In spirit and truth: The Holy Spirit and the interrelation of doxology and doctrine with implications for evangelical congregational worship

• Main Author: Nelson, David Paul
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2001
• Subjects: Biblical studies; Theology
• ISBN: 0493165509; 9780493165509

This dissertation intends to make a contribution to the theology and practice of Christian worship. The dissertation is focused on two central areas of concern, one pneumatological and the other ecclesiological. The pneumatological concern involves the manner in which the Holy Spirit works in Christian congregational worship. The ecclesiological concern involves the interrelationship of doxology and doctrine within the context of Christian congregational worship. This dissertation will demonstrate that there is a direct correlation between the Holy Spirit's work in congregational worship and the interrelation of doxology and doctrine. Further, it proposes that the environment in which the biblical description of the Holy Spirit's ministry is fully realized is that in which interrelation of doxology and doctrine is recognized and applied. While the dissertation explores the subject matter in dialogue with a variety of Christian traditions, a special emphasis is placed on Christian worship in the evangelical tradition. The first chapter includes a discussion of theological method and terminology relevant to the topic, along with a treatment of various problems associated with the relationship of doxology and doctrine. The second chapter begins with a brief historical survey of the relationship between worship and doctrine, with special attention given to the adage of Prosper of Aquitaine: legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi—“let the law of prayer establish the law of belief.” The study then focuses on the work of two contemporary theologians, Aidan Kavanagh and Geoffrey Wainwright. The second chapter concludes with proposals concerning the “material interplay” between worship and doctrine and the implications for one's understanding of the interrelation of doxology and doctrine. Chapter 3 involves an examination of five significant NT texts related to the thesis: Phil. 3:3; John 4:21–24; 1 Cor. 14:14–17; Eph. 5:18–21; and Col. 3:16. The conclusions of the exegetical study demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit in the interrelation of doxology and doctrine, and affirm the reality of the material interplay between worship and doctrine. The fourth chapter examines the proposal that the environment in which the biblical description of the Holy Spirit's ministry is fully realized is that in which the interrelation of doxology and doctrine is recognized and applied. The final chapter focuses on a theological exercise in which the concepts related to the thesis of the dissertation are employed to discuss the interrelation of doxology and the doctrine of eschatology.