Is Orthodoxy and John 17:21 possible in the present context? If not, then show me one prayer of Christ that was not otherwise answered?

Since the turn of the last century Pentecostalism has undergone remarkable adjustments. Transition from the wrong side of the tracks to the main street of modern suburbia has not been an easy path, either.

Nor, is the transition over. Now that Pentecostals have gained acceptance and respectability, they search for a new self identity and a renewed purpose.

In short, the fervor to enlighten a dead liturgical church is gone. For one reason, the liturgical church is rapidly developing a vibrant new enthusiasm in worship and traditional evangelicalism. (Yes, I am well aware of dead liturgical Episcopalian liberals and others of the so-called “Apostolic succession” persuasion; however, my emphasis for this discussion will focus on those that have rejected liturgical liberalism—although, the clearly hang on to the succession doctrine.)

The purpose of this blog is to bring serious minded Pentecostals and Orthodox Charismatics (and others that may wish to join in on the discussion) together to discuss ways that we can present the 1st century message in worship and doctrine to the contemporary world; and how we can complement what is rapidly becoming known as the new evangelical orthodoxy.

There is nothing original or novel about this desire, except that I personally believe that Pentecostals have either acquiesced to opt out, or, have not felt welcomed in the search. However, I can not tell you how excited I am to find serious evangelicals in dialogue on orthodoxy, and it is my hope that we Pentecostals can find a notch somewhere in the process.

To begin with, I particularly appreciated the insight evidenced in the statement posted by Matthew Lee Anderson @ 4:31 am in the Evangelicalism category on MereOrthodoxy , where he wrote:

“What I would propose is not that the experience-based aspect of evangelicalism recede, but rather that it mature–and that we properly locate it in the context of sound doctrine, a robust ecclesial life, and the practices of the spiritual disciplines.”

Personally, I think that hit the theological nail squarely on the head. As a life long Pentecostal—although, never really a Charismatic—I have struggled with the task of balancing orthodox theology against anecdotal theology on a practical scale.

Sometimes, they balance. Sometimes they don’t.

Speaking from a personal perspective, I feel that we Pentecostals are for the most part pretty sound in our theology; however, we are also very weak in our spiritual disciplines. And, this may come as a surprise, I really don’t think our doctrine on the Holy Spirit had all that much to do with it.

The problem began much earlier, in my opinion—when, pietistic fideism was booted out (granted many left on their own) of mainstream orthodoxy and was able to find a comfortable home in Christian mysticism.

History is resplendent with the likes of the shouting Baptists, the trembling Methodists, and, of course, the tongues speaking Pentecostals.

So, there is enough blame—if we see it as blame worthy—to go around. I for one, however, do not wish to throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water; so, right on Matthew Lee Anderson! I with you on that one. However, unless we enlarge the circle, we will fail to fulfill what I think is an honest desire of all of us, and in particular our Master who prayed:

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:22 (NIV)

Will you join with me to make this happen? If so, please read the Committal Agreement document and begin participating in this dialogue today.

In closing, I wish to emphasize that this desire and effort on my part to bring this about is not an “officially” denominationally sanctioned effort. I do not speak for the church. I will leave that up to leadership, and trust that they will ultimately allow Christ to give the final word.