From Text to Tradition: Understanding Reception History with Dr. Marty Mittelstadt

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marty Mittlestadt from Evangel University about the intriguing concept of reception history and its significance in theology. We explored how various groups throughout history have interpreted scripture, particularly focusing on the transition from historical criticism to a reader-centred approach known as reception history. Dr. Mittlestadt emphasized that Pentecostals, influenced by their experiences, often interpret the Bible in distinctive ways, resulting in diverse understandings and practices. Through examples from the book of Acts, we discussed how different Pentecostal traditions fill in gaps in the text to align with their beliefs. We also examined the broader implications of these varied interpretations for modern theology, highlighting the importance of humility and the value of learning from different traditions. Finally, we discussed the potential of reception history to enhance our understanding of scripture moving forward. The conversation was both enlightening and engaging. I enjoyed it and I hope you will too.