The Spirit among the dissenters

“William H. Brackney draws on his extensive knowledge of dissenter traditions and his experiences over a lifetime of dedicated service in Christian institutions to provide a fascinating glimpse of how Christians on the margins have viewed the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. This study is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the connections between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of dissent.”

—Scott Culpepper, Professor of History, Dordt College



“This clever little book focuses on the role of the Holy Spirit as the animating force within the church and explores its significance within seven interlocking chapters. The discussion includes a range of topics, from English Baptists in the 1640s, to the nineteenth-century revivalist Charles G. Finney, to Walter Rauschenbusch, to William Young’s  The Shack. The result is an entertaining and highly readable book that offers fresh insights into the history of dissent.”

—Larry J. Kreitzer, Tutor in New Testament, University of Oxford



“Brackney’s book is a rare gem which enriches the understanding of the Holy Spirit because it gathers voices and perspectives from Christian dissenters outside of the creeds and confessions framework in which the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is being under-represented. He did not treat the understanding of the Spirit in a vacuum but sheds light to the understanding of the Spirit in connection with Scripture, Christ, and the church. The extensive use of primary resources and the comprehensiveness of dissenter views presented made the book stand out among the repertoire of literature on the topic.”

—Joyce Chan, Professor of Church History, Carey Theological College (BC)



“William H. Brackney’s  The Spirit Among the Dissenters is an important contribution to the ongoing development of a global pneumatological conversation. Brackney highlights significant voices and Movements, confirming the ongoing experience of the Spirit in the Christian community. This detailed survey is a welcomed and significant study for those who are dedicated to understanding the Spirit’s ongoing work, particularly those associated with or interested in Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements.”

—Allison S. MacGregor, Professor of Bible and Theology, Master’s College