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

Anderson has observed that the definition of Pentecostalism is a key to
understanding the ecumenicity of the movement. According to him, ‘adopting an
inclusive definition of “Pentecostal/Charismatic” will maximize the opportunities
for ecumenism.’ 158 As stated in chapter one, the current study has adopted an
inclusive definition of Pentecostalism because of the growing ecumenical trend
that is taking place in Rajasthan due to the impact of Charismatic experiences
among various segments of Christianity. Like Anderson, Hollenweger has also
insisted on the ecumenical implications of the Pentecostal Movement by referring
to the example of its founding fathers, such as William Seymour, Jonathan Paul
and Alexander Boddy, who believed in the international and ecumenical nature of
the Pentecostal experience. 159 While discussing Pentecostals and ecumenism,
Cecil Robeck observes that although the earlier leaders of the movement believed
that ‘Christian unity might be their ultimate gift to the church,’ in subsequent
years the movement lost this vision. 160
At the same time, it appears from Pentecostal spirituality that Pentecostal theology
is inherently ecumenical because it embraces diverse components of human life.
For example, a total participation of body, mind and spirit is emphasized in
Pentecostal worship, and the Pentecostal message includes various aspects of life
like spiritual, physical and financial. The experience of the Spirit that Pentecostal
theology and practice advocates to encompass all aspects of human life has
enormous ecumenical potential. While discussing the strength of Pentecostal
158
Allan H. Anderson, ‘Diversity in the Definition of “Pentecostal Charismatic” and Its
Ecumenical Implications,’ Mission Studies 19/2, no. 38 (2002): 48.
159
Anderson, ‘Diversity in the Definition,’ 48. Also see Hollenweger, Pentecostalism, 334-49.
160
Cecil M. Robeck, Jr., ‘Pentecostals and Ecumenism in a Pluralistic World,’ in Globalization of
Pentecostalism, 340.
316