Margaret Feinberg’s New Book Explores the Holy Spirit
People who know Margaret Feinberg often mention how her energy lights up any room. She’s well-regarded for her vibrant personality and her passionate storytelling. Her latest book, God You Need to Know, delves into the significance and might of the Holy Spirit, particularly as it appears in the Old Testament. Feinberg points out that while many associate the Holy Spirit with the New Testament, there’s a wealth of insights to be found in both parts of the Bible.
Crosswalk Headline: What was your inspiration for discussing the Holy Spirit? Margaret Feinberg: Well, I first contemplated this back in 2019. I’ve had a relationship with the Holy Spirit throughout my life, yet I also witnessed various abuses associated with its name. I was cautious, given the community I serve, about bringing this topic up. But once 2020 hit and things got chaotic, I knew it was time. We were all trying to regain a sense of grounding, not just in our lives but also in our understanding of the Holy Spirit.
CWH: Was there a specific cornerstone for your writing? MF: I stumbled upon the works of Jack Levinson from Texas, who conducts deep academic research on the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. This opened my eyes to aspects of the Bible that I had never fully appreciated. Growing up in the church, I had heard numerous sermons, but suddenly, I realized how prominent and impactful the Holy Spirit is in the Old Testament.
CWH: How do most believers approach the study of the Holy Spirit? MF: Typically, many jump straight into the New Testament for insights. They want to grasp who the Holy Spirit is and where it fits into the biblical narrative. I encourage readers to trace it back to Genesis, discovering the Holy Spirit’s presence right from the beginning in the Old Testament. Admittedly, there are times the Old Testament feels dry, yet occasionally, you encounter passages that truly embody the spirit’s essence.
CWH: How did you decide to portray biblical figures and their stories? MF: The term “Holy Spirit” appears around 100 times in various translations of the Old Testament. Different translations often refer to the spirit as ‘wind’ or ‘breath,’ which means that readers, including myself, may have missed references to the Holy Spirit due to these varied interpretations.
CWH: Can you highlight some instances of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? MF: Certainly! In Genesis, the Holy Spirit hovers over the waters, and in Acts chapter 2, we see the spirit manifest as tongues of fire descending upon the gathered crowds. Also, David noted that the spirit rested upon him—a concept reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament.
