ATSS: Lena Toews, “The Spirit Unveiled: A Journey Through Mind, Soul, and Scripture”
11 December 2024 |
How do we recognize the presence of God and the Holy Spirit—in the world, our communities, and ourselves? Is it an intellectual pursuit, an emotional encounter, or the fullness of life’s experience?
Eduard Schweizer reminds us in The Holy Spirit that “we cannot capture him in anything like a mathematical formula.” Similarly, Clark Pinnock critiques Western traditions for diminishing the Spirit’s role, reducing it to intellectual understanding rather than a holistic engagement. Patristic scholar George Maloney contrasts the dynamic, existential Semitic view of the Spirit with the static, intellectual Hellenistic approach.
From a Biblical perspective, the Spirit’s presence is multifaceted, appearing uniquely across the New Testament. A holistic experience with the Spirit integrates mind, heart, and soul—embracing the full spectrum of human experience rather than isolating it to intellectual or emotional domains.
Dr. Toews will explore the experience with the Spirit in Acts 2 through intertexuality, focusing on full embodied experience. This pivotal moment connects the work of the Holy Spirit to God’s ultimate purposes, inviting believers into a transformative experience that transcends mere intellectual or emotional understanding.
How do intellect, emotion, and the totality of life intersect with the Spirit’s work, especially in light of the eschatological promises revealed in Acts 2? These are the questions Lena will explore as she highlights the Spirit’s dynamic and holistic role in shaping the faith and experience of believers.
Teacher:
Lena Toews teaches New Testament and Greek at Union Adventist University and currently serves as the president of the Adventist Society for Religious Studies. Lena holds a master’s degree in education and linguistics, as well as a PhD in New Testament Interpretation. She is currently writing an exegetical Bible study designed to lead readers deeper into the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. She and her husband, Tom, also a professor of theology, have two teenage sons.
Moderator:
Gerald Lofthouse is a retired physician who restores classic cars.
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82017946857
Passcode: JESUS (ALL CAPS)
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Lena Toews
- Warren Trenchard
- Denis Fortin
