Book Review
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"Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction" Review
Kiera Lewis Camosun College REL 100 – D01
Stephen Fielding
March 7, 2024
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William K. Kay's book, "Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction" (2011), offers valuable insights into the origins, beliefs, and practices of Pentecostalism, a Protestant denomination known for its emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit and the believer's personal encounter with God. In this review we will delve into how Pentecostals interpret key biblical passages such as Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians, explore their differences with mainstream Christianity, and examine the factors contributing to their global appeal. Understanding Pentecostalism's theological perspective and its impact within contemporary religious discourse is essential for comprehending its significance in today's diverse religious landscape.
Pentecostalism stands apart from mainstream Christianity through several distinctive ways. Firstly, Pentecostalism is a form of Christianity that emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of the presence of God by the believer. This emphasis is exemplified by a focus on spiritual manifestations such as tongues, prophecy, and miraculous healing, which Pentecostals often prioritize more prominently than other Christian denominations (Kay, 2011). Secondly, Pentecostal worship services are characterized by dynamic expressions of faith, including lively music, spontaneous prayer, and an openness to spiritual manifestations. In contrast, many mainstream Christian denominations deem “inappropriate behaviour...by Pentecostals to the overwhelming power of the Spirit” (Kay, 2011, p.5), and may adopt more structured and formal worship styles. Lastly, Pentecostalism, has been associated with the Prosperity Gospel, a theological belief that, ‘give and it shall be given on to you …’ (Luke 6.38), emphasizing material prosperity and financial success as signs of God's favor (Kay, 2011). This emphasis on prosperity sets Pentecostalism apart from mainstream Christianity, as others caution against equating material wealth with spiritual blessing, leading to theological differences and debates within the broader Christian community.
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Understanding how Pentecostals interpret key biblical passages sheds light into their distinctive beliefs and practices within Christianity and may fuel the movements popularity worldwide. Kay describes how “People are empowered by the Spirit to do what they could not otherwise or previously do” (Kay, 2011. p. 4) when describing the events seen in Act 2, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:4). This event is seen as significant because it marks the beginning of the church's mission and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 outline the diversity of spiritual gifts and their significance for the edification of the church, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7), reinforcing Pentecostal beliefs in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. This interpretation of scripture fuels the movement's popularity worldwide by resonating with particular cultures and groups seeking spiritual empowerment and experiential encounters with Christianity. Acts 2:17, which promises the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people, particularly appeals to marginalized communities, urban youth, and those facing socio-
economic challenges, providing them with a sense of belonging and spiritual renewal. Additionally, Pentecostalism's emphasis on the advancements of modern society, as noted by Kay, “many surveys of popular opinion have shown, most people in the West combine admiration for science... [Pentecostals] managed to integrate their belief in the Holy Spirit and the supernatural realm with all the benefits of a science-based civilization” (Kay, 2011, p.71.), making it appealing even in science-based populations. "Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction" by William K. Kay offers valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of Pentecostalism. Through our exploration of key biblical passages
and the movement's differences with mainstream Christianity, we've gained a deeper
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understanding of Pentecostal theology. Additionally, we've examined the factors contributing to its global popularity, highlighting its resonance with diverse cultures and its ability to provide spiritual empowerment. This book serves as an important resource for comprehending the significance of Pentecostalism within today's religious landscape.
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References
Holy Bible
. (n.d.). American Bible Society.
Kay, W. K. (2011).
Pentecostalism: a very short introduction
. Oxford University Press; New York.
(Liu, 2011;
Pentecostal Movement in Canada | the Canadian Encyclopedia
, n.d.)
Pentecostal Movement in Canada | The Canadian Encyclopedia
. (n.d.). Www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pentecostal-movement-in-canada