Charlie Self

Dr. Charles Self is an Associate Professor of Church History at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Posts by Charlie Self

February 03, 2017

Vocation vs. occupation: 4 callings in the Christian life

Is there a difference between “vocation” and “occupation”? The term “vocation” comes from the Latin, “vocare” – to call or receive a call. For almost two millennia in Christian-influenced communities and cultures, vocation referred to a religious calling: a monastic order, missionary work or parish labor. Continue Reading...

August 27, 2015

Nurture in the Economy of Love: Insights on Parental Discipleship

The spate of Planned Parenthood videos raises many issues, one of which is the importance of nurturing the lives that we have had a hand in conceiving, adopting, and welcoming into our homes. Continue Reading...

July 31, 2015

Retrenchment, Revision, and Renewal: 3 Futures for Evangelicalism in America

There are three possible futures for American Evangelicalism. These diverse destinies depend upon the moral, social and theological convictions of the communities and leaders of the different streams. They also represent patterns found in three centuries of American Evangelical history. Continue Reading...

June 29, 2015

Unsanctified Mercy: Integrating Compassion and Conviction for Human Flourishing

Compassion is a marvelous virtue. Feeling concern for others and acting sacrificially — especially on behalf of those that cannot return the favor — reveals mature character and contributes to human flourishing. Continue Reading...

May 27, 2015

Pentecost Reimagined: How the Spirit Reveals New Economies

Pentecost Sunday: The Holy Spirit comes with tongues of fire and an “incendiary community” is empowered for mission. Pentecost is not the birth of the church. The church is conceived in the words and works of Jesus as he gathers followers and promises, “If any one is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Continue Reading...

March 25, 2015

A Hopeful Vision for Stewardship: Integrating Ecological Concerns and Economic Flourishing

Being a follower of Jesus includes a hopeful vision of the future. In the fullness of the kingdom of God, we will live on a new earth as embodied humans, worshiping and working, married to Christ and in fellowship with sisters and brothers from all nations (Rev. Continue Reading...

March 11, 2015

How to find joy and meaning in your work

One of our favorite coffee shops when we lived in Washington, D.C. in the 1980s was The Daily Grind. The name’s humorous wordplay about everyday work and the delicious fresh-roasted coffee made us smile. Continue Reading...

January 29, 2015

Why a Christian Anthropology Matters for Liberty and Love

Dorothy Sayers, playwright, novelist and Christian scholar, wrote an important work in the 1930s entitled, Are Women Human? In her essay, she presents the biblical case for gender equality in a humorous and insightful way, grounding mutuality in theological anthropology. Continue Reading...

October 01, 2013

Awakening Dignity

Solving our intractable domestic and foreign policy crises will require much more that political compromise and diplomatic maneuvering. Our overextended federal systems and diminished influence abroad are signals of deeper issues. Continue Reading...