Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that emphasizes spiritual experiences, such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healing. The word "pentecostalism" is spelled /ˌpɛntəˈkɒstəlɪzəm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "pen", is pronounced as /pɛn/, while the second syllable, "teco," is pronounced as /ˈtɛkə/. The third syllable, "stal," is pronounced as /stəl/, and the final syllable, "ism," is pronounced as /ɪzəm/. Overall, the word has a total of five syllables and is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable (/ˌpɛntəˈkɒstəlɪzəm/).
Pentecostalism is a charismatic and evangelical movement within Christianity that emphasizes the personal experience of the Holy Spirit, known as the baptism in the Holy Spirit or the "Pentecostal experience." It traces its origins back to the early 20th century, with its theological roots in the Holiness movement and the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles.
The fundamental belief in Pentecostalism revolves around the conviction that the Holy Spirit is active and present in the world today, bestowing spiritual gifts upon believers. These gifts include speaking in tongues (glossolalia), prophecy, healing, miracles, and discernment of spirits. Pentecostals view these gifts as evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment in the lives of believers.
Pentecostal worship services often feature energetic and expressive forms of worship, including speaking in tongues, shouting, clapping, dancing, and laying on of hands for healing. These practices are seen as a means for believers to connect with and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostalism has experienced significant growth worldwide, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It has also influenced other Christian denominations, leading to the emergence of "charismatic" movements within traditional churches. Central to Pentecostalism is the belief in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and the empowering of individual believers, fostering a strong emphasis on personal conversion, spiritual renewal, and transformative experiences.
The word "Pentecostalism" is derived from the word "Pentecost", which has its roots in the Old Testament of the Bible. Pentecost, in the Christian tradition, refers to the event described in the New Testament book of Acts, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, giving them the ability to speak in various languages.
The term "Pentecost" itself comes from the Greek word "Pentēkostē", meaning "fiftieth". In the Jewish faith, Pentecost was a feast celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. This Jewish festival commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.