Holy Spirit, Holy Living: Toward A Practical Theology of Holiness for Twenty-First Century Churches
Ebook
The language of holiness seems outdated. It is a word that comes to us thwarted by a negative history, associated with undesirable restrictions and oppressive legalisms. What do you do with a term that has been negatively socialized, even among churches, when the God of the Bible clearly states that He wants His people to be holy? Holy Spirit, Holy Living aims to dust off the discarded idiom and rediscover the depth and splendor of holiness. What are some practical implications for theological and spiritual practice? Two broad categories express the particularity of the Church in the world. As such the Church must maintain peculiarity to the world. First, holiness properly understood speaks to being and acting in a way that reflects both a regenerated life in Christ and the ongoing renewal in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, holiness as a lifestyle must include at least three principles: rest, being, and doing. These three standards undergird a life of conviction of faith and practice, worship for God, and service to others. A holy life follows Christ and is Spirit-filled. It is unbent by society, which is numb to what God wants.
"Antipas Harris writes on holiness from the perspective of being
raised in an African-American 'sanctified church' where holiness
was not only a core doctrine but also an all-encompassing
lifestyle. A warmly personal book, it is also scholarly, well
written, and well researched. This is a welcome addition to a
growing number of books calling for a return to holiness, not only
in the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, but also in all the
churches of Christendom."
--Vinson Synan
Dean Emeritus
Regent University School of Divinity
"Dr. Harris has blessed both the church and the academy with a very
readable book that also masterfully blends well the disciplines of
biblical studies, historical, systematic, and pastoral theology--a
group that is notorious for not often getting along well. While its
impact will certainly be most strongly felt in the 'sanctified
church,' it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in both
the doctrine and the practice of holiness for the twenty-first
century."
--Bernie A. Van De Walle
Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology
Ambrose University College
"This book explores the meaning of 'in the world, but not of the
world' for contemporary Christians, shedding new light on the
religious heritage of the Holiness tradition from several points of
view--biblical, historical, theological, and practical. It is a
helpful guide for people of faith seeking understanding of holiness
and its relevance to everyday living."
--Cheryl J. Sanders
Professor of Christian Ethics
Howard University School of Divinity
"Professor Antipas Harris has pointed us in a direction theology
must move to penetrate the tissue of the church for days to come.
Holiness ever has been an essential mark of the church. It is no
less than exciting to ponder what its shape will take in our day.
The crucial matters of personal piety in tension with life and
death issues of justice promise to complicate the theological
project in an exceedingly wonderful way. In this book Dr. Harris
performs a splendid service by insisting that our work probes this
complexity."
--William Turner Jr.
Professor of the Practice of Homiletics
Duke Divinity School
"Dr. Harris' work speaks to the heart of the next generation of
leaders about an absolutely essential element to the life-changing
power of the biblical story--a life of holiness that is itself a
reflection of God's love lived out in surrender and sacrifice to
the transformative power of the Spirit in every aspect of our
lives. This book is certainly an enjoyable read and a theologically
provocative experience for all contemporary Christians."
--Tommy A. Casarez
Systematic Theologian
Latin American Bible Institute
"Holy Spirit, Holy Living is informative, inspirational, and
refreshing. The author's holiness and Pentecostal background
undergirded by his deep faith in God of the Bible enables him to
write with authority on biblical holiness. The book contains many
insights and anecdotes from his spiritual journey. At the same time
there is evidence of outstanding scholarly research. The author
fulfilled his purpose to write on holiness in a way that would be
useful both to the academy and the church. I strongly recommend
this book to clergy and laymen and pray for a return to biblical
holiness."
--George D. McKinney
General Board Member
Church of God in Christ, Inc
Product Details
- Title : Holy Spirit, Holy Living: Toward A Practical Theology of Holiness for Twenty-First Century Churches
- Authors:
- Harris, Antipas L.
- Alexander, Estrelda Y.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2013
- ISBN: 9781621898047
Antipas L. Harris is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Youth & Urban Renewal Center at Regent University. He earned theological degrees from Emory and Yale Universities and a DMin from Boston University School of Theology.