Introduction to Theology: Declaring the Wonders of God: Foundations for Spirit‐Filled Christianity by Frank D. Macchia, Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023. xiii + 193 pp. 24. 99 (paperback). ISBN: 978‐1‐5409‐6337‐6

This book is part of a series that seeks to provide ‘introductory textbooks that include both global and Pentecostal streams of thought’ (xi). It incorporates both. Macchia writes that ‘the home base of theology is the church—its praise and its mission. The global tongues of Pentecost declaring the wonders of God are the larger chorus that theology joins and for which theology does its work. These tongues assume that through the redemptive work of Israel's Messiah, the barriers of sin and death that blocked the path to the new era of the Spirit and of the new creation have been overcome’ (2). This perspective pervades the rest of the book as traditional loci are discussed in six chapters: Theology, Scripture and Context; God; Jesus Christ; Holy Spirit, Creation and Salvation; Church; Final Purposes; and then, ‘The Bottom Line’. Macchia organizes each chapter clearly, writes lucidly without overlays of jargon and introduces main dimensions of traditional issues historically found in introduction to theology textbooks. His ‘Final Reflections’ and ‘Topics for Review’ (questions) help tie each chapter together and are useful summaries and identification of important issues for readers. Throughout, Macchia pays attention to differing viewpoints, so one gains a sense of the varieties of theological expressions that have marked the history of theology. This focus includes both historic and contemporary theological voices in biblical, historical and theological areas. On the contested issue of baptism, Macchia presents the Pentecostal view ‘that Spirit baptism is postconversion, having to do with empowerment for witness rather than initiation into Christ by faith or water baptism (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)’. ‘Spirit baptism,’ he writes, ‘is meant to be experienced powerfully as overflowing love’ (120). Macchia's view on infant baptism is that ‘the biblical argument for infant baptism … has not been strong’ (143). He notes theological arguments for infant baptism as being ‘interesting’ and concludes that ‘the combination of infant baptism and a genuine confession of faith given later would essentially constitute what baptism in the New Testament signifies, though I would still find it ideal that the child, after receiving Christ as Lord and Savior, undergoes believer's baptism’ (144). This text is a helpful introduction to theology, clearly presented and balanced in approach. Throughout, Macchia emphasizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as ‘the event of divine overflowing’, which is ‘overflowing love as a gift to the global church’ (183).