Renewal And The Powers Of Darkness

Combining ethnographic research with theological analysis, this book explores how the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), one of the largest new movements within the global Catholic Church, has developed in contemporary Britain and Northern Ireland. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, this study analyses the beliefs, behaviour, and worldviews of CCR members and considers how these relate to key theological themes in the movement’s unique encounter between Pentecostalism and Catholicism. The author explores the extent to which the CCR has been integrated into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, and how the movement’s members have adapted their theology over time. Painting a picture of a diverse community, this book enriches understanding of the CCR and contemporary Christianity in Britain.

Leahy presents the movements as examples of the Church's charismatic dimension, a principle which Pope John Paul II described as 'co-essential' with the hierarchical-institutional dimension. Rev. Brendan Leahy is Professor of Systematic Theology at the Pontifical University of St Patrick's College, Maynooth, in Ireland. He is a von Balthasar scholar and an ecumenist and has also written articles and books on interreligious dialogue, issues facing the Church in the 21st century, renewal in the Church, and the priesthood.

At the beginning of the Second Vatican Council, Blessed Pope John XXIII offered a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to "Renew your wonders in our time, as though for a new Pentecost." The rediscovery of the charismatic gifts by ordinary Catholics throughout the world was an answer to that prayer. Damian Stayne, who is known internationally for his healing ministry, shows readers how the spiritual gifts of prophecy, healing, and deliverance were used by Jesus, the early Church, and the saints—and why we need them operating in the Church today. He provides not only amazing stories of God's presence and work in our time but also a host of practical instructions on how to grow in these gifts. This book is both inspiring and a challenge to Catholics to be open to the gifts of the Spirit in order to bring others to Christ.

How can we oppose evil without creating new evils and being made evil ourselves? --Walter Wink What we think and don't think about evil is important. Nigel Wright provides us with a thorough biblical and theological study of the nature of evil, Christ's victory over it, and our participation in that victory as we await its consummation. In this revision and updating of the Fair Face of Evil: Putting the Power of Darkness in Its Place, Wright sorts through the options to develop a thoroughly Christian understanding of the danger of the enemies of both God and humanity. Getting our thinking right will help us get our ways of living and acting right as well.

This book traces the development of exorcism in Catholic Christianity from the fourth century to the present day, and seeks to explain why exorcism is still so much in demand. This is the first work in English to trace the development of the liturgy, practice and authorisation of exorcisms in Latin Christianity. The rite of exorcism, and the claim by Roman Catholic priests to be able to drive demons from the possessed, remains an enduring source of popular fascination, but the origins and history of this controversial rite have been little explored. Arguing that belief in the need for exorcism typically re-emerges at periods of crisis for the church, Francis Young explores the shifting boundaries between authorised exorcisms and unauthorised magic throughout Christian history, from Augustine of Hippo to Pope Francis. This book offers the historical background to – and suggests reasons for – the current resurgence of exorcism in the global Catholic Church.

The Definitive History of the Spirit-Filled Church Encyclopedic coverage of: Activities of the Spirit over 2,000 years of church history in 60 countries and regions Outpourings at Topeka, Mukti Mission (India), Azusa Street, Duquesne University, and many other 20th-century locations Current movements among today’s 500 million-plus Pentecostal and charismatic Christians worldwide The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements sets modern, Spirit-filled Christianity in a context that spans two millennia and the entire Christian world. Like no other resource, this volume reveals in detail the full, sweeping legacy of Spirit-empowered movements that have touched hearts and lives both in modern America and across the centuries and continents: in medieval Europe, Finland in the 1700s, South India in the 1800s, Azusa Street at the turn of the 20th century--and much more, including ongoing moves of the Holy Spirit throughout the world today. One thousand entries provide the most extensive information available on Pentecostal, charismatic, and neocharismatic movements. The diverse topics covered include, as a small sample, glossolalia, black and Hispanic Pentecostalism, prophecy, the role of women, faith healing, music, sociology, missions, church growth, and different historic and contemporary revivals. With its unique international and historical perspective, this completely revised and expanded second edition of the acclaimed Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements offers features that no other reference of its kind approaches. Its extraordinary scope and detailed, up-to-date coverage make this the definitive resource on Pentecostal and charismatic denominations and movements both in North America and worldwide. Includes: Exhaustive coverage of Pentecostal and charismatic movements in 60 countries and regions--individual histories, cultural and theological aspects, and key figures and institutions. Statistical section with a wealth of current information on the growth of classical Pentecostalism as well as charismatic and neocharismatic movements. 1,000 articles. Over 500 photos and illustrations, maps, and timeline. Cross references, bibliographies, and indexes to people, places, and topics.