Pentecostalism and the Reformation: Towards a Joint Ecumenical Commemoration

This article identifies Pentecost as a symbol of the church in both Pentecostal and Reformation thought by tracing the identity of Pentecost in the thought of Martin Luther and John Calvin, contrasting their views with contemporary Pentecostal theology, and assessing how each perspective is related theologically to the other through a shared appeal to the mission of the church. The ecumenical implications of Pentecostalism and the Reformation are located outside of either movement in the origin of the church at Pentecost. Although each tradition has obtained its particular form through very different teachings, practices, and experiences in the more immediate historical contexts, a shared appeal to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost can function as the basis for unity.