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 with the work of various pastors and Christian teachers. While each nation often assumes that it began the movement alone, the movement developed in various nations of the world nearly simultaneously.

Many Pentecostal denominations came from the Holiness movement of the 19th century, and many still claim those historical and theological roots.

United States

Two of the more notable early leaders in Pentecostalism in America are Charles Parham and William Seymour.

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.

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.