Christian Caricatures: Pentecostal
A look at the world’s perceived view of a “typical” Charismatic Christian, and seeking the truth in the cartoon we make of it.
Alright, this week we’ll be exploring a little outside of the “high church” traditions. And by a little, I mean a “lot-tle”. Most of the traditions we have viewed at their core have been in the ballpark of what I have grown up with and known my whole life. As a born and bred Baptist boy to a reformed theological layman, I’ve been comfortable with the standard liturgy services, the basic elements of worship and purely expository preaching that has been seen across the historical length of the Christian Church. I like facts, figures, and truths that can be observed and defended through Scripture alone.
Now, all I’ve ever known of this tradition is the caricature and the meme culture developed around it…Pentecostal/Charismatic. The screaming pastors who seem a bit “touched” and outside of reality. The congregants writhing on the ground in acts of sensationalism, given promises of exceeding physical health and material wealth if they tithe the correct amount or speak in the Holy Ghost language. I honestly held an unhealthy amount of loathing to traditions like this. It seemed as if they were to take the Gospel and distort it to their own needs without consulting Scripture.
But this was through a lens that had never experienced a tradition at its core.
What I want us to remember is while this style of worship might be out of the comfort zone for you the reader (AND the author), not all traditions lean into the same emphasis of worship that you might sit in. There is still Scriptural basis for this tradition along with others whether you agree or not.
But thats enough vamping…
Pentecostalism/Charismatic Christian Caricature:
Pentecostals are loud, over-emotional, anti-intellectual and would prioritize a dramatic spiritual experience over sound doctrine and reflective faith.
Pentecostal pastors might as well be in track suits for how much running and sweating they do during a service.
Their services are like rock concerts, full of people jumping up and down, praying for healings, and shouting "Amen" at the top of their lungs.
They’re always looking for the next big spiritual experience and believe that if you're not filled with the Holy Spirit in a dramatic way, then are you truly saved?
Your faith guarantees physical health and material wealth. Your salvation is shown by the designer clothing you wear or the bigger house you own.
Here is the reality we find out of the cartoon: Yes, Pentecostal worship is dynamic, energetic and expressive, but it is not chaotic for chaos’s sake. Pentecostals often view worship as what the future kingdom of heaven will be. They have a deep desire to experience that joy and wonderment here on earth, and view that style of worship as an outpouring of love and gratitude towards God. What should be noted as well is the tradition often reflects the cultural context of the congregation. Some Pentecostal churches may involve shouting and dancing up the aisle, while others might lean more reserved. I have seen this type of worship in all forms of denominations and traditions, so why the Pentecostal gets the spotlight for it beats me.
The anti-intellectual and over-emotional caricature is certainly a farce and tends to stem from the theological emphasis on the Holy Spirit and experiential worship that the tradition upholds. The truth is those in the tradition have a deep understanding and reverence for Scripture, are devoted to a rich and vibrant prayer life, and are committed to a personal relationship with God. They view the supernatural aspect of God and the work of the Holy Spirit as ever-present and ever-moving through His people. This is seen in the encouragement of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy. To be clear, they encourage all forms of spiritual gifts and there is no real emphasis on the ones that can be defined as supernatural, it is the caricature that illuminates them. Spiritual gifts are seen as tools for God to use His people for the movement of His Kingdom and not an ends in themselves.
Finally, let’s “prosper” into the health and wealth side of things. Simply put: Prosperity gospel teaching is not universal to the Pentecostal churches. That type of sensationalism is typically sequestered to the influence of televangelism and some charismatic megachurches than the tradition as a whole. In actuality, many Pentecostals focus instead on spiritual wealth and God’s provisions for needs rather than luxury.
Now on healing and miracles: there is a definitive belief in divine healing which is rooted in Scripture (such as James 5:14-16). While some cases of sensationalism have drawn criticism from other traditions, many Pentecostals approach healing with sincerity, prayer, and trust in God’s Sovereignty and will. Any healing and miracles are viewed as part of the active work of the Holy Spirit. That being said the tradition doesn’t use prayer for healing over medical science, but sees medical science as a complement to the works of God in this world. All knowledge comes from God, therefore medicine is seen as a modern miracle and at times an answer to prayer.
The image of a Pentecostal/Charismatic person or family personally has been shattered for me due to my fiancée and her family. Having seen firsthand the spiritual connection and reverence they have for the works and promises of God through his Word and Spirit has been illuminating in a wonderful way. What I thought would be “over-emotional” is really a zeal and excitement for the work of God. What I thought would be “anti-intellectualism” is met with profound study and understanding of Scripture. Where I thought “health and wealth” would dominate is met with humbling adoration and acceptance for God’s provisions in all things.
Maybe this reformer needs a little excitement for the work of God in this world than always a nose in the books.
The Paper Pulpit will be taking a little break from the Christian Caricature series to embrace the Advent season! Be sure to check out the new Advent Series with Pastor Zach, starting December 1st! Don’t forget to subscribe to get the morning devotionals leading up to Christmas, and we’ll see you in the New Year!
Merry Christmas!
