290 - Charismata God's Gifts for God's People

Charismata: God's Gifts for God's People
By John Koenig
Philadelphia, Westminster Press, 1978.214 pp. $4.95

I have belonged to the charismatic movement since it came to the University of Notre Dame in 1967, and I have seen a number of charismatic groups throughout the country, especially in California I have also written fairly extensively on the movement, and this book is one of the most well-balanced and informative books on a controversial subject in the church today.

In describing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in biblical terms, Koenig emphasizes that it is not the gifts themselves which are most important but the Giver, and that renewal and service are the fruits of those gifts Koenig devotes a section to the gift of the cross, a subject often left untouched by very fervent charismatics, especially those who overstress the gift of healing and turn the movement into a kind of health cult. He strongly stresses the responsibility which these gifts bring, and his final chapter. " Charismata and the Charismatics," addresses some of the mistake found in renewal groups. For example, Koenig argues, the use of the intellect is essential. experiential knowledge does not suffice if one is to comprehend the gospel message fully and a very careful examination of Scripture is necessary. This last chapter also addresses "dangers in misinterpretation ." Joy can be found in suffering, so one must not seek continuous euphoria. This problem is a constant "God and the Spirit may be banished by charismatically gifted persons from their emotional troughs " Moreover, one must not prescribe stages of growth in a tyrannical way or devise normative sequences of experience.

Koenig also warns against wooden biblical literalism and criticizes the oppression of women within the movement based on a fundamentalistic interpretation of Scripture. He maintains that Paul in I Corinthians 7 really teaches a "reciprocity [between husband and wife] that would have sounded radically egalitarian to many of his readers. " Koenig is also reluctant about anticipating an early parousia or second coming of Jesus, and he offers a critique of some well-used Pentecostal books which give rise to such hopes. The book ends with nine commands and promises for the people of God. These emphasize the diversity of gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament and the responsibility for using these gifts toward the ultimate goal of worshiping God and service to one's neighbor.

This volume, which is fully documented and contains a Scripture index but no bibliography, is designed for traditional Christians who are interested in the charismatic gifts but feel uneasy about the community life of the charismatics they may know. Koenig believes that all Christians are charismatic, although he demonstrates that in the Old Testament there is only one passage that connects the gifts with the Messiah. Furthermore, it is the community of Israel which receives the

292 - Charismata God's Gifts for God's People

charismata. Koenig's treatment of spiritual gifts in the New Testament focuses on their reception by the believer, not their possession, he indicates that they are seen not as aids to perpetual happiness but resources for discipleship and suffering in the name of Christ. One need not see the "baptism" or release of the Spirit as the only vehicle to the plentitude of gifts. Through every charism, whether spectacular or mundane, one receives a new relationship with the Giver.

It is difficult to find books, written by people within the charismatic movement, that are creatively critical. This work by Koenig (who does not claim membership in a charismatic group) is a genuine contribution. It is recommended for all Pentecostal leaders and for pastors and bishops.

J. Massyngberde Ford
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana