Azusa, Rome, and Zion

Azusa, Rome, and Zion offers historical, theological, and spiritual reflections on major movements of the Holy Spirit in modern times. The author shows where the lived experience of these movements challenges received theological concepts and categories, and indicates how engagement with these challenges can contribute to Christian reconciliation and Christian unity. Of particular interest are the surprising ways in which what appear at first sight to be new obstacles and points of division can in fact lead into deeper grasp of God's purposes for the body of Christ. Two chapters indicate the immense potential being opened up by the ministry of Pope Francis. The title captures not just the place of Pentecostals, Catholics, and Jews, but a historical dynamic that reverses the original going out from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This collection of essays typifies everything we have come to appreciate in Hocken: broad ecumenical vision combined with clear confessional boundaries, openness to what the Spirit is saying afresh to the church without sacrificing critical engagement. Hocken's discussion on Pope Francis' 'new paradigm' of relating to Pentecostals brings the ecumenical conversation up to date. For those unfamiliar with Hocken's works, the book serves as an excellent introduction. --Simon Chan, Trinity Theological College, Singapore Hocken is opening a prophetic, challenging, and ecumenical door in this book. He explores the deep connections of ecumenism between Catholics and Pentecostals, the importance of the charismatic movement for all Christians, and the rebirth of Jewish expressions of following Christ. Put these together and out jumps a form of Catholic 'restoration' theology. Hocken is either reading the signs of the time or he is eccentric. I think he is the former. --Gavin D'Costa, Professor of Religion and Theology, University of Bristol Hocken demonstrates in these insightful essays his skill as both a theoretician and practitioner of prophetic ecumenism. The book powerfully expresses his vision of the Church as catholic, evangelical, and Pentecostal, rooted in Jewish soil, and longing for the consolation of Israel. Hocken is a discerning reader of the 'signs of the times, ' and this volume provides us with an accessible introduction to all he sees unfolding dramatically in our days. --Mark S. Kinzer, President Emeritus, Messianic Jewish Theological Institute Numerous scholars have written on Protestant Pentecostalism, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and Messianic Judaism. Yet Peter Hocken--and seemingly only Hocken--has meditated deeply on the historical and theological connections 'From Azusa via Rome to Zion.' Hocken's uncompartmentalized and unconventional thinking is a challenge to the entire global Christian community to rethink its Jewish roots and heritage in relation to Jesus' prayer 'that they may all be one.' --Michael McClymond, Professor of Modern Christianity, Saint Louis University (USA); Former Senior Lecturer in Evangelical and Charismatic Studies, University of Birmingham (UK) When everything seemed to indicate that the path of ecumenism had reached its limits the Pope Francisco appeared, giving a new vigor to the search for unity of the Church. Hocken puts in historical perspective the movement of the spirit towards unity, and pays attention to this new breath of the Spirit named Francisco. In Azusa, Rome, and Zion we are facing a must-read work to discern the signs of these times. --J. Norberto Saracco, Principal, International Faculty of Theological Studies, Pastor, Good News Church, Buenos Aires Peter Hocken is a Catholic priest long active in the charismatic movement. He is the author of Pentecost and Parousia (2013).