History of Christianity Commons^™

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

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 …

Wrap-Up Report, Wonsuk Ma

Empowered21 Global Network of Spirit-Empowered Scholars

No abstract provided.

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

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

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

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 …

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

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

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Spiritus Editorial Board

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

"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 …

Obligations Of Grace, Mark E. Roberts

Empowered21 Global Network of Spirit-Empowered Scholars

Grace obliges recipients to respond in gratitude and obedience to God, the giver of grace. While the New Testament emphasizes God's grace given through Jesus Christ in a New Covenant with believers, the Old Testament emphasizes grace more than many Christians recognize. Grace is expressed in the Old Testament especially through God's free choosing of Abraham as the "father of the faithful," through divine covenants with Abraham, with the divinely constituted nation of Israel, and with the governing house of David. Such grace abounds when God's covenanted people fail to keep their covenant, yet God, after disciplining the covenant people …

Enochian Literature: A Contextual Exploration And Examination Of Its Correlation To Biblical Scripture, Ryan D. Horton

Theology Undergraduate Work

Enochian literature is a group of ancient texts which collectively depict the life and ministry of the biblical patriarch Enoch. The New Bible Dictionary states, “Enoch was a man of outstanding sanctity who enjoyed close fellowship with God.”[1] The writings of Enoch tell a fascinating story of theology, prophecy, and eschatology. The subjects of this story include giants, angels, demons, and ancestors of Noah. The Anchor Bible Dictionary states, “The Enochic corpus claims to be a series of revelations which Enoch received in antiquity and transmitted to his son Methuselah for the benefit of the righteous who would live …

My Personal Word About David Harrell, Oral Roberts

Correspondence

This is a letter written from Oral Roberts to his biographer, David Harrell, Jr. on February 15, 2006. Roberts shares his thoughts on Harrell's biography Oral Roberts: An American Life written in 1985. Roberts talks about the respect he had for the work he did and the fair treatment he received.

Worldview As A Key To Understanding Spiritual Warfare With The Emphasis On Sanctification And Evangelism, Albert Kwamena Essandoh

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

An examination of current literary works on spiritual warfare within this decade shows that there has been a struggle in understanding the issues that evolve under this subject. Missiologists have presented reports that baffle western theologians; however. these phenomena are not new to the non-westem reader, and they persist. Most western theologians who have not encountered these phenomena discount these experiences, presenting arguments from a sanctification point of view.

Renowned contemporary scholars whose perspectives on worldviews, sanctification, and evangelism contribute to this research include Peter Wagner, Clinton Arnold, Derek Tidball, Howard Ervin, James Sire, John Stott, Andrew W. Hoffecker, Russell …

The Diary Of Bishop Dan T. Muse, Dan T. Muse, Harold Paul

Books and Other Holy Spirit Artifacts

The diary of Bishop Dan T. Muse, a Pentecostal Holiness minister and Oklahoma District Overseer for the Pentecostal Holiness Church, chronicling his early ministry August 27 1919-May 11, 1919 These are the notes from his diary compiled by ORU professor and historian, Harold Paul. This pamphlet was published by the Holy Spirit Research Center in 1996. 16 pp.

Oral Roberts University 25th Silver Anniversary, Holy Spirit Research Center Oru Library

ORU Archival Collection

This is a 65 page, full color publication celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Oral Roberts University. The publication contains valuable information on ORU's history including photos from every year at ORU, quotes from various ORU faculty and staff, and a list of ORU Board of Regents members.

Pentecost In Perspective 88, Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts Sermons Audio-Video

A sermon given by Oral Roberts in 1988 at the church of Bishop Norman Wagner, location unknown. Roberts recounts the development of his crusade ministry and how he integrated his crusades in the 1950s. He also talked about the City of Faith and the struggles he was facing.

"Healing Center Announcement - Oru Chapel - 2-14-1985", Oral Roberts

Chapel AV & Transcripts

This is a transcript of a chapel service at Oral Roberts Unversity on February 14, 1985, in which Oral Roberts announced the master plan to build the new Healing Center. The Healing Center was a new building that would house the OREA ministries, prayer teams, healing center, conference center, book store and "Journey Through the Bible" experience. Roberts describes each part of the buildings and the the plans he has for them.

La Voz Pentecostal, No 12; Aug-Sept 1983, Editor La Revista

La Voz Pentecostal (1979–1983)

El Chile Evangélico fue la primera publicación que apareció en Chile. Su primera edición salió en el mismo día del evento que inició la rupture en el seno de la Iglesia Metodista Episcopal en Chile y se cumplió en febrero de 1910. Relata los eventos paso por paso que resultaron en la expulsion definitive de los nuevos Pentecostales de esa organización. Empezó publicando semenalmente, dando numerosos testimonies y anécdotas que presentan al lector de manera clara lo que sucedía cuando caía al principio el fuego Pentecostal en Chile. En noviembre de 1910, se cambió su título al de Chile Pentecostal …

Chapel Transcript January 14, 1983 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'S Birthday By Larry D. Hart, Larry Hart

Chapel AV & Transcripts

This is a transcript of an ORU Chapel service held on January 14, 1983 on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. The chapel is a celebration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Reflections on Dr. King were shared by ORU faculty member, Dr. Larry Hart, and students Monty Norwood and Benny McFarland.

La Voz Pentecostal, No 9; Jan-Mar 1982, Editor La Revista

La Voz Pentecostal (1979–1983)

El Chile Evangélico fue la primera publicación que apareció en Chile. Su primera edición salió en el mismo día del evento que inició la rupture en el seno de la Iglesia Metodista Episcopal en Chile y se cumplió en febrero de 1910. Relata los eventos paso por paso que resultaron en la expulsion definitive de los nuevos Pentecostales de esa organización. Empezó publicando semenalmente, dando numerosos testimonies y anécdotas que presentan al lector de manera clara lo que sucedía cuando caía al principio el fuego Pentecostal en Chile. En noviembre de 1910, se cambió su título al de Chile Pentecostal …