History of Pentecostalism
When did it all start? Ask a Pentecostal, and they'll
tell you "33 A.D. -- the Day of Pentecost!" Well, this isn't the case
exactly! There have been a few brief movements throughout Christian
history that resembled some aspects of Pentecostalism, a few people that
"dabbled" in tongues -- but nothing that is really comparable, or has
lasted as long as the modern movement. What we know as the
Pentecostal/Charismatic movement didn't really get started until the
beginning of the 20th Century, at the Topeka and Azusa Street (LA)
revivals.
There are hundreds of links in the internet about such histories, and a
few of them are "lush" with their own dogma and jargon. To separate the
history from the . . . well, garbage, I've assembled some of the best
links detailing Pentecostal/Charismatic histories. Some of these links are
from denominational resources within these movements, but those that are
(and that I have chosen) have presented their past rather subjectively --
and without a lot of the Pentecostal hoopla.
Some of the links -- denoted by an asterisk (*) --
will take you to sites off of this website. After viewing off-site
information, simply use the "Back" button of your browser to return to AFP.
AFP is not responsible for information on third party sites.
The Origins of the Pentecostal Movement*
From ORU, a history of the movement from Azusa to many of the many of
the major denominations of today. Surprisingly objective.
Assessing the Roots of Pentecostalism* An
interesting piece on the "make-up" of the Pentecostal movement, and how it
grew to be the largest growing sector in Christianity.
Pentecostal History*
Timeline that traces Pentecostalism from early Catholic "heresies" to the
modern movements.
Pentecostalism* Religious
Movements' online profile of the movement.
Pre-Pentecostalist History*
An article listing the events leading up to the Pentecostal movement.
Though objective in facts, it starts off a bit like a P/C pep rally.
Azusa Street Timeline* A
brief history of the "ground zero" location of this movement, listing its
brief importance to the movement that eventually outgrew this little
store-front.
Pentecostalism After Azusa* A description
of the aftermath of Azusa on its spiritual descendents. Briefly
illustrates the beginning of the Church of God in Christ, the Foursquare
Church, and the Oneness Movement.
On Some Movements*
Brief
notations on some of the "mutations" that sprang from the
Pentecostal/Charismatic movement: The "Latter Rain," "Word of Faith," and
"Shepherding" movements. Lists some non-Pentecostal oddities as well.
History of the Pentecostal Holiness Movement*
A
Brief History of the United Pentecostal Church*
History of the Oneness Pentecostals*
The Pentecostal Movement*
A sociological review of Pentecostalism and how it has affected society
today.
