Starting with the Spirit - by Myk Habets & Gregory J Liston (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This volume introduces the reader to both the methodology of TAT and to some of the many theological insights that have arisen from its utilisation. Further, it provides the tools and techniques to invite and inform the reader to participate themselves in the immensely practical and pastoral exercise of viewing reality from a pneumatological perspective, to catch a vision of the world as infused with the power, presence, and potential of the Spirit, and to lead their lives accordingly"--

Book Synopsis

Trinitarian in its foundation, pneumatological in its impetus, and comprehensive in its scope, Third Article Theology (TAT) is both a method and a theology. As a method, TAT intentionally views reality through the lens of the Spirit. As a theology, the insights that arise from an approach that prioritizes pneumatology are deep and rich, offering a penetrating vision into today's central and defining theological issues.

This volume introduces the reader to the methodology of TAT and some of the many theological insights that have arisen from its utilization. Further, it provides the tools and techniques to invite and inform the reader to participate in the efficient and pastoral exercise of viewing reality from a pneumatological perspective, to catch a vision of the world as infused with the power, presence, and potential of the Spirit, and to lead their lives accordingly.

Designed for classroom use, it includes several pedagogical features such as case studies engaging with critical areas of contemporary concern.

Review Quotes

"Third Article Theology captures in a theological movement the impetus that theology has found in recent years in taking seriously the going 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

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

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

About the Author

Myk Habets is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Head of the School of Theology at Laidlaw College, New Zealand.

Gregory J. Liston is a Senior Lecturer in Theology at Laidlaw College, New Zealand.