Religious Fundamentalism

Full Reports on the Bible & Theology Course - 2004

Characteristics of Pentecostal Churches

Pentecostals consider unity, fraternity, and holiness as important virtues in Christian life. Non-conformism is an important characteristic of Pentecostalism. Pentecostal churches are free churches and they believe only in the local churches. For them, any organization beyond the local is "unbiblical" and therefore unacceptable. They are congregational in Church structure, meaning that they safeguard the autonomy of the local congregation that elects or appoints its ministers or pastors. The main characteristics of Pentecostal churches are the following:

1. Centrality of the Bible: Pentecostals consider the Bible as the sole authority. According to them, the Bible is the infallible rule of faith and conduct. In their approach to the Bible, they are fundamentalist. They also believe in the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. According to an all-India survey, almost all Pentecostals believe that "whatever is said in the Bible is literally true." They try to prove what they teach or preach from the Bible is the absolute truth. Pentecostals are generally against any critical analysis or scientific approach to the Bible. They do not accept the deuterocanonical books as inspired. Pentecostals maintain that "the Bible has answers to all our problems."
   
   
2. Main Beliefs: The theology of Pentecostalism is drawn principally from Methodist and Baptist tenets and it is generally fundamentalist. No single body of doctrine is universally accepted by all groups. Certain beliefs are held in common, such as: (a) The Premillennial Second Advent of Christ and the imminence of that second coming (b) Salvation by conversion and revival (c) Instantaneous sanctification and (d) Divine healing. Pentecostals also believe in the (1) Doctrine of Trinity (2) Mystery of Incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, and the second coming of Jesus Christ (3) Virginal conception of Jesus Christ and (4) Atonement through His vicarious death on the cross. (vicarious death: a death suffered by a person as a substitute for another person or for the benefit of another person)
   
   For Pentecostals, Jesus is the only Saviour and Mediator. Therefore, they reject the mediation of Mary and other saints. They do not accept the doctrine of Immaculate Conception of Mary. They also reject the concept of the purgatory and hence praying for the dead.
   
   
3. Puritan Morality: Pentecostals generally follow a very strict moral code. They look with contempt "the culture of modernity" and its technological achievements and consumerist orientation. The use of tobacco and alcohol is generally forbidden. Many consider watching television, seeing movies, and wearing jewellery morally wrong. Some are opposed even to medical treatment. They generally avoid luxurious life, and the use of cosmetics and amusements.
   
   
4. Sacraments: Pentecostals practice adult baptism by immersion, and the Lord's Supper.
   
   Pentecostals do not believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, but in consubstantiation. Consubstantiation is the doctrine held by Martin Luther, according to whom, after the consecration, both the bread & wine and the Body & Blood of Christ coexist. Transubstantiation is the Catholic belief that the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine, at their consecration, transform to the body and blood of Christ while still keeping the looks of bread and wine.
   
   Ordination is given to those who are set apart for ministry. This is given by the leaders of the church by laying on hands.
   
   [Please see: The Seven Catholic Sacraments @ Category: THE CHURCH >> Sacraments]
   
   
5. Worship and Ministry: Pentecostal worship is not very ritualistic or liturgical but spontaneous in character. It is a free worship. Breaking the bread and preaching the Word of God are given prime importance in Pentecostal worship. Evangelization is recognized as the supreme task of the Pentecostal churches. The greatest strength of their ministry is their house visit. They visit the houses of Christians and non-Christians and provide care and guidance to the people in need. They are zealous in organizing street preaching and distributing pamphlets. They believe in faith healing. Truly, deep faith in God is a characteristic of Pentecostalism.

Conclusion: It is true that there are extreme positions in the Pentecostal churches. However, it is an indisputable fact that the Pentecostal Movement has exerted great influence on all other churches. This is very well seen in the Charismatic Renewal Movement in all mainline churches, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.

Introduction   Biblical Fundamentalism   Challenges Today
Book of Revelation & Fundamentalism   Jehovah's Witnesses   Teachings of JWs
Pentecostal Churches   Characteristics of Pentecostals

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