• January 23, 2023

The Pentecostals: a religion of fools and holy rollers or a revival of the faith?

Amy is cheerful, full of laughter and love, and is always ready to tackle difficult discussions about religion, society, politics, literature, or whatever the subject may be. She reads widely, stays informed, and enjoys intellectual repartee. She also listens with understanding and speaks warmly rather than arguing religious ideas and principles that may differ from others. Amy is from Virginia, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who advocated reason as the path to truth. So how can Amy follow a Pentecostal minister and church in Natchitoches, Louisiana? I went to find out.

First, a little history. Many churches today, both Protestant and Catholic, have a charismatic arm, a segment that believes in a more demonstrative form of worship as opposed to the traditional ceremonies many Christians are familiar with.

These charismatic people can be seen shouting, clapping, swaying and talking loudly, in ways that would be considered rude or impolite in other circles, but for them they are ways to feel their faith and immerse themselves in the joy of it. These are people who take their faith seriously and show their joy openly. In fact, they are not afraid to “make a happy noise.” They speak of miracles, both physical and spiritual, of healing, of hearing and seeing visions, and the ability to literally cure the body of its illnesses. Some argue that these charismatics are too “extra-biblical” in the sense that they go beyond words to the individual reception and expression of the Holy Spirit. Others see them as an energizing force that facilitates a spiritual rebirth. But whatever they are, they are growing and making a difference in their various congregations.

Pentecostals are the “original” or “classic” charismatics in belief and behavior; and its historical development could be seen as the basis of practices in majority groups. According to most authorities, “classical Pentecostalism” began in the early 20th century. The movement emphasized the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of this baptism was speaking in tongues showing that spiritual gifts had been received. This belief and practice caused the removal of Pentecostals from the mainline churches. Consequently, they founded their own churches which became known as the Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Assemblies of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and the Church of God in Christ. . Famous people like Aimee Semple McPherson and Sarah Palin have been part of this religious group.

According to Reverend Whitehead of the Fountain of Life Church in Natchitoches, the Pentecostal movement of the early 20th century was a renewal of what had been recorded in the Book of Acts and what had been the belief and behavior of the early Christians. . Speaking in tongues as a witness to the infusion of the Holy Spirit was part of the worship response throughout the centuries of Christian practice and just became particularly pronounced and recorded in the early 20th century. Pentecostals believe in prayer, fasting, and abstinence, but unlike some major groups, they do not set aside a special time like Lent for these practices. They emphasize modesty in dress and demeanor so that women don’t wear pants like men don’t wear dresses, according to the Rev. Whitehead. No one, however, has to take a vow of poverty and give everything to the church. Pentecostals believe that people should prosper, be responsible for all things, and live the gospel life. They also believe in baptism by total immersion, which is like a death and therefore represents the rebirth of the Spirit.

Reverend Whitehead and I discuss current controversies over religion and politics. He told me that he encourages members of his church to vote but doesn’t tell them how to vote. Although he does not find a Biblical warning against preachers running for political office, he believes that it is very difficult for a preacher to be a politician because of the duties and responsibilities that are unique to each one. He sees the ministry as a calling rather than a profession, but notes that it is important to know and understand the Bible well. Reverend Whitehead is well-spoken and well-read, challenging some stereotypes about Pentecostal ministers and their flock. He has had three years of education at the Bible School in Texas, but spoke about his continuing learning through life experiences and being a pastor for 40 years.

Pentecostals are Christocentric, they believe in reading the Bible and, according to Reverend Whitehead, their most important message would be: “Jesus is God, and you are not saved just by being sincere, although that is the prevailing belief in the world. It is important to challenge on the basis of Scripture and recognize that sincerity is not the method of salvation.

So this is the sum of Pentecostals: a style of worship that some may view as different but coherent and consistent in its presentation and belief and worthy of consideration and respect. The style of worship may seem dramatic and different to some, but walk into a Catholic church if you were raised as a Mormon and you will find it different. A lot depends on the culture and set of beliefs that we come with when we look at someone else’s religion. Some people who come from religions that make others believe they are foolish are themselves foolish for not allowing for individual differences and failing to understand that these people can be sincere, thoughtful, and intelligent people. Like Amy — and her minister.

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