The Progressive Mystery: Tracing the Elusive Spirit in Scripture and Tradition

Praise for The Progressive Mystery

A master scholar and teacher, Habets takes us on a journey of theological discovery as he carefully weaves together the grand story of the church’s progressive understanding and expression of the identity and mission of the Holy Spirit through the biblical writers of the Old and New Testaments, pro-Nicene early church fathers, and key theologians in the contemporary church. Deeply biblical, steeped in the Great Christian Tradition, strongly Evangelical yet ecumenically sensitive, and firmly set in the rich trinitarian trajectory of current proposals in Third Article Theology, Habets’ concise survey of the mystery of the Holy Spirit offers a wonderful contribution to the formation of all people interested in the serious study of theology. The author does not only introduce readers to the world of ideas about the Spirit, but invites them to see themselves as participants in the church’s experience of the Spirit throughout time.

—Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., Professor of Systematic Theology, Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Myk Habets has already established himself as a leading Spirit theologian. In his latest work, he competently explores the identity and mission of the Spirit in the bible and church history. The scope of the book is impressive and its content springs from his long-standing teaching experience on the subject and his personal journey with God. His ability to be lucid, informative and comprehensive yet not cumbersome and overwhelming is a remarkable achievement. The result is an accessible and knowledgeable introduction to the person and work of God the Spirit that each theology student and pastor must have in their personal library.

—Cornelis Bennema, Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in New Testament, Wales Evangelical School of Theology, UK.

Myk Habets’ book offers us a rich journey through the study of the Holy Spirit. Habets leads us through such topics as the divine presence in creation and the power of the Spirit’s witness to the exalted Christ, the triumph of Nicene and Post-Nicene orthodoxy and Calvin’s inner witness of the Holy Spirit, Catholic discussions of the Spirit and Pentecostal and Charismatic renewal pneumatology—and even more. In every chapter, one gets a masterful exposure to both the overarching themes and the intricate nuances of pneumatology. This book is sure to be an enjoyable and enlightening read for students and experts alike, across the theological spectrum.

—Frank D. Macchia, Professor of Christian Theology, Vanguard University of Southern California; Associate Director, Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Bangor University, Wales.