May 25, 2006 15:10
18 yrs ago
1 viewer *
English term

the Word and Spirit at play

English Art/Literary Religion Pentecostalism
In the study of global 'Pentecostal' and 'Charismatic' Christianity, it is very important to understand what we mean by these terms. The sampling of different Pentecostal and Charismatic church services given above demonstrates several common features, but there are many differences too. All demonstrate what Suurmond has called ***'the Word and Spirit at play'***, where everyone has a contribution to make to the service, much like the creative combination of spontaneity and order in a jazz performance. all would emphasize the immediate presence of God in the service, all would expect some sign of miraculous intervention (often called 'gifts of the Spirit'), and would encourage congregational participation, especially in prayer and worship.

What did the author mean?

Discussion

Elizabeth Rudin May 25, 2006:
You may find this article helpful - it contains Suurmond's definition of "play" as used in "the Word and Spirit at play" and useful commentaries: http://hirr.hartsem.edu/research/research_pentecostalism_pol...

Responses

+6
16 mins
Selected

functioning together of the Bible (more static) and the Holy Spirit (more dynamic)

The Biblical element in both Pentecostalism and the Charismatic phenomenon carries the "proof of authenticity" for many believers. But the new discoveries of the dynamic "unexpectedness" and "immediacy" of the Holy Spirit within people gives release to a whole new way of experiencing and expressing one's faith. The author appears to be referring to the interplay between these two aspects.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 17 mins (2006-05-25 15:28:07 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

The "equation" I will use is "the Spirit of God plus the Word of God equals the Creative Power of God".
taken from

http://aibi.gospelcom.net/articles/spirword.htm

Example sentence:

"Pentecost provides a graphic portrayal of the two forces driving the Christian movement forward: the Spirit and the Word."

Peer comment(s):

agree Robert Kleemaier : Elizabeth's link and yours are very useful in understanding the background for this context
32 mins
Thanks, Robert.
agree Dave Calderhead
1 hr
Thanks, Dave.
agree Elizabeth Rudin : Yes, the balanced, creative combination of the authenticity of the Word and of the dynamic spontaneity of the Spirit.
2 hrs
Thanks, Elizabeth.
agree Alfa Trans (X)
2 hrs
Thanks, Marju.
agree Will Matter
4 hrs
Thanks, Will
neutral Refugio : Are you sure that "the word ... at play" does not refer to glossolalia? // If so, then it would not necessarily mean the Bible, and would certainly not be more static.
4 hrs
Thanks, Ruth. I'm sure it can include speaking in (unlearned) tongues, but there are other ways of "Spirit expression" than just the classic hallmark!
agree Maurite Fober : and if something is 'at play', it means that's what's going on, what's in operation/being effected/being used
16 hrs
Thanks, Maurite.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "thanks!"
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search