I've seen a lot of references to a lot of different books. It's frustrating for me, because I haven't come across the "be all/end all" book that best represents truth, balance, and meaningful contributions that have come from cessationists and charismatics alike. There is a cultural discussion -- sometimes contentious -- that needs to be captured for, if nothing else, posterity. Books both in favor and critical of charismatics have been incomplete. Books in favor of charismatics too often fall into experiential argumentation. Books critical of charismatics tend to build too many strawmen by lumping all charismatics together -- developing convincing, but very manipulative, arguments of guilt by association.
I would like to see a book about the central figures in this ongoing discussion in the Evangelical body for the last 35 years, to capture the discussion, not the argument. Here is the beginning of an outline for some enterprising author hankering for a new project:
Outline for The Reformed-Charismatic Divide
The Leadership
Chuck Smith Sr., senior pastor, Calvary Chapel Fellowship Churches
John Wimber, (deceased) director, Association of Vineyard Churches
Jack Hayford, director, Foursquare Churches
C. Peter Wagner, author/professor, Fuller Theological Seminary
C.J. Mahaney, director, Sovereign Grace Ministries
The Icons/Disputable History
James Spurgeon
Jonathon Edwards
John Wesley
John Nelson Darby
D.L. Moody
Smith Wigglesworth
William Branham
The Fringe
Kenneth Copeland
Benny Hinn
Rodney Howard-Browne
Paul Cain
The Critics
Walter Martin, (deceased) founder, Christian Research Institute
John MacArthur, pastor/author, Grace Community Church
Hank Hanegraff, director, Christian Research Institute
The Modern Theolgians
George Eldon Ladd
Gordon Fee
R.C. Sproul
Wayne Grudem
D.A. Carson
Sam Storms
John Piper
I would like to see a book like this that tackles the discussion on the most reasonable, timely, and relevant angles:
Maybe I'm asking for too much. Maybe I'll have to write it myself.
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