Making sense of contemporary Charismatic Apostolates

: An historical and theological appraisal

Abstract

This thesis explores the emerging phenomenon of the charismatic apostolate (CA) within various Christian communities. It aims to make sense of contemporary CAs from a theological and historical perspective by incorporating historical investigation, theological analysis and biblical exegesis. The thesis describes the current situation with regard to CAs in the USA and UK; traces its history within the Church catholic and amongst the theological reflection of the Christian churches; identifies current trends and issues; offers detailed descriptions of CAs being propagated by influential teachers; explains the reasons for a widespread growth of CAs across a broad church spectrum; critically engages with the exegetical debates that still surround it; offers both a theological and ecclesiological critique of popular modern portrayals of CAs, and provides an analysis of potential future trajectories of the CA within the British churches. This thesis defends the position that forms of the CA are a legitimate theological development enjoying biblical support which should be welcomed by the Church catholic, and argues that the ongoing development of the CA needs to be ecumenically sensitive to alternative understandings of apostleship as well as historic orders to avoid having a negative impact on the flourishing of the universal church.

Date of Award	1 Sept 2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	King's College London
Supervisor	Andrew Walker (Supervisor) & Peter Ward (Supervisor)