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The source of Life

David Bergen

The Source of Life: The Holy Spirit and the Theology of Life
Jurgen Moltmann, Fortress Press, 1997. 148pp.

This book arose out of lectures Moltmann has given to “congregations and at clergy conferences, and to seminars and faculties in various countries.” Thus, connections between the chapters are not always obvious and yet there is continuity to the book.

I learned about Moltmann in the late 70s in my seminary studies in liberation theology. Thus, as an evangelical and Mennonite Brethren, I was wary of his theology.

I, however, found little to disagree with and much to commend. One might disagree with his infant baptism orientation or his indication of God also as mother (as well as the Holy Spirit), but he agrees with the doctrine of the trinity.

I commend his holistic approach that the work of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate life giver is not only relegated to human salvation and the charismatic gifts alone, but encompasses all of creation. The Holy Spirit is the author of vibrant spiritual life and of all of life as seen in creation.

In application then, of this holistic approach, we are not only stewards of the gospel for human salvation, but our responsibility as those energized by the Holy Spirit has social, political and ecological implications.

One may quarrel with Moltmann over details, but the total thrust of the book is commendable and I would recommend it as reading to anyone, especially to Bible college teachers and pastors.

David Bergen is a retired Bible teacher and pastor living in Waldheim, SK, currently teaching “The Pastoral Epistles” at Bethany Bible Institute.

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Last modified July 20, 1999.

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