Howard W. Boldt investigates scripture deemed to support the teachings of the charismatic movement. Different than most other works unfavorable to charismatic doctrine, this book exposes major translation and contextual errors that have severely handicapped the believer’s ability to make a credible case against charismatic dogma. Numerous overlooked historical and cultural features of the Pentecost narrative disqualify the notion that this was a supernatural exhibition of speaking or hearing unlearned languages. Actual Greek definitions of the various gifts’ of the Spirit help to explain with biblical examples why Corinthian believers had no supernatural abilities, including speaking unlearned languages. Failure to distinguish unceasing natural ability ‘gifts’ of the Spirit from the ceased supernatural Apostolic ‘signs and wonders’ help to explain why many charismatics are not convinced by the cessationist teaching that believers’ supernatural ‘gifts’ have ceased. Detailed exploration of these and related subjects provide ample reasons why Howard Boldt asserts that the charismatic movement never had a biblical basis and has from its beginning been imported into Christianity.
Having Christian parents, Howard was taught scripture in the home and in church from childhood. Both the impact of parents and sermons in church were used of God to bring him to faith in Christ. After high school, he attended Briercrest Bible College in Canada from which he graduated after a three-year course. Happily married for 45 years, he has a daughter, son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. Most of his working career was spent in the printing and construction industry. He has served many years as Sunday School and midweek teacher as well as elder. Currently a member of a Baptist Church he is serving as a midweek Bible Study teacher.
