Baptism in the Spirit

Reviews / Votes

'The book offers an interesting discussion of the Baptism in the Spirit debate [...] It is an academic text, but is written in a sufficiently accessible style for informed lay readers.'
David M. Allen, Reviews in Religion & Theology, Volume 20, Issue 4, September 2013

"A correct understanding of what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit is of vital importance, not only to the Pentecostal Movement, but to the entire Christian Church of the twenty-first century. William Atkinson's book is a valuable contribution to the discussion, summarizing and critiquing the views of key Pentecostal scholars in relation to Dunn and offering a refreshing conclusion of its own. It will undoubtedly prove essential reading for Pentecostal scholars and Bible College students alike."
David Petts, Honorary Academic Fellow, University of Wales

"In Baptism in the Spirit Atkinson tackles afresh the controversial and sometimes divisive doctrine of the same name. Deftly and with mature even-handedness the author canvasses four decades of scholarship on the subject. He is generous in giving credit where it is due and is equally forthright in giving criticism where he believes it is due. This is a must read for those informed laypersons, pastors, theological students, and scholars who are seeking a clearer understanding of the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit."
Roger Stronstad, Biblical Theology Director, Summit Pacific College

"No single book can offer a comprehensive academic reflection on the subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, I consider this work as a useful manual on the academic presentations of this doctrine. One may not agree with all the arguments William Atkinson has raised but I do recommend this book as an essential reading for all those who are eager to understand the New Testament doctrine of the Spirit Baptism."
Opoku Onyinah, Chairman, Church of Pentecost, Ghana

"Atkinson has done a superb job of synthesizing and evaluating key elements of the 'Dunn Debate'. To borrow a phrase from a cable network, this book is 'fair and balanced.' It should be required reading for all students preparing for Pentecostal ministry. And I strongly encourage all ministers who identify themselves as Pentecostal or charismatic to read it."
Anthony D. Palma, Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

"The leading New Testament scholar James Dunn vigorously argued 40 years ago that, in the New Testament, baptism in, or the gift of, the Holy Spirit was fundamental to becoming a Christian, and that only those who received the Spirit could be called Christians. William Atkinson, a British-based Pentecostal, here surveys the Pentecostal responses to Dunn's book, and offers his assessment."
Dr Forster, in Church Times, 11 January 2013

"This is a book pastors and students could easily assimilate, and there is at the very end a practical as well as a theological evaluation of the various positions."
William K. Kay, in The Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association, Vol 31.1

"It is vitally important for us to know why we believe what we say we believe! . This book will be a great help to Pentecostals and Charismatics of all steams as it gives a solid basis for our beliefs ..."
Richard Dodge, in Bookcase, Issue B6

"This book is quite useful for those seeking to understand this distinctly Pentecostal doctrine. . it is a fine survey of intra-Pentecostal discussions using Dunn's work as a dialogue partner."
J. Brian Tucker, in Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol 23, 2013

"... a welcome and positive contribution to an ongoing discussion."
James D.G. Dunn, University of Durham, in The Expository Times, Vol 125, No 1

"The book offers an interesting discussion of the Baptism in the Spirit debate. [...] It is an academic text, but is written in a sufficiently accessible style for informed lay readers."
Isaac N. Hopper, in Reviews in Religion & Theology, Vol 20, Issue 4

"...Atkinson approaches the book with the intention of presenting the Pentecostal position as cogent, relevant and practical."
Craig Stephans, Church of the Redeemer, USA, in Theological Book Review , Vol 25, No 1

"... Useful for people seeking to comprehend this distinctive Pentecostal doctrine..."
Bradford McCall, Mission Studies, Volume 31, Issue 2, 2014