Haley Hart
September 29, 2013

Discuss Pentecostalism as a religious movement from the late 19th century to the present. Pentecostalism’s “spiritual baptism” was founded out of the holiness and healing movements of the late nineteenth century, but the beginning of the Pentecostal movement began at Azusa Street Church in Los Angeles, California in 1906. The speaking of tongues that the Azusa church members practiced was interpreted as a sign that the Holy Spirit not only existed in their community but also “baptized” the spirits of the people who were speaking in tongues. The Pentecostals wanted a return to “primitive” Christian religion, in which they sought no historical church baggage or differences that would drive people apart. They also attributed the success of the primitive church back to Pentecost-an event where the Holy Spirit descended upon the people with “gifts” (healing, prophecy, miracles, and glossolalia or speaking in tongues). As time passed and things changed, Pentecostalism also transformed. This was largely due to the fact that the movement addressed religion in an open, positive, and cheerful manner. Their meetings had always been diverse and attracted whites, blacks, Mexicans, Native Americans, Asians, and Eastern Europeans. They embraced popular culture and utilized it to minister to large audiences. During the second half of the twentieth century, many Pentecostals created a parallel to the mostly-secularized pop culture. They used pamphlets, diet programs, television ads, fashion statements, and many other venues to garner attention to their teachings and beliefs. All of that, in addition to their “loose” approach to doctrine (i.e. maintaining only the core features of the movement) has characterized Pentecostalism’s flexible range of movement from its origination until the present times.