The teaching of Kenyon, Hagin and Copeland that Jesus ‘died spiritually’ (JDS) is important because of the influence of these men, not least on Pentecostalism. JDS originated with Kenyon, and has been taught in the Word-faith movement by Hagin and Copeland, despite much criticism. It incorporates three elements: in this death, Jesus was separated from God; partook of a satanic nature; and was Satan’s prey.

This theological appraisal takes research far further than previous works, both in method and in scope. It concludes that adoption of JDS by Pentecostalism would be damaging in several respects, and thus draw the latter away from its moorings in traditional Christianity. Pentecostals and others are advised to reject the bulk of this teaching.

Readership
Scholars, students, and ministers interested in Pentecostalism, charismatic studies, and the Word-Faith movement, or in the history of reflection upon the events of Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

About the author(s)
William P. Atkinson, PhD (Edinburgh, 2007), was Principal of Regents Theological College near Manchester, England for some years. Presently, he leads a church in South-East England, and teaches part time at Wisdom Christian College, London.

The ‘Spiritual Death’ of Jesus
A Pentecostal Investigation
William P. Atkinson
Expected: February 2009
Series: Global Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, 1
ISBN-13 (i)The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) has been changed from 10 to 13 digits on 1 January 2007: 978 90 04 17199 2
ISSN: 1876-2247
Cover: Hardback
Number of pages: x, 294 pp.
List price: € 95.00 / US$ 152.00