ABSTRACT
In 1831, Joseph received by revelation instruction to the early members of the church concerning the gifts of the spirit, enumerating certain gifts with which the spirit would bless them. The majority of Christians at that time wanted little to do with Joseph Smith's notions of new scripture and heavenly revelations. Today, many Christian thinkers, such as Krister Stendahl, regret how Christianity has treated Pentecostals and feel that the consequences have been grave. For Stendahl, the renewal of the New Testament charismata is indispensable in triggering a much needed, invigorating vitality into Christianity. Recognition of Pentecostal and other charismatic movements in mainline denominations over the past century has given rise to new waves of thought in relation to the once dogmatic pronouncement of the cessation of the charismata. The Journal of Pentecostal Theology, Pentecostudies, and Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies are just a few of the academic journals publishing pieces exploring contemporary Christian charismata.
