Definition

Noun: A Pentecostal religion refers to any fundamentalist Protestant Christian denomination or church group that emphasizes and actively seeks personal spiritual experiences considered directly comparable to those described as occurring to the first disciples of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in the New Testament Book of Acts. These groups typically employ revivalistic methods, such as energetic worship, prayer for divine healing, and evangelism, to facilitate these experiences, with a central focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially glossolalia (speaking in tongues).

Usage Examples

• The growth of Pentecostal religion has been significant in many parts of the world over the last century.
• Her study focuses on the cultural impact of Pentecostal religion in urban communities.
• Some forms of Pentecostal religion place a strong emphasis on personal testimony and ecstatic worship.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in sociological or religious studies contexts to discuss the movement as a whole, distinct from analyzing specific denominations like the Assemblies of God or the Church of God in Christ.
• It can sometimes be used more broadly to describe charismatic Christian practices that share these characteristics, even outside formally designated Pentecostal denominations.

Variants and Related Words

• Pentecostalism (n): The system of beliefs and practices associated with Pentecostal religion; the movement itself.
  • Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing forms of Christianity.
• Pentecostal (adj): Of or relating to Pentecostal religion.
  • They attend a Pentecostal church.
• Pentecostal (n): A member or adherent of a Pentecostal religion.
  • The Pentecostals gathered for a conference.

Synonyms

• Charismatic Christianity (note: this is a closely related but sometimes broader category)
• Revivalistic Protestantism

Related Phrases

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A key doctrine in Pentecostal religion, often associated with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
• Gifts of the Spirit: The supernatural endowments (like prophecy, healing, tongues) emphasized in Pentecostal religion, based on biblical passages.
• Full Gospel: A term sometimes used within Pentecostal religion to describe its emphasis on the complete message and power of the New Testament.

Noun

1. any fundamentalist Protestant Church that uses revivalistic methods to achieve experiences comparable to the Pentecostal experiences of the first Christian disciples