Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism is a belief system within Protestant Christianity that traditionally emphasizes divine healing and the modern work of the Holy Spirit.

History

The Pentecostal movement became popular in the late 19th through early 20th century as a logical growth from the Holiness movement of the 19th century. The Pentecostal movement became distinct due to the emphasis of Glossolalia, or "speaking in tongues" as the initial evidence of having received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine was originally promoted by Holiness evangelist Charles Parham. It was the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, led by William Seymour in 1906, however, that launched the worldwide Pentecostal movement. An alternative minority theory de-emphasizes the role of Azusa street in favor of simultaneous worldwide development.

Beliefs

The beliefs of Pentecostals are generally in line with the rest of Evangelical Christianity: holding to Biblical fundamentalism, the Trinity (with some notable exceptions), and Armenianism. What makes Pentecostals distinct is their emphasis on the power of God to heal the individual instantaneously--often referred to as "divine healing." Their other distinction is the belief that the Baptism or Filling of the Holy Spirit is available to believers today and often manifests itself in the model of Acts chapter 2 in the New Testament. The latter work often manifests itself in glossolalia or "speaking in other tongues."

Worldwide variations

Pentecostalism has taken hold in many nations worldwide and has notably experienced rapid increases in South America, Northern Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Denominations

Pentecostalism has many varying beliefs within itself, thus many Pentecostal denominations exist. Some notable examples include:

• Assemblies of God
• Church of God in Christ
• Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
• Pentecostal Holiness
• Oneness

Acceptance by other Christians

Pentecostals were largely ridiculed by many Christian denominations early in its existence. However, as a result of the Pentecostal acceptance of Evangelical beliefs and associations, it has become more accepted on a world scale. A common critique of Pentecostal services is an over-reliance on emotion or other charismata.