What is Pentecostalism?
So What is Pentecostalism?
When you hear the term “Pentecostalism” what connotations are immediately associated?
As noted in our introduction, to begin our first unit of the course, we are going to be devoted to first defining some key terms to keep in mind throughout the course. Today’s video, therefore, will consider questions such as: What, exactly, is Pentecostalism? What marks out the classical Pentecostal movement from other segments of Christianity, including the broader charismatic movement?
If you were asked for a definition of classical Pentecostalism, how would you respond? What do you think makes the movement unique, distinctive? Keep these questions in mind as you watch this week’s video.
^ Shortcode ^
There's More to this story
Particularly to outsiders who have little experience with, or knowledge of, the Pentecostal movement, it can be tempting to simply reduce Pentecostal identity to spiritual gifts or a certain style of worship.
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?
Test Yourself
Answer
Talk it Through
-
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?
-
2 Replies
-
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.
-
- 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.
Log in to reply.