Pentecostalism is spreading rapidly throughout the world, especially to the Global South. Here is our coverage of the movement's history, beliefs, practices, and possible future.
Belief and practice
Teaching a Calvinist to Dance
In Pentecostal worship, my Reformed theology finds its groove. by James K. A. Smith | (May 16, 2008)
Grading the Movement
Three leaders talk frankly about Pentecostalism: the good, the bad, and the unpredictable. (Mar. 31, 2006)
Pentecostals: The Sequel
What will it take for this world phenomenon to stay vibrant for another 100 years? (Mar. 24, 2006)
The Pentecostal Gold Standard
After 50 years in ministry, Jack Hayford continues to confound stereotypesall to the good. (July 1, 2005)
Are Pentecostals Sex-Crazed?
John Steinbeck and Robert Duvall have portrayed them that way, and such criticism even came from inside the movement. But was it ever warranted? (Sept. 11, 2001)
Stopping Cultural Drift
An Asian Pentecostal argues that we need to know what the church is before we figure out what the church does. (November 16, 2006)
History
Our Anti-Intellectual Heritage
The history and beliefs of the Pentecostal movement, often shared by evangelicals, hold the seeds of a bias against the life of the mind. An excerpt from Full Gospel, Fractured Minds? by Rick M. Nañez (Mar. 30, 2006)
God's Peculiar People
Historian Grant Wacker explains why Pentecostals survived and even flourished. (March 18, 2002)
Explaining the Ineffable
In Heaven Below, a former Pentecostal argues that his ancestors were neither as outlandish as they seemed nor as otherworldly as they wish to seem. (Aug. 31, 2001)
Health and Wealth
Oversight Overstep
The government should not ask whether churches break God's laws. A Christianity Today editorial | January 2, 2008
Gospel Riches
Africa's rapid embrace of prosperity Pentecostalism provokes concernand hope. Isaac Phiri and Joe Maxwell | July 6, 2007
First Church of Prosperidad
Arlene Sanchez Walsh on the African-style prosperity gospel right in our backyardsin immigrant Latino churches. Interview by Madison Trammel | July 6, 2007
Good Question: Should We All Speak in Tongues?
Some say speaking in tongues is proof of 'baptism in the Holy Spirit.' Are those who haven't spoken in tongues without the Holy Spirit?Renea Chastain, Phoenix, Arizona (March 6, 2000)
Brazil's Surging Spirituality
Churches of all stripes have been growing for decades, as have the controversies and challenges facing evangelicals. (December 4, 2000)
Ecuador: Word and Spirit Together
For the first time, Pentecostal leaders are invited to a key Latino Protestant Congress. (October 23, 2000)
Uganda: Under Suspicion
Following cultic deaths of 900, independent Christian groups in Uganda come under a cloud of mistrust and fear. (May 22, 2000)
T.D. Jakes Feels Your Pain
Though critics question his theology, this fiery preacher packs arenas with a message of emotional healing. (February 7, 2000)
A Peacemaker in Provo
How one Pentecostal pastor taught his Congregation to love Mormons. (February 7, 2000)
Dialogue: Conversation or Competition?
Pentecostals, Roman Catholics in long-standing talks to resolve conflicts, discover some commonalities. (September 7, 1998)
Christian History & Biography devoted an issue to The Rise of Pentecostalism. Also from Christian History & Biography:
Pentecostalism: William Seymour
What scoffers viewed as a weird babble of tongues became a world phenomenon after his Los Angeles revival. (Christian History & Biography, January 1, 2000)
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