His research presents a significant contribution to
pentecostalism and church history
#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters
Dr. Christopher J. Richmann of Baylor University has
written an excellent book on F.F. Bosworth. It is titled, Living in Bible
Times: F.F. Bosworth and the Pentecostal Pursuit of the Supernatural (Pickwick
Publications, 2020). The 291-page volume offers the most extensive research to
date on the author of Christ the Healer (1924).
I recently completed a review of the book for a
peer-reviewed journal. However, I will not be able to share the content until
it is published. For now, I can honestly say that Richmann has given us a
critical biography that makes a significant contribution to Pentecostal church
history. In discussing Bosworth's life history, Richmann presents the
evangelist as a central figure in the Pentecostal movements in both the early
20th century and the Post-World War II healing revival. He shows how Bosworth's
views on evidential tongues, revival meetings, and divine healing have left an
indelible impression on the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Richmann highlights his close relationship with famous revivalists and some of the most prominent leaders in the Assemblies of God and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He digs deeply into his roots with the Methodist church, as well as his time in Zion City, IL and Dallas, Texas. He also offers fresh insight into his relationship with William Branham and The Voice of Healing. In short, Richmann shows in striking detail how Bosworth preached and prayed for the sick in his undying
pursuit of the supernatural. Richmann writes:
“A recurring theme in this book ... is that
pentecostalism’s distinctive core, driving impulse, and cultural significance
is found not in the doctrine of initial evidence or the legacy of Azusa Street,
but in the quest for the supernatural that was inherited from the radical
holiness movement of the late nineteenth century.”
The book is endorsed by Candy Gunther Brown, author of Testing Prayer: Science
and Healing, and Roger Robins, a professor with the University of Tokyo. According to Brown, “Richmann rightly foregrounds the
theme of supernaturalism, epitomized by divine healing (more than speaking in
tongues).” In Robins’ view, the book is a “lively biography of an
underappreciated figure and a much-needed historical corrective, recovering the
central place in early Pentecostalism of those independent currents that elude
traditional narratives built around Azusa Street or denominational expressions
of the movement.”
I invite you to stay tuned for my full review.
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Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow
@bosworth_fred
Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the
Healer," can be purchased here with
a 25% discount. Use the discount code: BOSWORTH25.
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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here.
Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to
Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or
roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow
this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer
#BosworthMention #BosworthMatters
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