Charismatic Gifts

Abstract

The Christian theology of charismatic gifts has a rich and complex history, relating to many different biblical, historical, and ecclesial traditions. This article will examine these traditions and seek to discover their unique insights and contributions to the broader theology of charismatic gifts. Special attention will be given to overarching themes and theological tensions that emerge from the discourse on charismatic gifts. The goal is not to use the disparate voices of the various confessional traditions to articulate an ecumenical theology of charismatic gifts but rather to set the stage for ecumenical dialogue on the topic of charismatic gifts. While this brief survey does not intend to be exhaustive, it endeavours to address significant movements and representative thinkers that have shaped the theology of charismatic gifts throughout the church’s history.

Keywords

• spiritual gifts
• the holy spirit
• the christian church
• protestant theology
• pauline theology
• catholic theology
• eastern orthodox theology
• sacraments
• glossolalia (speaking in tongues)
• pentecostalism