Contemporary Issues in Western Religions
University of Phoenix
World Religious Traditions II
REL /134
January 24, 2011

Contemporary Issues in Western Religions This paper will describe the historical connections and theological similarities with Pentecostal versus Roman Catholicism including what ways the two religions are the same, how the two religions differ from its ‘parent’ faith, describe the leadership structure, discuss its identity (practices, clothing, dietary, etc.), how the members view themselves, how outsiders view the group, and identify any contemporary struggles within the Pentecostal religion. The historical connections and theological similarities of Pentecostal and Roman Catholicism have ancient roots. Although the Pentecostal movement emphasizes the fullest extent of emotional Christian worship, Roman Catholicism emphasizes traditional teachings and practices (Molloy, 2010). Other similarities include the belief in the Holy Trinity, the authority of the Holy Bible, the Importance of good works, the value of tradition, guided interpretation of the Bible, Hierarchical authority, and sacraments (Molloy, 2010). Other examples of the similarities between Roman Catholicism and Pentecostal are that Jesus is the only begotten son of God and died for the sins of the entire world; the Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; by faith in Jesus Christ, believers are given eternal life. The Pentecostal movement believes “five cardinal doctrines: justification by faith, entire sanctification, the baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues, Christ's atonement providing for divine healing, and the imminent, premillennial second coming of Christ” (Synan, n.d., para. 19). The Roman Catholic Church teachings include God’s objectives and interests, the belief in the divinity of Jesus and the