something good is going to happen to you.” Christians should expect …


“Where My Voice Is Heard Small”: The Development Of Oral Roberts’ Television Ministry, Jim E. Hunter Jr. Oct 2018

“Where My Voice Is Heard Small”: The Development Of Oral Roberts’ Television Ministry, Jim E. Hunter Jr.

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts was a pioneer in the development of Christian television. This study traces the development of Oral Roberts’ television ministry from the early days of 1950s televised healing crusades, through the 1970s prime-time variety shows, and his later broadcasts that supported the various ministry endeavors, such as Oral Roberts University and the City of Faith.


A History Of Oru Healing Teams, Holy Spirit Research Center Oct 2018

A History Of Oru Healing Teams, Holy Spirit Research Center

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Healing teams were a revolutionary idea Oral Roberts began to formulate in the 1960s. The concept of the healing team developed from Roberts’ healing ministry, the university, and a vision to continue his healing ministry beyond his lifetime. He hoped to raise up students from the academic colleges within Oral Roberts University to be healers within their respective disciplines. The general healing teams concept involved a team of professionals from various disciplines such as medicine, education, business, law, social work, theology, and others that minister to the whole person and all of his or her needs. This article traces the …


Oral Roberts And The Hebrew Bible, Eric N. Newberg, Samuel Hogan Oct 2018

Oral Roberts And The Hebrew Bible, Eric N. Newberg, Samuel Hogan

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts held a favorable view of Jewish people and viewed the restoration of the state of Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This article recounts a key facet of the Jewish outreach of the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, the Hebrew Bible project. In collaboration with Myron Sackett, Oral Roberts sponsored the publication of a Hebrew Bible (Old and New Testaments) and distributed it in Israel and other countries. Roberts was motivated by a desire to play a major role in the conversion of the Jewish people in the last days. By means of exhaustive research of relevant source …


The Spirit Of Immense Struggle: Oral Roberts' Native American Ancestry, Timothy Hatcher Oct 2018

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 …


An Early Account Of Oral Roberts' Healing Testimony, Daniel D. Isgrigg, Vinson H. Synan Oct 2018

An Early Account Of Oral Roberts' Healing Testimony, Daniel D. Isgrigg, Vinson H. Synan

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The story of Oral Roberts’ healing is well documented. However, recently a discovery was made of an early testimony in the Eastern Oklahoma Conference News of the Pentecostal Holiness Church that provides new details about the early years of his life and ministry. This testimony from 1939 includes details from the first few years of his evangelistic ministry and a different account of both the nature of his sickness and the circumstances of his healing. This article will also explore the possible factors that contributed to the differences in this testimony from his later accounts.


Why Oral Roberts Studies?, Wonsuk Ma Oct 2018

Why Oral Roberts Studies?, Wonsuk Ma

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Wonsuk Ma, Dean of the College of Theology and Ministry at Oral Roberts University, provides an extended editorial essay for this special issue of Spiritus to mark the Centennial of the birth of Oral Roberts.


Editor's Note, Jeffrey S. Lamp Oct 2018

Editor's Note, Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board Oct 2018

Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Spiritus 3.2 Full Issue, Holy Spirit Research Center Oct 2018

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 …


Book Reviews, Arden C. Autry Phd, Edward E. Decker Jr, Christopher G. Foster, Robert W. Graves, Daniel D. Isgrigg, Jeffrey S. Lamp, Wonsuk Ma, Peter A. Reynolds, James B. Shelton, Andrew R. Williams Apr 2018

Book Reviews, Arden C. Autry Phd, Edward E. Decker Jr, Christopher G. Foster, Robert W. Graves, Daniel D. Isgrigg, Jeffrey S. Lamp, Wonsuk Ma, Peter A. Reynolds, James B. Shelton, Andrew R. Williams

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Sexuality, Gender, And Marriage: Pentecostal Theology Of Sexuality And Empowering The Girl-Child In India, Brainerd Prince, Atula Walling Apr 2018

Sexuality, Gender, And Marriage: Pentecostal Theology Of Sexuality And Empowering The Girl-Child In India, Brainerd Prince, Atula Walling

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Th e focus of the article arises from a case study of an Indian woman and her adopted child, Sunita and Komal. Th ere are three key issues that can be abstracted from the story of Sunita and Komal. Th e abandoned “girl-child” Komal raises the question of sex—what am I? What does it mean to be biologically female? What consequences are there for being born female? Sunita’s and Komal’s rejection from their families has led them to ask the question about their gender—who am I? What does it mean to be a girl or woman in a predominantly Hindu …


The Question Of Power In African Pentecostalism, Alex R. Mayfield Apr 2018

The Question Of Power In African Pentecostalism, Alex R. Mayfield

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Should the charismatic theology of anointing be considered a democratizing influence in Africa or a reiteration of mediatorial forms of power? Th is article seeks to answer this question by analyzing African traditional religious power structures in comparison to modern African theologies and practices of Pentecostal anointing. Th is comparison, however, highlights the problem of drawing direct lines from Africa’s past to its present; Pentecostal rupture from a traditional past is paradoxically both a break from and connection to pre-colonial conceptions of the self and community. Ultimately, this article argues that while both traditional religions and modern Pentecostal anointing favor …


From Orphan To Child Of God: Pentecostal Theologizing As A Channel Of Social Transformation In Mozambique, Jeremy Bone, Samuel Lee Apr 2018

From Orphan To Child Of God: Pentecostal Theologizing As A Channel Of Social Transformation In Mozambique, Jeremy Bone, Samuel Lee

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Heidi and Rolland Baker, founders of Mozambican-based Iris Global, have been influential in developing a distinctively pentecostal framework for holistic mission. While evangelism and social work are now widely seen as integrated processes, pentecostalism demands attention also to the supernatural. This paper posits that the theological convictions of the Bakers have served as a launching pad for their holistic care of orphans in Mozambique. Because pentecostal movements are rooted in experience, pneumatic theologizing presupposes praxis. This paper will initially examine three theological impulses at the core of Iris Global: pentecostalism, revivalism, and incarnational love. These theological impulses are then weaved …


The Holy Spirit, The Missing Finger: Comparing The Pneumatology Of Alexander Campbell And Don Basham, Cletus L. Hull Iii Apr 2018

The Holy Spirit, The Missing Finger: Comparing The Pneumatology Of Alexander Campbell And Don Basham, Cletus L. Hull Iii

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the initial development of the teaching on the Holy Spirit in the life of Alexander Campbell, founder of the movement named the Disciples of Christ. Campbell’s pneumatology must be placed within the context of American history in the nineteenth century. Beginning with the influence of Cane Ridge and Millennialism on his theology, his pneumatology led to an insipid work of the Spirit through the denomination’s history. However, in the charismatic renewal of the twentieth century, Don Basham stood boldly against the rationalistic atmosphere of his church and became well-known for his teachings …


A Historical And Hermeneutical Approach To The Vice-Lists: A Pauline Perspective, Mark Hall Apr 2018

A Historical And Hermeneutical Approach To The Vice-Lists: A Pauline Perspective, Mark Hall

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The subject of homosexuality is controversial in the Church, even among Pentecostals; consequently, there has arisen a need for a historical and hermeneutical examination of the topic, especially in the Pauline corpus. The vice-lists of ancient literature along with the ones in the Pauline epistles provide insight into the apostle’s understanding of their purpose and function. Of the ones where Paul lists sexual sins, three specifically mention homosexuality: Romans 1:26–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, and 1 Timothy 1:9–10. Th is article discusses Paul’s understanding of the connection between homosexuality and idolatry and provides an in-depth analysis of the Greek words μαλακοί …


“Your Miracle Is On The Way”: Oral Roberts And Mediated Pentecostalism In Africa, J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu Apr 2018

“Your Miracle Is On The Way”: Oral Roberts And Mediated Pentecostalism In Africa, J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts is perhaps the first North American Pentecostal preacher to have a truly global ministry. Th is article discusses his influence on Pentecostalism in Africa through the holding of evangelical healing crusades around the world and also hosting a worldwide media ministry through the use of radio, television, and the distribution of books and magazines. Th rough these visits and media ministry, Oral Roberts inspired and influenced many leading Pentecostal leaders in Africa, including the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Nigeria and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams of Ghana. An important and enduring influence of the ministry of Oral Roberts in …


Editorial, Jeffrey S. Lamp Apr 2018

Editorial, Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board Apr 2018

Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Full Issue Apr 2018

Full Issue

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Book Reviews, Denise A. Austin, Jon K. Newton, Timothy B. Cremeens, Daniel Isgrigg, John Christopher Thomas, Robert K. Whitaker, Arden C. Autry, Henkholun Doungel Aug 2017

Book Reviews, Denise A. Austin, Jon K. Newton, Timothy B. Cremeens, Daniel Isgrigg, John Christopher Thomas, Robert K. Whitaker, Arden C. Autry, Henkholun Doungel

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.


Restoring Truth To The Intellectual Life: A Response To Rusty Reno, William Epperson Aug 2017

Restoring Truth To The Intellectual Life: A Response To Rusty Reno, William Epperson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Editor’s note. ORU English professor William Epperson drafted the first version of this response after reading two essays by Reno that faculty were asked to read before Reno addressed them. Encouraged by the response of several peers and the request of Spiritus, he revised his response, which Spiritus is pleased to publish.


Restoring Love To The Intellectual Life, R. R. Reno Aug 2017

Restoring Love To The Intellectual Life, R. R. Reno

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Editor’s note. Reno gave this address to the faculty of Oral Roberts University on January 9, 2017. It appears here in its original form.


The Good Life: Descriptors Of Change In Roma Pentecostal Communities In Serbia And Croatia, Melody J. Wachsmuth Aug 2017

The Good Life: Descriptors Of Change In Roma Pentecostal Communities In Serbia And Croatia, Melody J. Wachsmuth

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Studies in specific geographical contexts have shown that the spread of Pentecostalism’s impact on Roma communities is twofold: it is linked to social change including a rise of education levels, literacy, decrease in crime, better relationships with the majority culture, and also is instrumental in the fostering of a “trans-national” identity and revitalization of their respective Roma identities. However, Pentecostalism cannot be considered a formula that intersects with a Romani community with consequential predictable results— in fact, in Southeastern Europe, Romani Pentecostalism is growing at a much slower rate than that of its counterparts in Western Europe and in places …


Poverty Reduction As A Christian Call: A View On Microfinance Loans From Pentecostal Churches In Zambia, Irene Banda Aug 2017

Poverty Reduction As A Christian Call: A View On Microfinance Loans From Pentecostal Churches In Zambia, Irene Banda

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The impact of microfinance activities in reducing poverty has received mixed reviews. Some studies show positive impact while others show increasing criticism towards practices considered deleterious to poor people’s welfare. There are similar opinions amongst Pentecostal churches in Zambia. These churches acknowledge the usefulness of microfinance, but because of negative experiences, they are concerned about its efficacy. The general observation of these churches is that spiritual maturity helps those living in poverty identify the root causes, and are therefore able to plan tangible ways out of poverty. They assert that when people grow spiritually and biblical principles like those in …


Jesus’ Mother “Treasured All These Words . . . In Her Heart” (Luke 2:19): On Using A Spirit Hermeneutic To Reflect Together About Mary, Sally Jo Shelton Aug 2017

Jesus’ Mother “Treasured All These Words . . . In Her Heart” (Luke 2:19): On Using A Spirit Hermeneutic To Reflect Together About Mary, Sally Jo Shelton

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A major issue over which many Evangelicals and Pentecostals differ from Roman Catholics is the status of Mary, Jesus’ mother. Evangelicals critique some of the Marian dogmas and practices as excesses that challenge Christ’s sole mediation and eclipse the Spirit, while Catholics warn that neglect of Mary potentially leads to failure to acknowledge Christ’s full humanity and divinity. This is a proposal to place Spirit hermeneutics into ecumenical service to bridge the gap between the Catholic and Evangelical Marys. The Spirit hermeneutics proposed here is built on Amos Yong’s (and other Pentecostal scholars’) Word-Spirit-Community epistemology, Catholic philosopher Bernard Lonergan’s call …


Wisdom Pneumatology And The Creative Spirit: The Book Of Wisdom And The Trinitarian Act Of Creation, Jeffrey Lamp Aug 2017

Wisdom Pneumatology And The Creative Spirit: The Book Of Wisdom And The Trinitarian Act Of Creation, Jeffrey Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Recent interest in Trinitarian theology has given rise to consideration of the act of creation as a Trinitarian act. Focus on the Father and the Son in the act of creation is abundantly attested in this scholarship. However, consideration of the place of the Spirit in the creative act is somewhat underdeveloped. Th is article delves more deeply into the Spirit’s role in creation by looking at wisdom and spirit language in the deuterocanonical Wisdom of Solomon. In the early chapters of the book, wisdom is characterized as a kindly spirit that brings life and penetrates all things, human and …


Tragedy Of Spirit-Empowered Heroes: A Close Look At Samson And Saul, Wonsuk Ma Aug 2017

Tragedy Of Spirit-Empowered Heroes: A Close Look At Samson And Saul, Wonsuk Ma

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This study is motivated by the ongoing dilemma of the ethical failures among well-known leaders of the modern Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. Through a close look at Saul and Samson, the two charismatic leaders of the Old Testament who have the most frequent references to the Spirit of God, the study probes the internal and private layers of their experience with the Spirit of God. The intention of the Spirit’s presence includes both an internal transformation as well as external tasks. The scriptural evidence demonstrates that there is no less work of the Spirit for the internal working of the recipients than …


Oral Roberts: Son Of Pentecostalism, Father Of The Charismatic Movement, Vinson Synan Aug 2017

Oral Roberts: Son Of Pentecostalism, Father Of The Charismatic Movement, Vinson Synan

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts was one of the most important religious figures of the twentieth century. He was born and raised in the Pentecostal Holiness Church, hence, a “son” of the Pentecostal movement. He first became famous as a Pentecostal preacher who conducted large healing crusades under his huge tent. By the 1960s, he became the best known Pentecostal in the world, founding Oral Roberts University in 1965. In the last part of his life, Roberts became a father of the charismatic movement in the mainline churches through his television ministry. For nineteen years, Roberts was a member of the United Methodist …