Fire From Heaven: The Rise Of Pentecostal Spirituality And The Reshaping Of Religion In The 21st Century

Harvey, Cox. Fire From Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the Twenty-First Century. U.S.A. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. 1995. Book. [...] Harvey Cox, is Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard University. In this book, Cox does extensive research into the movement of Pentecostalism from across a global landscape. He defines it not as a new denomination but as a movement. He begins with well documented research into the Azusa Street roots. He explores dynamics coming from William Seymour (the 'father' of the movement) of racial integration and the ecumenical elements found in the coming Kingdom ideal. He traces the movement and the things that hallmark it as unique such as race, tongues, how female leaders through its history have moved it forward, as well as the unique nature of its use of music in worship, emotions, experiential worship, and the seeming syncretism not only in American Pentecostalism but Italian, Asian, and African, among others. For anyone who seeks to explore what drives Pentecostalism, Cox's book sheds light on the motivations and ideas imbedded in the movement. Well documented in his bringing things to light, that have not been readily available, such as the history of the Azusa Street event that began it. It sheds light on why some hold tightly to the evidential tongues doctrine and the doctrines unique to the movement, like Latter Rain, Kingdom theology, even showing how it has been leading up to Prosperity Theology so prominent in its ranks, by its very examination of its beginnings. I found this book very helpful to clear up my own confusions over certain emphases and focuses in the Pentecostal movement. Harvey Cox helped me make sense of the movement. Allowing me to affirm the positive points of the movement that I do agree and allowing me to see some of the problem areas I have intuited the past years.

Fire From Heaven is a well written, objective look at the Pentecostal movement both in America and abroad. Harvey Cox does a great job explaining the history of this movement in a way that shows both its bright points as well as its spots and blemishes. I would definitely recommend this book for any minister, church historian or lay person looking for an unbiased look at various movements that have taken place in the Christian faith.

This is an interesting look at the pentecostal movement. I have not finished it yet as I am reading two other books along with this one for this class but I am finding it to have good information.

I found this book to be very informational for my Christian Studies Classes. I was able to follow the Authors information as it related to classroom discussion questions, and was able to discuss questions with Knowledge, because of the assignment readings.

I feel this "outsider" view gives both Pentecostals good reflection and analysis. I recommend it. It gives historical and global depth

I purchased this book for a Theology class on the worldwide rise of the Pentecostal Church. It has some good information, but not a book I kept. Useful as a textbook for class, but not for really learning about the Pentecostal Revolution.

I would recommend this book not just for religious insight on Pentecostalism, but also for historical data blended within the story being presented by the author.

As a life long Pentecostal, and a pastor of over 20 years, I deeply enjoyed Cox's perspective on "Pentecostalism from a Non-Pentecostal." The stories in the book are priceless. I absolutely loved this work.

Please be aware that the edition that Amazon is currently selling is their own edition printed by Amazon itself, not by the publisher's usual printing press. This is made clear on the last page of the book close to the spine so it's not immediately obvious, however the quality of the book is visibly below the standard you would expect. The covers in particular are made of very thin card and roughly cut. If you're looking for an edition that will last longer you may want to buy from another store. Very disappointed.