Pentecostal Theology

A Pentecostal theology distinct from other Christian traditions was evident from the start of the modern-day Pentecostal revivals that occurred worldwide at the turn to the twentieth century. Yet, initially, Pentecostals viewed themselves as an ecumenical movement and did not develop an independent theological programme. Although there exists (still) a widespread skepticism over whether Pentecostal theology represents a genuine theological tradition, the rise of biblical, historical, and theological scholarship among Pentecostals marked the maturing of Pentecostal theology by the end of the century, and the beginning of constructive proposals to integrate various distinctive features of Pentecostalism into a comprehensive theological agenda (Yong 2007a: 244–248; Vondey 2013a: 141–148). The transformation of classical Pentecostalism and the emergence of the Charismatic Movement and neo-Pentecostalism further contributed to developments that both sharpened Pentecostal interests and moved towards a global theological agenda (Yong 2005b; Macchia 2006; Vondey 2010a). Many Pentecostal scholars blend ministerial vocation with academic careers (Fettke and Waddell 2012), and the resulting forms of theological expression emphasize an everyday experiential, embodied, and analogical character. With the waning of traditional Pentecostal anti-intellectualism, access to higher education, and entrance into official ecumenical conversations since the 1970s, Pentecostal theology has widened its influence and brought to prominence several distinctive teachings, typically focusing on an experiential encounter with God, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the relevance of spiritual gifts, empowerment for mission and Christian living, divine healing, and the imminent return of Christ. Although Pentecostalism is dominant in the Global South, much Pentecostal theological literature originated in the English-speaking world from Western scholarship, and African or Latin American contributions have emerged only gradually (Nel 2016). Pentecostals exhibit a certain ‘ad hoc theology’ which elevates immediate praxis over critical reflection, orality over literacy, and ministry over education, yet generalizations about the global state of Pentecostal theology are difficult, even if its general contours are universal. This article articulates the prolegomena to Pentecostal doctrine, identifies the different methodologies that have emerged since the start of Pentecostalism, outlines classical Pentecostal teachings, and discusses the shape of contemporary Pentecostal theology.