ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the theological coherence of charismatic Christianity. In spite of the millions involved in modern Charismatic Christianity, there is very little that could be classed as 'charismatic theology'. Like Fundamentalism and Pentecostalism, the movement has spawned its own seminaries, notable preachers and exponents; but a theologian of national or global significance has yet to emerge. The chapter describes some sociological considerations and some remarks on ecclesiology. With the theological considerations in mind, it must be acknowledged that the best appraisals of charismatic Christianity are sociological. There are some problems that arise directly from the observations relating to the charismatic theology, together with the sociological observations. Card-carrying Charismatics tend to use any theologians or aspect of Christian history selectively, to resource their beliefs, but at the same time eschew a depth of participation in theological, ecclesiological, historical or sociological processes for fear it will weigh them down.
