Pneumatology

Pneumatology refers to a particular discipline within Christian theology that focuses on the study of the Holy Spirit. The term is derived from the Greek word Pneuma (πνεῦμα), which designates "breath" or "spirit" and metaphorically describes a non-material being or influence. The English term pneumatology comes from two Greek words: πνεῦμα (pneuma, spirit) and λόγος (logos, teaching about). Pneumatology includes study of the person of the Holy Spirit, and the works of the Holy Spirit.^[1] This latter category also includes Christian teachings on new birth, spiritual gifts (charismata), Spirit-baptism, sanctification, the inspiration of prophets, and the indwelling of the Holy Trinity (which in itself covers many different aspects). Different Christian denominations have different theological approaches on various pneumatological questions.

History of Christian theology is traditionally divided into four main stages, representing also the main periods in historical development of Christian pneumatology:

1. Patristic period. The early Church engaged in a debate over the divinity of Jesus, with Arius asserting that the Son is a "creature" or "angel" and Athanasius countering that the Son possesses divine attributes (such as immutability, transcendence, ability to sanctify, and involvement in creation). Although the debate was not pneumatological in nature, it led to a very similar debate between the Pneumatomachians and the Cappadocian Fathers.
2. Medieval period. In this period ensued a debate regarding the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Eastern Church asserted that the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone (as stated in the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed), while Augustine of Hippo and the medieval Catholic Church added the "filioque" clause to the Creed (the Spirit proceeds from the Father "and the Son").
3. Reforma y Contrarreforma . Aquí se reexamina la relación entre el Espíritu y las Escrituras. Martín Lutero y Juan Calvino sostienen que el Espíritu tiene cierta «autoridad interpretativa» para «iluminar» las Escrituras, mientras que los teólogos de la Contrarreforma responden que el Espíritu ha autorizado a la Iglesia a ser intérprete autorizada de las Escrituras.
4. Época contemporánea. La iglesia contemporánea comprende una relación particular entre el Espíritu Santo y la comunidad eclesial. Diversos teólogos contemporáneos reconocen la autoridad del Espíritu Santo para gobernar la iglesia, liberar a las comunidades oprimidas y generar experiencias asociadas a la fe. La pneumatología contemporánea suele estar marcada por el movimiento pentecostal .