Pentecostals: a religion of fools and holy rollers or a rebirth of faith?

Amy is cheerful, full of laughter and love, and is always ready to tackle difficult discussions about religion, society, politics, literature, or anything else. She reads a lot, stays informed, and enjoys intellectual retorts. He 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 championed 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. Today, many churches, 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 that many Christians are familiar with.

These charismatic people can be seen shouting, clapping, swaying, and speaking loudly, in ways that would be considered rude or impolite in other circles, but for them they are ways of feeling their faith and immersing themselves in the joy of it. They are people who take their faith seriously and openly show their joy. 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 heal the body of its ills. 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 to facilitate 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 dominant 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 main 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 testimony 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 traditional groups, they don’t reserve a special time like Lent for these practices. They emphasize modesty in dress and behavior so that women don’t wear pants like men don’t wear dresses, according to Reverend Whitehead. However, no one 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 full immersion baptism, which is like a death and therefore represents the rebirth of the Spirit.

Reverend Whitehead and I discuss the current controversies over religion and politics. He told me that he encourages members of his church to vote but does not tell them how. 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 political because of the duties and responsibilities that are unique to each. He sees ministry as a calling as opposed to a profession, but observes that it is important to know and understand the Bible well. Reverend Whitehead speaks well and reads widely, in opposition to some stereotypes about Pentecostal ministers and their flock. He has had three years of education at Texas Bible School, but spoke about his continued learning through life experiences and being a pastor for 40 years.

Pentecostals are Christ-centered, 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 because you are 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 the Pentecostals: a style of worship that some might see as different but coherent and consistent in its presentation and belief and worthy of consideration and respect. The worship style may seem dramatic and different to some, but if you’ve been raised a Mormon, walk into a Catholic church and you’ll find it different. Much 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 that they are stupid are themselves stupid for not allowing individual differences and not understanding that these people can be sincere, thoughtful and intelligent people. Like Amy — and her minister.