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Dr. Christopher J. Richmann Publishes New Book on F.F. Bosworth

His research presents a significant contribution to pentecostalism and church history

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"
Copyright (c) 2020
 

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

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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).

For more information on Living in Bible Times, visit here or follow this link:

https://wipfandstock.com/living-in-bible-times.html

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