Led by the Spirit: Toward a Practical Theology of Pentecostal Discernment and Decision Making

Led by the Spirit is an interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of people’s claims to divine guidance that contributes to the understanding of these experiences at two levels. In terms of methodology, this study is an exercise in practical theology – a means of deriving explanations of God, self, and world from the actions of a community of faith – with the practices associated with discernment and decision making in the Pentecostal tradition being the focal point for reflection. In terms of content, insight from object relations psychology and Tillich’s theology are woven together with explanations from Pentecostal believers to provide a multilayered understanding and evaluation of the meaning and significance of these experiences. In this expanded version the author offers an updated bibliography and additional reflections to each of the previous chapters.