Dr. Amos Yong Lectures at STH
Dr. Amos Yong, one of the most prolific Pentecostal scholars, and B.U. alumnus, gave two energetic and thought-provoking lectures on Pentecostal theology. He received a Ph.D. from Boston University in religion and theology under the direction of Professor Robert Neville in 1999.
In the first lecture, titled, “Global Renewal & Christian Theology for the 3rd Millennium: Opportunities-Challenges,” Dr. Yong presented Pentecostalism as a renewal theology. After briefly introducing the overview of the global renewal movement, he pointed out that the global church has seen two overlapping phenomena: the gradual “Pentecostalization” and “Chrismatization” of the global church, and the “Evangelization” of the Pentecostal churches. Then, he presented the possibility of a renewal theology, distinct from classical Pentecostal theologies such as “evangelical-theology-plus.” He ended his first lecture by introducing his upcoming book, the Renewal of Christian Theology: System and Dogmatic Reconsiderations for a Global Christianity.
In the second lecture, titled “Renewing Christian Historiography: Toward a P(new)matological History of Christian Thought,” he explored the possibility of new Christian historiography, which can challenge and complement traditional historiographic paradigms. Key features of the renewing historiography include “enthusiastic/charismatic” history of Christian thought, interfacing with the history of Christian spirituality, and hearing the unheard voices of women and the poor.
Both of the lectures were followed by numerous questions and produced lively discussions among the scholars and students present.
By Hye Jin Lee