Starting with the Spirit

Third Article Theology captures in a theological movement the impetus that theology has found in recent years in taking seriously the ongoing activity of the Spirit in leading the church and humanity into all truth. This book offers a rigorous, comprehensive, systematic, and practical account of Third Article Theology; but—even more than that—it offers fascinating and rich insights into the breadth and depth of the very person and work of the Holy Spirit and into the benefits of prioritising pneumatology in theological discourse. Theologians and church people alike would do well to read and understand this important book. * Tom Greggs, University of Aberdeen, UK *
At last, a systematic treatment of Third Article Theology! Such a volume was overdue, and Myk Habets and Gregory J. Liston's book does not disappoint. This solid groundwork will give others confidence to explore the ramifications of "starting with the Spirit" in every aspect of theology. Arguably, beginning with the third article of the creed is the most natural entry to theology because it is through the work of the Holy Spirit in the world (and in the church) that we come to know God and get connected with Christians globally. * Kirsteen Kim, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *
Myk Habets and Gregory J. Liston have made a significant contribution to the theology of the Holy Spirit. Their exposition and promotion of Third Article Theology is both novel and visionary. In two parts, the book first examines the ground and grammar of Third Article Theology and then the content and consequences of Third Article Theology, treating such issues as Christology, Trinity, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Anthropology, Missiology, and Eschatology. All are reconceived and recrafted in the light of the Holy Spirit. For anyone interested in Pneumatology, this book is a must read. * Thomas G. Weinandy, previously of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission, Vatican City *
This wonderful work is an academically rigorous yet pastorally accessible invitation to look afresh at the mystery of God and all of life in view of God through the lens of the Holy Spirit. Habets and Liston argue convincingly for the methodological incorporation of Third Article Theology into our theological toolbox. But as seasoned teachers with a commitment to spiritual formation, they also show us many biblically sound and theologically practical examples of what it actually looks like to practice becoming a TAT theologian! Highly recommended! * Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., Concordia Seminary, USA *
Habets and Liston have given us without question the standard work on third article theology. Their basic idea is both simple and revolutionary. Since all of God’s works occur in the Holy Spirit, all areas of theology are to be viewed through the lens of pneumatology. I know of no other work that makes this case as clearly, thoroughly, and compellingly as this one. * Frank D. Macchia, Bangor University, UK *
This new book on Third Article Theology provides a very clear and systematic account of the movement to prioritize the Spirit in systematic theology, and the historical and contemporary reasons to think this not only important, but indeed transformative, for spiritual life today. There is a wealth of bibliographic allusion in the text, making it a perfect volume for teaching. * Sarah Coakley, University of Cambridge, UK *