charismatic Christianity

charismatic Christianity
Name	Charismatic Christianity
Caption	Worship service with expressive praise
Theology	Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Renewal movements
Scripture	Bible
Founder	Various leaders in the 20th century
Founded	Early 20th century; renewed mid-20th century
Area	Global, notable presence in United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea
Language	Predominantly English, Portuguese, Spanish, Yoruba, Korean

charismatic Christianity is a term for Christian movements that emphasize the present-day operation of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and miracles within mainstream Protestantism, Roman Catholic Church, and Eastern Orthodoxy. It broadly overlaps with Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement that spread through denominations in the 20th century, influencing ecclesial life, mission, and worship worldwide. Leaders, scholars, and institutions across continents have debated its theology, practice, and social effects in contexts from revival meetings to large denominational bodies.

Beliefs and Practices

Charismatic communities affirm the authority of the Bible, the centrality of Jesus Christ and the necessity of personal conversion and ongoing sanctification often associated with the experience of the Holy Spirit at events similar to the Azusa Street Revival, Toronto Blessing, or Brownsville Revival. They emphasize spiritual gifts described in the New Testament books such as 1 Corinthians, Acts of the Apostles, and Romans (Epistle to the Romans), including glossolalia, prophecy, and divine healing as practiced by figures like Smith Wigglesworth, Aimee Semple McPherson, and Kathryn Kuhlman. Sacramental theology varies: some charismatic Catholics and Orthodox integrate charisms with the Mass and Divine Liturgy, while charismatic Protestants operate within frameworks from Reformed theology, Methodism, Baptist churches, and Anglicanism. Eschatological views range from premillennialism popularized by the Fundamentalist–Modernist controversy to amillennial perspectives associated with theologians linked to Oxford Movement traditions.

History and Origins

The modern movement traces roots to early 20th-century Pentecostal revivals such as the Azusa Street Revival (1906) led by William J. Seymour and earlier Holiness Movement antecedents like Charles Parham and organizations including the Church of God in Christ and Assemblies of God. Mid-20th-century renewal waves saw the spread into mainline denominations via leaders like Thomas A. Zimmerman, Dennis Bennett, and institutions such as Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International. The late 20th century witnessed global expansion through missionaries connected to David Yonggi Cho in South Korea, Luis Palau in Latin America, T. B. Joshua in Nigeria, and televangelists like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin in the United States. Academic study developed through scholars at centers like Fuller Theological Seminary, Chicago Theological Seminary, and journals such as Pneuma (journal), while controversies involved figures like John Wimber and events including the Toronto Blessing.

Denominations and Movements

Charismatic influence appears in denominational families including Pentecostal denominations such as Assemblies of God (USA), Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), and United Pentecostal Church International; renewal movements within Roman Catholicism like the Catholic Charismatic Renewal; Anglican and Episcopal charismatic networks such as New Wine (organization), Vineyard Movement led by John Wimber; and charismatic streams in Baptist and Methodist bodies. Independent megachurches and networks linked to pastors like Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Bill Johnson (pastor), and Benny Hinn reflect entrepreneurial mission models. Global South movements include Universal Church, Redeemer affiliates, and African independent churches such as Aladura and Zionist Churches.

Worship and Liturgy

Worship commonly features contemporary music, led by worship teams influenced by movements like Hillsong Church and Bethel Church, with liturgical elements blended from contemporary Christian music trends and traditional rites such as the Holy Communion or Eucharist in Catholic and Orthodox charismatic settings. Services may include altar calls popularized by D. L. Moody, times of prophetic ministry as modeled by John Wimber and Jack Deere, and healing services following patterns used by Aimee Semple McPherson and Kathryn Kuhlman. Symbols and practices such as laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and prayer meetings derive from biblical precedents cited in Acts of the Apostles and have been adapted by networks like Calvary Chapel and movements such as Global Awakening.

Leadership and Organization

Leadership ranges from congregational elders and clergy in denominations such as Anglican Communion and Roman Curia to apostolic-prophetic teams and itinerant evangelists typical of networks led by figures like C. Peter Wagner and Bill Hamon. Organizational models include denominational hierarchies in bodies like the Assemblies of God (USA), episcopal oversight in charismatic Anglican jurisdictions such as Charismatic Episcopal Church, and informal networks exemplified by Sojourners and para-church organizations like Youth With A Mission and International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). Financial and governance controversies have involved televangelists related to PTL Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and oversight debates involving accrediting institutions like Association of Theological Schools.

Cultural Impact and Criticism

Charismatic movements have influenced popular culture through music scenes tied to Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin, media via networks like Trinity Broadcasting Network and Christian Broadcasting Network, and politics where leaders have engaged with figures from United States presidential campaigns to national leaders in Brazil and Nigeria. Critics from academic, theological, and secular quarters include scholars associated with Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, journalists at The New York Times and The Guardian, and theologians such as C. S. Lewis-inspired commentators, who raise concerns about faith healing controversies linked to individuals like T. B. Joshua and prosperity theology promoted by some televangelists. Internal critique addresses issues of accountability highlighted by inquiries into leaders connected to Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, and denominational disciplinary processes in groups like the Southern Baptist Convention.

Category:Christian movements