Pentecostalism stands as one of the fastest-growing Christian traditions in the world, in terms of new converts. The movement has exploded in the century since its inception, taking the Christian world by storm. Believers and non-believers alike are drawn to Pentecostal revivals in search of an awe-inspiring experiential faith. But what is the basis of this faith tradition? Pentecostalism is hardly a unified entity, so what is it that actually brings all of these Pentecostal churches together underneath the same umbrella? There are two doctrinal understandings which are both fundamental to and very particular to Pentecostalism: Holy Ghost Baptism and Tongues. In the following series of blog posts I will be doing my best to analyze these two doctrines, relying on Pentecostal theologians, preachers, and historians, and then providing my own personal take on them. The first two parts of this series will be largely uncontroversial, as we'll be talking about history and theology as it is presented within Pentecostalism.
So let's get down to it, shall we? Before we can even begin engaging with Pentecostal theology, we must first go over the basics of the history of the Pentecostal movement. How did these Pentecostal denominations come about? How did the movement itself begin? What is it about this movement that is so different from other charismatic movements in the history of Christianity? Click on "Part I" below to begin the series. Or, if you have already read through Part I, or you simply aren't interested in the historical roots of Pentecostalism, skip ahead by clicking on either Part II or Part III. Part I: The History of the Pentecostal Movement Part II: Pentecostal Theology on Holy Ghost Baptism and Tongues Part III: Reflections from a Catholic Mind |