Theological Systems - Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology

Jul 30, 2024

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Lecture Notes: Theological Systems - Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology

Prayer

  • Thanksgiving for physical and spiritual life in Christ.
  • Emphasis on God of truth and understanding through Scriptures and Holy Spirit.
  • Commitment of the study to God.

Class Introduction

  • Class: Theological Systems.
  • Lesson number seven on Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology (8th class).
  • Aim: Survey and overview of Pentecostal and Charismatic theology.
  • Focus on paradigms, belief systems, and hermeneutics.
  • Hermeneutics: rules of Bible interpretation.
    • Exegesis: Pulling truth out of the Bible using consistent, literal, grammatical-historical approach.
    • Objective approach vs. subjective/cultural approach.
  • Today’s focus: Pentecostal and Charismatic hermeneutics.

Defining Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology

  • Diverse, trans-denominational 20th-century phenomenon in Christianity.
  • Emphasis on prophetic and sign gifts (especially tongues and prophecy).
  • Belief in extra-biblical revelation; continuing prophecy and tongues as signs.
  • Estimate of 500 million Pentecostal/Charismatic adherents globally.
  • Central identity is experience and shared views on tongues and prophecy.

Origin and History

  1. First Wave: Pentecostal Movement (1901)
    • Key Figure: Charles Fox Parham in Topeka, Kansas.
    • Agnes Ozman speaks in tongues (Chinese) in 1901.
    • Spread through media and public interest.
    • Pentecostalism primarily involved known human languages initially.
    • Later, tongues reinterpreted as non-human/mystical languages.
  2. Second Wave: Charismatic Movement (1960s)
    • Episcopal priest Dennis Bennett publicized his charismatic experience (1960).
    • Movement spread to mainline denominations and globally.
    • Charismatic Catholicism emerged.
  3. Third Wave: Signs and Wonders Movement
    • Key Figures: C. Peter Wagner, John Wimber (Vineyard Movement).
    • Focus on miraculous signs as part of evangelism and church growth.

Doctrinal Distinctives

  1. Baptized in the Spirit:
    • Pentecostalism: Second experience after salvation, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
    • Traditional View: Happens at salvation, one-time event (1 Cor 12:13).
  2. Filled with the Spirit:
    • Command for ongoing control by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18).
    • Unlike baptism, it can vary day by day.
  3. Gift of Tongues:
    • Known human language vs. mystical/private language.
  4. Ongoing Prophecy:
    • Dispute over prophecies being authoritative and error-free.
    • Wayne Grudem’s new definition: Prophecies can be fallible.
  5. Extra-biblical Revelation:
    • Belief in new revelations from God today.

Charismatic Evangelicals

  • Examples: Sam Storms, John Wimber, Gordon Fee, and Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Strengths of the Movement

  • Literal view of Scripture.
  • Evangelistic fervor.
  • Emphasis on prayer and the Holy Spirit’s work.
  • Forced evangelical re-examination of pneumatology.

Weaknesses and Criticisms

  • Ongoing prophecy undermines Biblical sufficiency and authority.
  • Subjectivity and emotionalism can overshadow doctrinal integrity.
  • Potential for false prophecies.

Q&A and Discussion

  • Addressed various questions about historical figures, denominations, and practices within Pentecostalism and Charismatic movements.
  • Clarified distinctions between mainline charismatics and fringe/heretical groups.

Class will continue next week with Fundamentalism.