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Christianity Today, September (Web-only), 2008 |

All You Need to Know About the Assemblies of God

A primer for Palin watchers and others.

Rich Tatum | posted 9/16/2008 02:14PM

"She is a longtime member of the Assemblies of God. That's all you need to know."

That's how political blogger Andrew Sullivan recently summarized Governor Sarah Palin's faith background.

But entertain ...

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Xeno77777

Posted: September 29, 2008 9:52 PM

I consider Honor of The Holy Spirit of The Truth Above All Else; to be the Crown Virtue, or First Ranked Virtue, that is necessary to guarantee that all lesser Virtues, including Courage-the Second Ranked Virtue, will be used only for the Good. So many do not correctly interpret correctly the words of Jesus; but insert any old thing their enthusiasm of the moment dredges up out of random thoughts popping in and out of their consciousness. People who do not study the literature of Ancient Times, cannot expect to correctly interpret their language

Question

Posted: September 25, 2008 10:12 AM


The way I understand it......in biblical times the speaking of tongues was so that everyone could understand...it crossed all language barriers. Today when someone supposedly speaks in tongues no one understands what is being said....so what is the purpose of it? Thanks

Darrin Rodgers

Posted: September 24, 2008 7:54 PM

Aaron, the AG -- and most other US Classical Pentecostal denominations -- teaches that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of spirit baptism, not of salvation. You also stated that not enough attention has been given to race in the AG. Actually, current AG leadership places a very high priority on the inclusion at all levels of people from various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. I work at AG Headquarters and am privileged to participate in leadership meetings. Racial inclusion has been a priority in most meetings I have attended. The AG has a mixed record on race and, over the past two decades, has been striving to find ways to right past wrongs. For more info on the history of racial inclusion and exclusion in the AG, see my article, "The Assemblies of God and the Long Journey toward Racial Reconciliation," accessible here: http://www.ifphc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=heritage.currentIssue

Nancy

Posted: September 24, 2008 5:05 PM

I am not a member of the AOG but have one thing to say to those who call themselves Christians and then say they do not believe what the Bible says on all these critical issues---then why do you not just throw out your Bibles and close up your churches??? Stop criticising those of us who love the gospel of love and grace and forgiveness and are trying to live a life pleasing to God while you criticize your own brothers and sisters in the Lord? You are either for God or against Him--there is no grey. There will be NO denominations in heaven---only followers of Christ----ALL races and nations included. Sara believes this too----there are many many black charasmatics and AOG members along with other nationalities.. Our country was founded on Judeo Christian values and also always have respected other religions ----for those who can't respect that---Go back home or elsewhere but don't call yourself an American! We are sick of it!

Dave	Posted: September 24, 2008 1:54 PM


Regarding "Anonymous" query. The name of the Magazine is "Christianity Today". DUH!

John	Posted: September 24, 2008 11:26 AM

As a fourth-generation Pentecostal (A/G and CoG) pastor, I am still hoping that Ms. Palin or someone in the campaign will make clear how she holds her faith (and especially her eschatology) in tension with her politics. Already the dem-libs and mainstream media have tried to paint her beliefs as essentially equivalent to radical Islamofascism, especially with regard to her view of the end of the world. One thing that I think needs to be made abundantly clear from the McCain-Palin campaign is how Ms. Palin's view of the end times differs from the eschatology of, say, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Radical Islamofascism seeks to take over the world for Allah by any means possible, while Christian premillenialism as taught by the A/G realizes that ultimately only the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth will bring about the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

J. Marks

Posted: September 24, 2008 10:28 AM

Having been a member of 2 A/G churches, as well as the Methodist church, I found this article to be quite accurate. I did NOT find it to be "a warning" however. I found it to be quite encouraging in this day and age!! We need more Sarah Palins, certainly in our government. Pentecostal and Charismatic people are not racist, neither are they in need of psychiatric help because they embrace these beliefs. Jesus is where the focus is put....not on the denomination and you can find people of all races in most of these churches and prayer groups. As for those who have gone to an extreme.....every religion on the face of this earth has had those who have gone over their edges too.

Aaron

Posted: September 24, 2008 9:53 AM

It has always been my understanding, and having been a AOG member for 5 years (no longer ), my experience, that the AOG believed that the use of tongues was the "initial evidence" of salvation, as opposed to charismatics who affirm the gifts of the Holy Spirit but not as evidence of salvation. This always posed a problem for me -- and the article seems a bit deceptive on the issue wherein it states that tongues are not "required for salvation". I also believe that there has been an overemphasis on the doctrine of healing and manifestations, which divides the Body of Christ, but that's more a personal matter. What is more important to me is that there is very little attention given tot he racial divide that occurs with Pentecostalism which led to the formation of COGIC -- let's be real here, there was alot of racism in the early years of the AOG which seems to still be prevalent today. Can anyone comment or shed light on any of the above? Thanks, your brother in Christ.

Will	Posted: September 24, 2008 9:38 AM

Palin is merely McCain's desparate attempt to add Presidency to his resume. But it won't work. Neither he, nor her, are what will be good for the American people, their Republic, or the world -- in fact they will be, if elected (likely fraudulently, if they are), just the opposite -- horrible leaders, without any mind's eye for what we need or want, or for what's good for the people of the world in our community of nations. America's future is at stake here -- and McCain is definately being aided by the 'evil one' in his vain, desparate attempt to hoodwink Americans voters.

Mel	Posted: September 24, 2008 9:20 AM

I don't understand how someone could judge an entire denomination based on one experience with one church. Churches differ, even within a denomination. Making that assumption is only stereotyping, which is a form of judgment. It is a shame that the one church body did not provide adequate food in a time of need, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all the churches are the same way. We all need grace.

Bobbie

Posted: September 24, 2008 8:49 AM

It is unfair to judge an entire denomination by the actions of a few fringe AOG churchs. Being in the AOG for 35 yrs, I have not seen or expierenced "Holy Laughter" "Silver fillings turning to gold" or some of the other bizzare things that happened in Lake Land, FL. As far as devine healing goes, I am a believer after being healed of the Rheumatoid Arthritis (which there is no cure) that I was diagnosed with as a child. No wonder after reading your article, that I am asked if we handle snakes at our church. There is a Baptist church I have visited and the Pastor's believe in speaking in tongues and devine healing. Would I be correct in stating that all Baptists believe in these gifts? I don't think so.

Pam Houston

Posted: September 24, 2008 7:59 AM


Great article. I was impressed up until the last paragraph. What has she been doing in the last 6 years? She hasn't attended church at all or someplace else? If not, why?

Rich Tatum 5

Posted: September 24, 2008 7:56 AM

@Pat. You wrote, "Who are any of you to say what is orthodox or not anyway?" Timothy Tennent (PhD, Univ. of Edinburgh) noted: “A common problem that plagues most attempts to define and characterize Pentecostalism is that the emphasis is often placed on the distinctiveness of Pentecostal faith and experience rather than on the broad agreement between Pentecostals and evangelicals. Therefore, it should be made clear from the outset that the overwhelming majority of Pentecostal groups are solidly within the boundaries of historic Christian orthodoxy. … Indeed most Pentecostals, although typically noncreedal, are able to affirm every phrase of the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed ... most Pentecostals do not claim to bring any new teachings at all, but rather a restoration of biblical and apostolic faith. In short, Pentecostals are our brothers and sisters in Christ, from whom we have much to learn.” (Theology in the Context of World Christianity, page 165-6) Regards, Rich.

Rich Tatum 4

Posted: September 24, 2008 7:50 AM

@Johann. You wrote, "Is there any heresy that Christianity Today does not embrace? ... Pentecostalism is a syncretic New Age faith that embraces every belief and ritual that will appeal to the masses, no matter how much those beliefs deviate from real Christianity." It would be interesting to see your Bible. Do you excise the Book of Acts? How do you read 1 Corinthians 12-14? You continue, "I don't want a President who believes that every thought and emotion she has is a direct message from God." If this is what you believe typical Pentecostals teach, you are mistaken. Regards, Rich.

Rich Tatum 3

Posted: September 24, 2008 7:45 AM

@Observer, you wrote, "What I did not know was that it started in 1901. ... How is it that tongues and other spiritual gifts did not exist in churches until then?" You didn't read my article closely enough. I wrote: "While some scholars have traced a thread of Pentecostal and charismatic expressions throughout church history, the modern renewal began with the "touch felt around the world" on January 1, 1901." That thread exists, and those of P/c persuasion do not see biblical support for the claim that charisms disappeared upon Paul's death or the creation of the canon. Rich

Rebecca

Posted: September 24, 2008 4:23 AM

As the saying now goes..At the end of the day..What is basic and true and important to the "True Believer" The Bible in the Inspired Word of God and the Plumb Line for for guidence. Jesus "Died and shed His Blood for the SINS of ALL. This Salvation was given to all who Believe in Jesus and accept HIm as their Personal Savior. Our Faith molds our lives and our thinking. Our growth in our Faith is a process. What we may have thought at the early stage of our Christian Journey may very well change as we Walk this journey everyday. I've been a Follower of Jesus and the Bible for 0ver 60 years. It has been a Journey.I've also attended and active in several different Christian Churches over my 60 years. Each church had a little different way of Worshiping, but the one thing that brings ALL CHristians together is the belief in the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ and the fact that one day All who Believe in Jesus will be together in Heaven. People shouldn't JUDGE what they no nothing about.

Just an observation

Posted: September 23, 2008 11:19 PM


Funny...if speaking in tongues is of the devil or not of God, then why isn't it spoken in bars, parties, abusive situations, concerts where Christ is mocked and all things/places/people that do not follow after the Lord Jesus?

Ken	Posted: September 23, 2008 10:15 PM

I am amazed at the arrogant ignorance of these people who look down on those who belong to denominations. Hello???!! There is no such thing as a nondenominational church, even if your church calls itself one. The pastor of your little storefront church may not be subject to a denominational authority (which would seem to be a dangerous situation) but your beliefs put you squarely within a denominational framework. When these people call themselves cimply "Christian" or "nondenominational", it's just a silly attempt to make themselves seem like the heirs of the Apostles, and that they're above petty denominational arguments. Baloney. You're a denomination. You're just not honest enough to admit it.

Pat	Posted: September 23, 2008 9:59 PM

I find it so amusing that Protestants can use the word "orthodox". Apparently, the concept is so elastic that it now includes cults like the AoG and Pentecostalism. Who are any of you to say what is orthodox or not anyway? You say the Bible is your authority, but no book can interpret itself, so what we're really left with are your opinions and human judgment. And that differs from person to person. I guess that's why so many divergent beliefs are classified by you as "orthodox". And let's get something straight: Palin is still a Pentecostal. Yes, she now attends a "non-denominational" church, but we all know that "non-denominational" is usually a code word for "Pentecostal", as are terms like "Full Gospel", "Spirit-filled", etc. "Non-denominational" is a deceptive marketing term, intended to package the church in consumer-friendly terms so as to appeal to the widest number of people. She is still a Pentecostal.

paula barnoskie

Posted: September 23, 2008 9:46 PM


A denomination does not a believer make.

sterotyped

Posted: September 23, 2008 9:25 PM

Our country today is going to fall just as the bible says it will, I believe that because I have faith in Christ our Lord and his word (the bible) I also go to pentecostal church but I put myself in the catagory of Christians not labled by denomination and only ingnorance of Gods word allows people to judge others about their beliefs, so I hope Sara continues to practice her belief and prays about not just spritual matters but about every matter in her life. Its amazing how God can and will lead and guide us in all areas of our life if we just get out of the way and love one another as we are commandedby the scriptures. I thank God everyday for my salvation and for leaders that arent afraid to share their God.

Nan	Posted: September 23, 2008 9:17 PM

While this article gives one an small idea of what AG church members believe, it seems there is much more not said that gives a truer picture. I agree with Marty, re. her change of churches six years ago. Regardless of all that, the important thing is, that Sarah Palin loves and serves the Lord, and that she is not ashamed of her faith, even while being persecuted for it. Our country was founded on strong faith in God, and until we see Christian principles in our leaders, how can we sing God Bless America?

Johann

Posted: September 23, 2008 8:55 PM

Is there any heresy that Christianity Today does not embrace? Does the mere fact that a church prays to Jesus and and reads the Bible enough for CT? Pentecostalism is a syncretic New Age faith that embraces every belief and ritual that will appeal to the masses, no matter how much those beliefs deviate from real Christianity. I don't want Palin anywhere near the Presidency. I don't want a President so weak minded that she speaks in tongues. I don't want a President who is under the thumb of some dictatorial pastor/cult leader. I don't want a President who believes that every thought and emotion she has is a direct message from God. Pentecostalism is a dangerous disease that should be opposed by every true Christian, not lauded with fluff stories in Billy Graham's magazine.

Dieter Fischer

Posted: September 23, 2008 7:05 PM


According to Rich Tatum: "They (the Asseblies of God) have a high view of biblical authority and believe in the literal death and resurrection of Jesus." I say, those who do not believe in the literal death and resurrection of Jesus should not call themselves a Christian!

Observer

Posted: September 23, 2008 5:57 PM

That was interesting. What I did not know was that it started in 1901. In witnessing to my Mormon friends I point out to them that God cannot be silent and rest on the truth for 1800 years and then all of sudden create a whole new religion with new doctrines. I point out that religions that spring up out of the foundation of the Bible and add to the existing Word are almost always of the devil. I always thought A of G was a church that was started way back in Romans, but now I am not so sure. How is it that tongues and other spiritual gifts did not exist in churches until then? I surmise that those gifts ended when Paul said all the gifts we need are faith, hope and love and the greatest is love.

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