The Spirit of Life: A Universal Affirmation

Moltmann has long been recognized as the premier current Christian theologian. This volume, the third in his systematic theology, adresses the important issues of pneumatology to the questions of our time. The Spirit as the Divine Energy of Life is the theme which dominates the discussion. Life prevails in the face of death and darkness. The activity of God's Spirit is reviewed both within and outside of the realm of the Church. This stroke will appear dangerous to some and refreshing for others. Although Moltmann's universalism is balanced by his other work (particularly "The Crucified God") there is room for concern here on the part of many coservative evangelicals. "Universal" Spirit is emphasized somewhat to the neglect of "Holy" Spirit. Surely one must not necessarily preclude the other, but this is not as well defined as I would have hoped. Pentecostal and Charismatic believers will find material here both for support and for critique. It is remarkable to find such a thorough and balanced treatment of the charismatic giftings from an author outside of our ranks. His recognition of Pentecostal insights is accompanied by observation of our areas of shortsightedness. The concern of the Spirit for the redemption of the whole creation is well represented here. Moltmann is critical of mainstream Christianity's neglect of this crucial issue in the realm of pneumatology. If Spirit is directly involved in the creation of the world, so would be the case with the maintainance and redemption of the created order. Ecological concern is an important element of Moltmann's thesis. The blending of various streams of Christian thought into a constructive theology is impressive. This is a trans-Protestant work which takes seriously the broadness of the Spirit's work as well as the broadness of Christian experience. No contemporary study of the subject should fail to take seriously this landmark work. As readable as it is scholarly, this incomparable contribution to the study of the Spirit is required reading for students and teachers of theology today.

If you are familiar with Moltman, you know this is not light reading. It requires a healthy background in theology. I'd read his Crucified God years ago, and found this one on a friends Recommendation. This one is now my favorite work of Jurgens. Such a broad way of understanding the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend this book as an intelligent way for people in historic Christian traditions to connect with Pentecostals. I think this book could be a theological bridge.

This is one of the most thorough theological books on the Holy Spirit. Moltmann describes every possible meaning and relation of the Holy Spirit in relation to God's creation. I don't think he left out any concept to describe the workings of the Spirit, as far as human words can be used to explain such a complex doctrine of the Trinity. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a desire their relationship with God and especially, seminarians of the faith.

Great place to start with Moltmann if intend to read source of life. He refers to several Greek, Latin, and German terms and phrases. It is helpful that most of the phrases are explained in one of the three sources linked to kindle. If you remember Greek and Latin, most of the phrases you won’t need to look up

Good reading and challenging

I must admit that I never finished this book. Moltmann appears to vacillate between taking too long to get to the point and repeating himself. Good ideas, though.

Here Jurgen Moltman looks into the different theologies of Spirituality. With each topic he walks through the development of thought that pertains to our spiritual life as a Christian. I can get more indepth with this but it is better to read what he has to say.

Wonderful work. A book that gives life ! I read it in french and now in English.

Still recovering from this book never read any thing like it love it indeed

Thank you