a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

The definition of Pentecostalism causes tension among various churches in one
way or the other. Some of the editorial articles in Cross and Crown show the
tension caused by an inclusive definition of Pentecostalism in the initial stages of
the movement. For example, an article with the title ‘The Charismatic Renewal’
praised the growing charismatic revival around the globe. 21 However, a few years
later, another article, entitled ‘Charismatics, Wither [sic] Bound?’ fervently
criticized Charismatic Christianity, and also expressed an anti-ecumenical
attitude. 22 It warned that ‘believers of the Word of God should be cautious! [The]
Bible warns, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God.”’ 23 As discussed in chapter three, there are many classical Pentecostals
who are unwilling to regard many recent Charismatic churches as Pentecostal.
They suspect that such an inclusion may affect the stability of the movement.
Therefore, many classical Pentecostal churches are not happy with the position of
some independent Pentecostal churches that freely relate to Charismatic churches
irrespective of their denominational roots. At the same time, many Charismatic
churches do not want to be referred to as Pentecostals. For example, the minister
of one Charismatic church in Ajmer said that he does not want to call his church
‘Pentecostal.’ 24 However, his church follows Pentecostalism in many respects, and
so it is not easy for an outsider to distinguish it from classical Pentecostalism.
The interdenominational issue is a major concern for Pentecostals in the state. On
the one hand, leaders of many small organizations say that they are facing threats
21
Thomas Mathews, ‘The Charismatic Renewal,’ Cross and Crown 7, no. 4 (1977): 3-5.
22
Thomas Mathews, ‘Charismatics Wither [sic] Bound,’ Cross and Crown 12, no. 8 (1982): 3-5.
23
Mathews, ‘Charismatics Wither [sic] Bound,’ 4.
24
Juhu (pseudonym), interview by author, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 18 May 2006. He is a north Indian
minister.
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