Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology

Background: The Holy Spirit is becoming increasingly marginalised in contemporary Christian theology and practice, particularly as churches grapple with the technological and philosophical implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Objectives: This study examines pneumatological theory...

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Main Authors: Rendani C. Nthakheni, Ndidzulafhi Mudau
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2025-06-01
Series:African Journal of Pentecostal Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/53
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author Rendani C. Nthakheni
Ndidzulafhi Mudau
author_facet Rendani C. Nthakheni
Ndidzulafhi Mudau
author_sort Rendani C. Nthakheni
collection DOAJ
description Background: The Holy Spirit is becoming increasingly marginalised in contemporary Christian theology and practice, particularly as churches grapple with the technological and philosophical implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Objectives: This study examines pneumatological theory within Trinitarian theology through the lens of 4IR technologies, addressing systematic marginalisation, reductionism and insufficient theological inquiry of the Holy Spirit. Method: The study employs qualitative theological approaches that include historical-critical analysis and systematic theology, as well as a thorough biblical assessment of major pneumatological texts and an investigation into the historical evolution of Trinitarian theology. Results: The study finds important gaps in present pneumatological understanding, establishes the Holy Spirit’s distinct personhood within the Trinity and indicates the Spirit’s critical role in both church and individual spirituality that goes beyond functional dimensions. Conclusion: A strong pneumatological framework is required for Christians navigating the digital age, one that recognises the Spirit’s role in technical innovation while maintaining theological purity. Contribution: This study advances theological scholarship by proposing novel models for understanding the Holy Spirit’s operation in digital environments and providing practical applications of pneumatological insights for current Christian communities using 4IR technology.
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series African Journal of Pentecostal Studies
spelling doaj-art-a7d784b5d64c4ff9887b9c567de5794a2025-08-20T03:29:27ZengAOSISAfrican Journal of Pentecostal Studies3005-61362025-06-0121e1e710.4102/ajops.v2i1.5329Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theologyRendani C. Nthakheni0Ndidzulafhi Mudau1Department of Human Science, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, University of Venda, ThohoyandouDepartment of Human Science, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, University of Venda, ThohoyandouBackground: The Holy Spirit is becoming increasingly marginalised in contemporary Christian theology and practice, particularly as churches grapple with the technological and philosophical implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Objectives: This study examines pneumatological theory within Trinitarian theology through the lens of 4IR technologies, addressing systematic marginalisation, reductionism and insufficient theological inquiry of the Holy Spirit. Method: The study employs qualitative theological approaches that include historical-critical analysis and systematic theology, as well as a thorough biblical assessment of major pneumatological texts and an investigation into the historical evolution of Trinitarian theology. Results: The study finds important gaps in present pneumatological understanding, establishes the Holy Spirit’s distinct personhood within the Trinity and indicates the Spirit’s critical role in both church and individual spirituality that goes beyond functional dimensions. Conclusion: A strong pneumatological framework is required for Christians navigating the digital age, one that recognises the Spirit’s role in technical innovation while maintaining theological purity. Contribution: This study advances theological scholarship by proposing novel models for understanding the Holy Spirit’s operation in digital environments and providing practical applications of pneumatological insights for current Christian communities using 4IR technology.https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/53holy spirittrinitypneumatologyfourth industrial revolutiontheological anthropologydigital theologybiblical exegesis
spellingShingle Rendani C. Nthakheni
Ndidzulafhi Mudau
Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
African Journal of Pentecostal Studies
holy spirit
trinity
pneumatology
fourth industrial revolution
theological anthropology
digital theology
biblical exegesis
title Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
title_full Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
title_fullStr Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
title_full_unstemmed Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
title_short Pneumatology in the digital age: Reimagining the Holy Spirit’s role in Trinitarian theology
title_sort pneumatology in the digital age reimagining the holy spirit s role in trinitarian theology
topic holy spirit
trinity
pneumatology
fourth industrial revolution
theological anthropology
digital theology
biblical exegesis
url https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/53
work_keys_str_mv AT rendanicnthakheni pneumatologyinthedigitalagereimaginingtheholyspiritsroleintrinitariantheology
AT ndidzulafhimudau pneumatologyinthedigitalagereimaginingtheholyspiritsroleintrinitariantheology