The Ecumenical Promise of Luther’s Charismatic Theology

How might Lutheranism and Pentecostalism, with differing theological distinctives and methods, approach effectively the subject of spiritual gifts? On this point the reformer Martin Luther promises to serve as a crucial facilitator. Although Lutherans are indebted immeasurably to him, few figures have commanded such respect throughout Pentecostal history. First-generation writings commend Luther’s recovery of the biblical gospel and contend that his doctrine of justification paved the way for the emergence of Pentecostalism. Moreover, at times Luther used theological language and spoke of the Christian experience in a way compatible with Pentecostal thought. This article documents Luther’s theology of the charismata and concludes by drawing out what implications such theology might hold for a Lutheran-Pentecostal discussion of the gifts

Charisma · Christian theology · Doctrine · Gospel · Martin luther · Philosophical theology · Karl Barth and Christian Theology · Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies · Reformation and Early Modern Christianity