Traditional Pentecostal Lifestyles
Pentecostalism is an experimental version of Christianity, emphasizing the physical interaction between God and the believer, according to BBC Religions. In March 2006, there were over 20 million Pentecostals within the United States and 250 million across the world. Pentecostalism is identified by Religious Tolerance.Org as a branch of conservative Protestantism.
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Origins
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Pentecostalism is rooted in poor and disadvantaged communities within the United States. It is a relatively modern branch of Christianity, associated with the Wesleyan Holiness Movement that spread across the Carolinas and California in the 19th Century. These days, it incorporates several churches across the world, including mega-churchs like Hillsong Church in Australia. Its name signifies the Bible recount of "the day of Pentecost" in which the disciples of Jesus were baptized by the Holy Spirit, causing them to speak in tongues. Glossolalia, the ability to speak in tongues, is central to Pentecostal theology.
Lifestyle and Worship
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Diversity within Pentecostalism raises challenges in generalizing its lifestyle. In fact, BBC notes that it developed in resistance to the formality and ritualism dictating traditional Christian faith. Conversion and sanctification are crucial to Pentecostal theology, both embodying the belief in cleansing oneself from the mortal sin of past life and being dedicated to God. Although lifestyle practices such as abstinence and piety are highly valued, Pentecostals traditionally emphasizes personal openness to the Holy Spirit. PHILTAR, of the University of Cumbria, states that church congregations are characteristically theatrical, with displays of singing and dancing. Speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy, regarded as gifts from the Spirit, are also common.
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Baptism
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Baptism is a central custom in Pentecostalism, symbolic of holiness. Branches vary in their approach to baptism, dictated by the perception of sanctification. Some believe in a singular spiritual occurrence, in which an individual simultaneously renounces sin and welcomes the Holy Spirit, while others recognize it as a gradual process. All, however, emphasize the importance of personal conversion to God. Water baptism is a symbolic ceremony of the purification by the Holy Spirit, which is often considered the first baptism. "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" is a central ordinance in Pentecostalism, commemorating the day of the Pentecost. It is marked by a high presence of singing and dancing, in order to open oneself to the energy of the Holy Spirit. During this event speaking in tongues is the physical experience of God's presence.
Development
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PHILTAR claims that Pentecostalism owes its development to its symbolism and dramatic exhibits of supernatural occurrences within services. The first national organization, Assemblies of God, was established in the United States in 1914. According to the BBC, it is quickly encompassing the developing world, particularly indigenous and rural communities, which are attracted to its non-literary emphasis.
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References
Resources
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