BAPTECOSTAL
By a hilarious definition, Baptecostal simply is a combined
form of Baptist and Pentecostal denominations. Any Christian who affirm both
sides in a healthy and balanced approach are under this category. The tension
between two denominations are operation of the miraculous apostolic specified
spiritual gifts although both came into existence from reformation root.
It is true; however, Pentecostal denomination only came into
the scene in 1906 as an official movement. Major pillars of this revolution are
baptism of Holy spirit accompanied by speaking in tongues and others gifts like
prophecy and healing. The movement came into its apex after Azusa street
revival. The pivotal agent responsible for this sort of spiritual Cambrian
explosion was Bible teacher or leader Parham from a Methodist church. Today,
despite many controversial issues, Pentecostal churches are one of the fastest
and impacting churches worldwide.[1] Assemblies of God, founded
in 1914, is one of its branches that has flourished more than any other
branches.
Despite the vibrant spirit and passion for evangelism,
revival, missionary works, worship in the Pentecostal premise, it has drawn a
wide range of criticism from neighboring denominations for its extreme focus on
speaking in tongues and sometimes spiritual abuse with dangerous doctrines.
Many complaints have been registered against the denomination for their unusual
and unhealthy spiritual activities such as slain in spirit, jerking, shouting,
falling on the ground, speaking in a gibberish language, marketing the healing
and exchanging glory of God with so-called anointing oil, unusual visions, and
teaching unusual doctrines. (References all over the social medias like
facebook, You Tube!)
The influence is worldwide and other denominations have been
fighting against it since a long history. For Reformed, Baptists, Presbyterians,
etc. scripture is completed and such apostolic gifts are no longer needed in
this age (1 Cor. 13:8-10). They condemn such kinds of acts labeling them to be
heresy. They do not despise the miracles of God but they condemn the concept of
God choosing particular individuals with such gifts which generally touches
healing, visions, prophecy, miracles and tongues.
Christians in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are prone
or let's say fond of enjoying spiritual experiences. They focus more on moving
by spirit of God than intellectual faith. They enjoy having visions, seeing
very tall Jesus approaching to them, speaking in unusual languages repeated and
having no grammatical structure, practices of healing with unusual methods like
oil, hanky, water, etc. Receiving prophecy about anyone's life, exercising
exciting miracles over nature and situations, performing deliverance from
demons and so on. For the believers these all are works showing the power of
God.
I have personally witnessed those elements ever since I grew
up in an AG church. But my focus was more on intellectual side of Christian
faith. I have been even in my own personal experiences about the vision,
healing and jerking and from others. Hence, I am here to say that I
am against these all. However, I am forced today to say that something is not
right on both sides. I admit, both sides are indeed heading up for the Gospel
and God’s kingdom. Meanwhile, the extreme beliefs or stands have been
identified and causing fragments within the body of Christ.
It feels sometimes we need to pause and rethink about our
environment. Walking according to the scripture and experiencing the presence
and works of God in personal life both are necessary and inevitable. However,
it seems we have forgotten to observe certain boundaries and we often cross it
to give rise to devastating outcomes.
To be continued…
[1] Ed
Stetzer, “Pentecostals: Their Growth and the Implications for Evangelicalism,” ChurchLeaders
(blog), July 14, 2023,
https://churchleaders.com/voices/453892-pentecostals-what-does-their-growth-mean-for-the-rest-of-us.html.
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