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What is Pentecostalism
Answer the following questions in a paragraph.
- What, in your mind, is the most critical Pentecostal distinctive? Would you personally identify eschatology, Spirit baptism, healing, or another topic of interest?
- Do you find the common distinction between classical, denominational Pentecostalism and the wider charismatic movement a helpful one? Should Pentecostalism be perceived primarily as a denomination/movement or as an experience?
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2 Replies
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The most critical distinctive when speaking about Pentecostalism, to me, is Spiritual Baptism. Spiritual Baptism is proof of the transformation that occurs after being born again in Christ. It is a unique experience borne from the direct, Creator-to-Creation relationship that is central to a Pentecostal Christian life. I personally do find the distinction between classical Pentecostalism and the wider charismatic movement to be a helpful one. That being said, I also think that to call Pentecostalism simply a denomination is to weaken the testimony of an encounter with the Holy Spirit. While I do believe that Pentecostalism should be viewed as its own denomination of Christianity, additionally describing it as an experience is more accurate.
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- Pre-conversion Jared would say the most critical distinction is the talk of, the seeking after, and the proclamation of the works of the Holy Spirit. Post-conversion Jared would say the same thing oddly enough.
- I find the distinction to perhaps be somewhat dismissive to other denominations in regard to an experience with the Holy Spirit. However I will admit that it feels more likely that someone will experience/witness the presence of the Holy Spirit within the Pentecostal movement.
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