A Light To The Nations [Hardcover]

The essays in this volume, which are written by friends, colleagues, and former students, are dedicated to Gary B. McGee as a memorial to his life, work, and service. As a professor with a clear calling to teach, he modeled this passion at the Open Bible College (Des Moines, Iowa), Central Bible College (Springfield, Missouri), and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Springfield, Missouri). He exuded the understanding that quality teaching, superior scholarship, a genuine Pentecostal spirituality, and an irenic spirit can and should go together. Within the title of this volume, A Light to the Nations, two aspects become clear. First, each person is called to be a light to the nations, as Gary McGee modeled. Second, and foundational to the first, is the reality that Jesus Christ is the ultimate light, and our energies, study, discussions, and life in general should rely on this fact. As a reflection of Gary McGee's life and ministry, these two aspects are focused through three lenses, which are the three sections of this volume: Ecumenism, Missions, and Pentecostalism. The essays represent a diversity of subjects and denote various explorations by colleagues and friends of Gary B. McGee. These deeply researched essays cast new light on old questions and raise new questions that the literature in these fields has overlooked. The volume offers a signal contribution to our understanding of the threads that have connected these fields in the past, today, and, without doubt, many years to come. --Grant Wacker, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Christian History Emeritus, Duke Divinity School The late Gary McGee transformed scholarly understandings of Pentecostalism as a historical and missional movement. This strong collection of essays by outstanding scholars builds on his passions as well as his expertise. I recommend it very highly. --Dana L. Robert, Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity and History of Mission, Boston University School of ThlC