Pentecostal
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| − | The Charismatic Movement is a closely related movement which follows Pentecostal practices but tends to do so in a more subdued manner with a contemporary worship style, and exists as a subculture within many "mainline" denominations (Methodist, [[Catholic]], Episcopalian, Baptist). Today, some old-school Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God, and the newer Calvary Chapel and Vineyard Fellowship, are more likely to self-identify as Charismatic rather than Pentecostal. Many independent [[megachurch]]es and [[televangelism]] ministries are part of the Charismatic Movement. | + | The Charismatic Movement is a closely related movement which follows Pentecostal practices but tends to do so in a more subdued manner with a contemporary worship style, and exists as a subculture within many "mainline" denominations (Methodist, [[Catholic]], Episcopalian, Baptist). Today, some old-school Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God, and the newer Calvary Chapel and Vineyard Fellowship, are more likely to self-identify as Charismatic rather than Pentecostal. Many independent [[megachurch]]es and [[televangelism]] ministries are part of the Charismatic Movement. Another term used interchangably with Pentecostalism is Full Gospel, used by some churches to denote their belief in the Pentecostal gifts, and by some Charismatic para-church organizations such as the Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship International. |
Pentecostals and Charismatics are occasionally referred to as "holy rollers", after a particular group who used to roll around on the floor when [[demonic possession|possessed]] by the "Holy Spirit." This was somewhat more spectacular to watch than the [[Quaker|Quakers]] and the [[Shakers]], who just used to quiver a bit. Other manifestations of the Holy Spirit include prophecy, by which God tells his congregations stuff they already know, and speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues, which works the same as prophecy but shares the guilt between two. | Pentecostals and Charismatics are occasionally referred to as "holy rollers", after a particular group who used to roll around on the floor when [[demonic possession|possessed]] by the "Holy Spirit." This was somewhat more spectacular to watch than the [[Quaker|Quakers]] and the [[Shakers]], who just used to quiver a bit. Other manifestations of the Holy Spirit include prophecy, by which God tells his congregations stuff they already know, and speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues, which works the same as prophecy but shares the guilt between two. | ||
Revision as of 23:23, 6 June 2010
Pentecostal is a term used within Christianity to denote those Christians who place a primary emphasis on the so-called "gifts of the Holy Spirit". According to Pentecostals, "gifts" such as faith healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues occupy a primary place in the life of the church. Some Pentecostals also follow practices such as foot washing found which can be found in the Bible but are not practiced in other Christian denominations. The movement started circa 1900 at a revival meeting in Azusa, California.
A core belief is in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent act of grace after salvation. Most Pentecostals believe the initial evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.
Many non-Pentecostal Christians believe phenomena such as speaking in tongues and faith healing are no longer active or at least not widespread.
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Denominations
Pentecostal denominations include hundreds of groups, of which the most prominent include the Assemblies of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, the Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the Church of God In Christ, the Church of God of Prophecy, Calvary Chapel, and the Vineyard Fellowship.
Charismatic Movement
The Charismatic Movement is a closely related movement which follows Pentecostal practices but tends to do so in a more subdued manner with a contemporary worship style, and exists as a subculture within many "mainline" denominations (Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Baptist). Today, some old-school Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God, and the newer Calvary Chapel and Vineyard Fellowship, are more likely to self-identify as Charismatic rather than Pentecostal. Many independent megachurches and televangelism ministries are part of the Charismatic Movement. Another term used interchangably with Pentecostalism is Full Gospel, used by some churches to denote their belief in the Pentecostal gifts, and by some Charismatic para-church organizations such as the Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship International.
Pentecostals and Charismatics are occasionally referred to as "holy rollers", after a particular group who used to roll around on the floor when possessed by the "Holy Spirit." This was somewhat more spectacular to watch than the Quakers and the Shakers, who just used to quiver a bit. Other manifestations of the Holy Spirit include prophecy, by which God tells his congregations stuff they already know, and speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues, which works the same as prophecy but shares the guilt between two.
The fringes
The snake handling sects found in Appalachia are mostly off-shoots of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) denomination. The practice began under minister George W. Hensley. He and the other snake handlers were ultimately expelled from the Church of God circa 1922.
Many of the prominent televangelists who made their names operating faith healing crusades come from Pentecostal or Charismatic backgrounds, including Oral Roberts, Peter Popoff, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Paul Crouch, and Morris Cerullo. Pat Robertson, although a Baptist, follows a Pentecostal belief system. "Name it and claim it" theology is notably rampant among Pentecostal and Charismatic televangelists these days.
Pentecostal evangelists seem to have a knack for being caught in adultery scandals. Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart are the poster children for this, having been caught in adultery scandals within months of each other in 1987.[1]
Theological differences
A notable theological division among Pentecostals concerns the proper formula to recite during baptism. Most recite "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". The United Pentecostal Church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and the followers of William Branham, believe baptism should only be done with the words "In the name of Jesus", and go so far as to insist that those who were baptized the other way have to be re-baptized or they are in danger of losing their salvation.
Other theological divisions exist: Pentecostals who have roots in the Holiness movement believe the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a third act of grace, after salvation and sanctification. Most other Pentecostals believe the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second act of grace after salvation. There are also the usual divisions between those who believe in dispensationalism and those who do not, and those who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture (i.e. the Christians will be raptured off the earth before a seven year tribulation period) and those who hold to other views on the timing of the rapture, such as post-tribulation (the rapture will happen after the seven year tribulation) and post-millenial (the rapture will happen after the church ushers in 1000 years of peace).
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ A better name for them might be Pantycostals