Part of the series on Christianity

History of Christianity Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism Reformation Beliefs Though enormous diversity exists in the beliefs of those who self-identify as Christian, it is possible to venture general statements which describe the beliefs of a large majority . ... image of a Latin cross. ... This article outlines the history of Christianity and provides links to relevant topics. ... The Twelve Apostles (in Koine Greek απόστολος apostolos [1], someone sent forth/sent out, an emissary) were probably Galilean Jewish men (10 names are Aramaic, 4 names are Greek) chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth by Jesus of Nazareth... In Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, an ecumenical council or general council is a meeting of the bishops of the whole church convened to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice. ... The East-West Schism, known also as the Great Schism (though this latter term sometimes refers to the later Western Schism), was the event that divided Chalcedonian Christianity into Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. ... The Protestant Reformation was a movement which emerged in the 16th century as a series of attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe. ...

The Trinity God the Father Christ the Son The Holy Spirit The Christian doctrine of the Trinity states that God is a single being who exists, simultaneously and eternally, as a communion of three Persons: the Father, the Son (the eternal Logos, incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth), and the Holy Spirit. ... In many religions, the supreme God is given the title and attributions of Father. ... Christ is the English representation of the Greek word Χριστός (transliterated as Khristós), which means anointed. ... Jesus, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity, in which context he is known as Jesus Christ (from the Greek Ιησούς Χριστός ; transliteration: Iesous Christos). He is also an important prophet in Islam. ... In various religions, most notably Christianity, the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost in Trinitarian Christianity; is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. ...

The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount The Bible (From Greek βιβλια—biblia, meaning books, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) is the sacred scripture of Christianity. ... Judaism uses the term Tanakh instead of Old Testament, because it does not recognize the New Testament as being part of the Biblical canon The Old Testament or the Hebrew Scriptures (also called the Hebrew Bible) constitutes the first major part of the Bible according to Christianity. ... The New Testament, sometimes called the Greek Testament or Greek Scriptures, is the name given to the part of the Christian Bible that was written after the birth of Jesus. ... Apocrypha is a Greek word (απόκρυφα, neuter plural of απόκρυφος), from αποκρυπτειν, to hide away. ... For the genre of Christian-themed music, see gospel music. ... The Ten Commandments on a monument in the grounds of the Texas State Capitol This 1768 parchment (612x502 mm) by Jekuthiel Sofer emulated 1675 decalogue at the Esnoga synagogue of Amsterdam The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, is a list of religious and moral imperatives which, according to the Bible, was... The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch. ...

Christian theology Salvation · Grace Christian worship Christian theology practices theology from a Christian viewpoint or studies Christianity theologically. ... Salvation refers to deliverance from an undesirable state or condition. ... Divine grace is believed by Christians to be the sovereign favour of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who have no merit in them. ... In Christianity, worship has been considered by most Christians to be the central act of Christian identity throughout Christian history. ...

Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism The term Christian Church expresses the idea that organised Christianity (the Christian religion) is seen as an institution. ... This article considers Catholicism in the broadest ecclesiastical sense. ... Orthodox Christianity is a generalized reference to the Eastern traditions of Christianity, as opposed to the Western traditions which descend from the Catholic Church. ... Protestantism is a movement within Christianity, representing a split from within the Roman Catholic Church during the mid-to-late Renaissance in Europe —a period known as the Protestant Reformation. ... Christian denominations Christian movements Christian ecumenism A denomination, in the Christian sense of the word, is an identifiable religious body, organization under a common name, structure, and/or doctrine. ... Christian movements are theological, political, or philosophical intepretations of Christianity that are not generally represented by a specific church, sect, or denomination. ... Christian ecumenism is the promotion of unity or cooperation between distinct religious groups or denominations of the Christian religion, more or less broadly defined. ...

Charismatic is an umbrella term used to describe those Christians who believe that the manifestations of the Holy Spirit seen in the first century Christian Church, such as healing, miracles and glossolalia, are available to contemporary Christians and ought to be experienced and practiced today. Dr. Dale A. Robbins writes in regards to charismatic beliefs that Church history argues against the idea that charismatic gifts went away shortly after the apostolic age. Dr. Robbins quotes the early church father Irenaeus (ca. 130-202) as writing the following,"...we hear many of the brethren in the church who have prophetic gifts, and who speak in tongues through the spirit, and who also bring to light the secret things of men for their benefit [word of knowledge]...". Dr. Robbins also cites Irenaues writing, "When God saw it necessary, and the church prayed and fasted much, they did miraculous things, even of bringing back the spirit to a dead man." According to Dr. Robbin, Tertullian (ca.155–230) reported similar incidents as did Origen (ca.182-251), Eusebius (ca.275–339), Firmilian (ca.232-269), and Chrysostom (ca.347-407).[1] Beliefs Though enormous diversity exists in the beliefs of those who self-identify as Christian, it is possible to venture general statements which describe the beliefs of a large majority . ... In various religions, most notably Christianity, the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost in Trinitarian Christianity; is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. ... Healing is the process where the cells in the body regenerate and repair to reduce the size of a damaged or necrotic area. ... For the U.S. hockey teams victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics, see Miracle on Ice, or Miracle (movie) According to many religions, a miracle is an intervention by God in the universe. ... Glossolalia (from the Greek, γλώσσα (glossa), tongue and λαλώ (lalô), to speak) comprises the utterance of what appears (to the casual listener) either as an unknown foreign language (xenoglossia), simply nonsense syllables, or utterance of a unknown mystical language; the utterances sometimes occur as part of religious worship (religious glossolalia). ... Saint Irenaeus (ca. ... Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus, anglicized as Tertullian, (ca. ... Origen ( 182– 251) was a Christian scholar and theologian and one of the most distinguished of the Fathers of the early Christian Church. ... Eusebius is the name of several significant historical people: Pope Eusebius - Pope in AD 309 - 310. ... Saint Firmillian, Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia from ca 232 (died ca 269) was a disciple of Origen who had a contemporary reputation comparable to that of Dionysius of Alexandria or Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. ... John Chrysostom (347 - 407) was a notable Christian bishop and preacher from the 4th and 5th centuries in Syria and Constantinople. ...

Praise

The word charismatic is derived from the Greek word charis (meaning a grace or a gift) which is the term used in the Bible to describe a wide range of supernatural experiences (especially in 1 Corinthians 12-14). Download high resolution version (410x614, 40 KB)Young Woman Praying This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Download high resolution version (410x614, 40 KB)Young Woman Praying This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... The Bible (sometimes The Book, Good Book, Word of God, The Word, or Scripture), from Greek (τα) βιβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, plural of βιβλιον, biblion, book, originally a diminutive of βιβλος, biblos, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos, meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported this writing material... (Redirected from 1 Corinthians) See also: Second Epistle to the Corinthians and Third Epistle to the Corinthians The First Epistle to the Corinthians is a book of the Bible in the New Testament. ...

Often confused with Pentecostalism (which it was inspired by), Charismatic Christianity tends to differ in key aspects: most Charismatics reject the preeminence given by Pentecostalism to glossolalia, reject what they consider to be legalism sometimes associated with Pentecostalism, and often stay in their existing denominations such as Roman Catholic Charismatics. The Pentecostal movement within protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as shown in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. ... Glossolalia (from the Greek, γλώσσα (glossa), tongue and λαλώ (lalô), to speak) comprises the utterance of what appears (to the casual listener) either as an unknown foreign language (xenoglossia), simply nonsense syllables, or utterance of a unknown mystical language; the utterances sometimes occur as part of religious worship (religious glossolalia). ... Legalism, in Christian theology, is a pejorative term referring to an improper fixation on law or codes of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of pride and the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God. ... This article or section should be merged with Catholic Charismatic Movement. ...

Because of the continual cross-over between Pentecostalism and the modern Charismatic movement, it is increasingly difficult to speak of Charismatics and Pentecostals as being part of separate movements. Yet because neither movement is monolithic, it is also unfair to speak of them as being one movement either. The difference is primarily one of origins. Beliefs of the two groups are very similar; each movement, however, is unique in its historical beginnings. Having been conceived in unique contexts, the difference may secondarily be described in terms of contrasting church cultures evidenced through each movement's manners and customs (i.e., worship styles, preaching styles, altar ministry methods). Until a more acceptable broad nomenclature is used, it needs to be understood that both movements share a great deal in common, and yet can sometimes be clearly differentiated. Something that is monolithic is something created in one piece, resembling a monolith such as an obelisk. ...

History

Beginnings 1950-1975

While it is difficult to locate the place and time that Charismatic Christianity began to influence the mainstream churches, Dennis Bennett, an American Episcopalian, is often cited as the movement's seminal influence. Bennett was the Rector at St Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys California when he announced to the congregation in 1960 that he had received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Soon after this he was ministering in Vancouver where he ran many workshops and seminars about the work of the Holy Spirit.[2] This influenced tens of thousands of Anglicans world-wide and also began a renewal movement within the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. Dennis Bennett was an American Episcopalian Priest, who, starting in 1960, believed that he had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. ... The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the nations capital is the national cathedral of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. ... Van Nuys is a district within the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. ... Members of Parliament Libby Davies, Ujjal Dosanjh, David Emerson, Hedy Fry, Stephen Owen Members of the Legislative Assembly Gordon Campbell, David Chudnovsky, Adrian Dix, Colin Hansen, Jenny Kwan, Lorne Mayencourt, Wally Oppal, Gregor Robertson, Shane Simpson, Carole Taylor Mayor Sam Sullivan City Manager Judy Rogers Governing Body Vancouver City Council...

In the 1960s and 1970s there was a renewed interest in the supernatural gifts of the Spirit in mainstream churches such as the Episcopal, Lutheran and Catholic churches. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal was focused in individuals like Kevin Ranaghan and his group of followers at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Dennis Bennett was Ranaghan's counterpart in the Episcopal Church. The 1960s in its most obvious sense refers to the decade between 1960 and 1969, but the expression has taken on a wider meaning over the past twenty years. ... The 1970s in its most obvious sense refers to the decade between 1970 and 1979. ... This article or section should be merged with Catholic Charismatic Movement. ... Kevin Ranaghan, born in New York City in 1940, was raised in the faith and culture of his solid, Irish Catholic parents. ... Not to be confused with the University of Notre Dame Australia The University of Notre Dame is a leading Roman Catholic institution of higher learning. ... South Bends downtown, with Notre Dame in the upper right. ...

The Charismatic Renewal movement in the Eastern Orthodox Church never exerted the influence that it did in other mainstream churches. Individual priests, such as Fr. Eusebius Stephanouof the Greek Orthodox Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, founder of the Brotherhood of St. Symeon the New Theologian, Fr. Athanasius Emmert of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese and Fr. Boris Zabrodsky of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, founder of the Orthodox Spiritual Renewal Services and editor of "Theosis" journal, were the more prominent leaders of the Charismatic renewal in Orthodoxy. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) is currently separated into three major jurisdictions: that body of Christians from Ukraine who are united under the Patriarch of Moscow, who in turn is in communion with the other patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Church (the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate - UOC-MP). ... In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic theology, theosis, meaning divinization (or deification or, to become god), is the call to man to become holy and seek union with God, beginning in this life and later consummated in the resurrection. ...

On an international level, David du Plessis along with a host of others (including Lutheran and even Southern Baptist ministers) promoted the movement. The latter did not last long with their denominations, either volunteering to leave or being asked to do so. But in the Episcopal and Catholic churches priest and ministers were permitted to continue on in their parishes, provided they did not allow these concerns to create major divisions within their congregations. David du Plessis (* 1905, + January 31, 1987) was a Pentecostal minister (most of his life affiliated with Assemblies of God), who is considered to be one of the founders of the Charismatic movement. ... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a United States cooperative ministry agency serving missionary Baptist churches around the world. ...

Change 1975-2000

While there are many charismatics within established denominations, many have left or have been forced out and have joined either more progressive Pentecostal churches or formed their own churches or denominations. The house church movement in the UK and the Vineyard movement in the USA are examples of a formal Charismatic structure. The Hillsong Church in Australia is an example of a Pentecostal church that has embraced Charismatic belief and practices, which has, in turn, influenced the Australian Assemblies of God denomination. In New Zealand, the pre-eminent Pentecostal movement has been the New Life Churches, although other local and international Pentecostal denominations are also well established. House church is an informal term for a group of Christians gathering regularly or spontaneously in a home instead of a building dedicated to the purpose. ... The Vineyard Movement is a combination renewal and church planting movement which can also be considered a Christian denomination. ... Hillsong Church is a Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian church. ... The Assemblies of God is the worlds largest Pentecostal Protestant Christian denomination. ... New Life Churches International is a Pentecostal Christian church denomination that was formally established in New Zealand in the 1960s. ...

Since the mid 1980s, the Charismatic movement has made some notable changes in its theology and emphases. This process has been termed The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit and has been typified by the ministry of C. Peter Wagner, Word-faith Theology and the Toronto blessing phenomenon. Some opponents of the Charismatic movement have noted that these recent trends have been influenced heavily by the Latter Rain Movement of the 1950s within the Pentecostal churches — a movement that was officially declared heresy by The Assemblies of God at the time. The expression Third Wave was coined by Christian Theologian C Peter Wagner around 1980 to describe the recent historical work of the Holy Spirit. ... Charles Peter Wagner (1930-) is a former professor of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission. ... The Word of Faith movement or word-faith theology developed in the latter half of the 20th century in mainly Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. ... Also referred to as The Fathers Blessing, The Anointing, The Awakening, The River, The Fire. The Toronto Blessing is a term coined by the British press to describe the revival and resulting phenomena that began in January of 1994 at Toronto Airport Vineyard Christian Fellowship, now known as Toronto... The Latter Rain Movement as currently constituted grew out of events in North Battleford, Saskatchewan between 1946 and 1948. ... // Events and trends The 1950s in Western society was marked with a sharp rise in the economy for the first time in almost 30 years and return to the 1920s-type consumer society built on credit and boom-times, as well as the the baby boom from returning GIs who... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ... Heresy, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is a theological or religious opinion or doctrine maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the ‘catholic’ or orthodox doctrine of the Christian Church, or, by extension, to that of any church, creed, or religious system, considered as orthodox. ... The Assemblies of God is the worlds largest Pentecostal Protestant Christian denomination. ...

There appears to be a great deal of evidence which shows that, since 1975, the Charismatic movement has been influenced by the Latter Rain Movement and its influential teachers (such as William M. Branham). This can be explained by the desire of Charismatic Christians to enter into fellowship with those within the Christian church who have experienced similar forms of Religious ecstasy. As a result of this, Charismatics came into contact with both mainstream Pentecostalism as well as the Latter Rain Movement. It appears that modern-day Charismatics and Pentecostals are far more united in experience and theology because both movements have adopted elements of Latter Rain teachings. The Latter Rain Movement as currently constituted grew out of events in North Battleford, Saskatchewan between 1946 and 1948. ... William Marrion Branham (April 6, 1909, Kentucky - 1965) was an influential Bible minister sometimes credited with founding the Latter Rain Movement within American Pentecostal churches, elements of which are present in most modern Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. ... Religious ecstasy is a trance-like state characterized by expanded mental and spiritual awareness and is frequently accompanied by visions, hallucinations, and physical euphoria. ... The Latter Rain Movement as currently constituted grew out of events in North Battleford, Saskatchewan between 1946 and 1948. ...

Charismatics - a world perspective

As noted earlier pentecostalism and charismatic are often used interchangeably. With that in mind, according to Christianity Today, pentecostalism is "a vibrant faith among the poor; it reaches into the daily lives of believers, offering not only hope but a new way of living." [3]. In addition, according to a 1999 U.N. report, "Pentecostal churches have been the most successful at recruiting its members from the poorest of the poor." [4] Also, according to Christianity today, in Brazilian churches, where Pentecostal Christians are often very poor "Preachers constantly ask parishioners to give what seem like laughable sums of money; these people tithe 20, 30, and sometimes as much as 50 percent of their income." [5] Christianity Today also noted that Brazilian Pentecostals talk of Jesus as someone real and close to them and doing things for them including providing food and shelter. [6] In addition, according to Christianity Today, "Scholars have long branded Pentecostalism an eminently "otherworldly" religion, focused more on things above than the mundane below. To many that seems like a foregone conclusion, given the movement's emphasis on charismatic experiences, intense religiosity, and ascetic tendencies. Even highly respected Pentecostal scholars argue this point." [7]

Charismatic Denominations

The following groups are all charismatic, although some of then would describe themselves as non-denominational A non-denominational church (usually Christian) is a religious organization which does not necessarily align its mission and teachings to an established denomination. ...

• Newfrontiers
• Vineyard Movement
• Sovereign Grace Ministries

Newfrontiers describes itself as is an international family of chruches together on a mission. ... The Vineyard Movement is a combination renewal and church planting movement which can also be considered a Christian denomination. ... Sovereign Grace Ministries is a non-denominational, Reformed Charismatic group of Christian churches primarily located in the United States. ...

Charismatic Catholics

Main article: Catholic Charismatic Renewal
While Charismatic Christians are not exclusive to any single denomination, Charismatic theology is not uniquely Protestant. There is a burgeoning Charismatic movement within the Catholic Church, and Pope John Paul II was reputed to have had a Charismatic Priest as his personal pastor. This article or section should be merged with Catholic Charismatic Movement. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... Catholic (literally meaning: according to (kata-) the whole (holos) or more generally universal in Greek) is a Christian religious term with a number of meanings: The term can refer to the notion that all Christians are part of one Church, regardless of denominational divisions. ... Pope John Paul II (Latin: ), born Karol Józef Wojtyła (May 18, 1920 – April 2, 2005) reigned as pope of the Catholic Church for almost 27 years, from 16 October 1978, making his the second-longest pontificate (or the third-longest, as enumerated by Roman Catholic tradition). ...

Criticism of the Movement

Christians who are at odds with Charismatics (often Southern Baptists and the various Reformed denominations), sometimes use the word in a derisive manner and generally believe and teach that Charismatics are everything from shallow to dangerous — even demon possessed, although this latter charge is increasingly rare as Charismatic and Pentecostal groups become more established in the American religious landscape. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a United States cooperative ministry agency serving missionary Baptist churches around the world. ... The Reformed churches are a group of Protestant denominations historically related by a similar Zwinglian or Calvinist system of doctrine but organisationally independent. ...

Many conservative authors have written detailed polemics against the movement. Charismatic Chaos by Dr. John MacArthur is one of the better known examples of this. Similar books by dispensationalists include: Occult Invasion by Dave Hunt; One World by Ron J. Bigalke Jr.; and, Seduction of Christianity by Dave Hunt. One of the earliest criticisms comes from B. B. Warfield's book Counterfeit Miracles, which is still considered to be one of the classic defenses of cessationism and criticisms of the revivalism that the charismatic movement is based on. Criticism comes from non-cessationists as well. For example, Hank Hanegraaff's book Counterfeit Revival is critical of many of the extremes of the movement, particularly of groups such as the Toronto Blessing and the Kansas City Prophets. (Contrary to popular belief, Hank Hanegraaff is not a cessationist). Charismatic Chaos, by John Macarthur Jr. ... Alternate meanings: John D. MacArthur, John R. Macarthur John Macarthur (1767-1834), soldier, politician and pioneer of the Australian wool industry, was born in Devonshire, but the MacArthurs are an old Argyll family, from which the American military hero General Douglas MacArthur was also descended. ... Ron J. Bigalke Jr. ... Benjamin Breckinridge (B.B.) Warfield (1851 - 1921) was the principal of Princeton Seminary from 1887 to 1921. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Also referred to as The Fathers Blessing, The Anointing, The Awakening, The River, The Fire. The Toronto Blessing is a term coined by the British press to describe the revival and resulting phenomena that began in January of 1994 at Toronto Airport Vineyard Christian Fellowship, now known as Toronto... This article lacks information on the importance of the subject matter. ...

The term Charismaniacs is occasionally used to parody the movement. This term is also often used, especially in Calvary Chapel, to distinguish moderately charismatic churches, such as Calvary Chapel itself, from more extreme variants such as those associated with the Latter Rain and Toronto Blessing movements. In fact, the term may have been coined by Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... The Latter Rain Movement as currently constituted grew out of events in North Battleford, Saskatchewan between 1946 and 1948. ... Also referred to as The Fathers Blessing, The Anointing, The Awakening, The River, The Fire. The Toronto Blessing is a term coined by the British press to describe the revival and resulting phenomena that began in January of 1994 at Toronto Airport Vineyard Christian Fellowship, now known as Toronto... Chuck Smith (Charles Ward Smith) (born 1927) is a religious leader in the United States. ...

There have been many criticisms of the movement and Biblical arguments made against the movement. Some of these include:

1. There is claimed to be Scriptural support for cessationism from the following verses 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, Ephesians 2:20, Hebrews 2:3-4, Acts 2:22, 2 Cor. 12:12, etc.

2. Charismatics often argue that the Bible never says that the gifts will cease. However, this is rejected as untrue by cessationists and has numerous logical problems. For example, it is an argument from silence, considered to be a logical fallacy. It can also be used "both ways" - i.e. one could just as easily reverse the argument and state that the Bible never says that the gifts will continue either. The argument from silence (also called argumentum e(x) silentio in Latin) is that the silence of a speaker or writer about X proves or suggests that the speaker or writer is ignorant of X. Here is an example of a legitimate argument from silence: John: Do you know any... A fallacy is a bad argument. ...

3. Charismatics have also been accused of having extreme practices. For example, the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship has allowed controversial practices such as being "slain in the Spirit" and "holy laughter," and participants imitating animal noises such as lions while "drunk in the Spirit." Books such as Charismatic Chaos by Dr. John F. MacArthur and particularly Counterfeit Revival by Hank Hanegraaff document many examples of extreme practices within the charismatic movement. The Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship (TACF) began as a tiny church (under 50) that met in various rented locations throughout Toronto. ... This article is about American evangelical writer and minister John F. MacArthur. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

4. Historically, the gifts appear to have ceased, as documented by B. B. Warfield in Counterfeit Miracles. Although charismatics argue that the gifts did continue at least into the 4th Century, it seems clear that, at very least, the gifts did not continue to the same quality and extent that they did in the New Testament times. Charismatics sometimes attribute this to various factors such as corruption in the church. Benjamin Breckinridge (B.B.) Warfield (1851 - 1921) was the principal of Princeton Seminary from 1887 to 1921. ...

5. It has been pointed out that miracles did not occur "evenly" throughout the Biblical record but are clustered around a few brief periods. This is the exact opposite of what one would expect if the charismatic position were correct. However, charismatics point out that in the Old Testament there were highs and lows of adherence of God's laws in the Old Testament.

6. The Bible clearly indicates that the sign gifts were meant to authenticate the Apostles and Jesus (Acts 2:22, 2 Cor. 12:12, Heb. 2:3-4, etc.) and that the Apostles and Prophets played a unique or "foundational" role in the Church (Eph. 2:20).

7. Most charismatics agree that the Canon of Scripture is closed and that there are no longer apostles in the church. Cessationists point out that apostleship was listed among many of the other "charismatic gifts" in 1 Cor. 12:28-30, and charismatics themselves admit that apostles ceased. Hence, at least one gift has ceased. (Yet, this is not true. Only in the Protestant Churchs has Apostleship ceased. The Catholic Church has continued the line of Apostles, through the Pope, Bishops, and Priests, and it has never ended or been destroyed).Cessations further argue that, since there cannot be any more Scripture writers, New Testiment prophecy cannot currently operate in the same manner as it did in the early church.

8. Studies have indicated that modern tongues, unlike Biblical tongues, are not meaningful, spoken languages. See Tongues of Men and Angels: The Religious Language of Pentecostalism by William J. Samarin. However, charismatics point out that Paul talks about the "tongues of angels". Charismatics also point out that the Spirit may not cooperate with studies and perhaps the researchers missed many instances where speaking in tongues did occur in other languages outside of the researchers purview. These arguments are often dismissed as an "invisible-dragon" argument (i.e. the conclusion is unfalsifiable because the arguer excludes every possible test of truth as invalid - "I have a dragon in the garage, but he's invisible..." - and fails Occam's Razor because the explanation is needlessly complicated). The argument is also criticized as factually incorrect because the research did not compare toungues to the set of known languages (i.e. the research did not compare toungues to French, German, English, etc. and conclude that it was not any of these languages) but rather examined toungues to see whether it even had any characteristics of language and concluded that it did not. Occams Razor (also spelled Ockhams Razor), is a principle attributed to the 14th-century English logician and Franciscan friar, William of Ockham. ...

9. Arguments have been made from the doctrines such as the completeness of the Canon of Scripture and Sola Scriptura (the sufficiency of Scriptures). These doctrines imply that, unlike in the New Testament age, there cannot be any more additions to the Bible or anything authoritative other than Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura translates "Scripture alone") and that the Scripture is sufficient for our spiritual life and for everyday living. Charismatic theology inherently implies that something more than Scripture is needed. Also, the fact that the Canon is closed implies that the nature of prophecy has changed since the New Testament. Sola scriptura (Latin By Scripture alone) is one of five important slogans of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. ...

10. Charismatics have traditionally placed the burden of proof on cessationists. However, some cessationists argue that the burden of proof is on charismatics rather than on cessationists. This is based on many of the arguments above. For example, John MacArthur made this case based on historical evidence in Charismatic Chaos.

Theologians and Scholars

• J. Rodman Williams
• Wayne Grudem
• C. Peter Wagner

• Other Charismatic theologians are listed in the article entitled Renewal Theologians.

Wayne Grudem is a Protestant Christian theologian and author. ... Charles Peter Wagner (1930-) is a former professor of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission. ... Renewal theologians are those theologians who represent the Pentecostal, Charismatic and Neocharismatic movements. ...

See also

• pentecostalism
• Transformationalism
• Hallelujah diet
• Assembleias de Deus Africanas
• Hillsong Church
• Ministries of His Glory
• Neocharismatic
• Snake handling
• Criticisms of Pentecostal and Charismatic belief

The Pentecostal movement within protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as shown in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. ... Transformationalism, or Transformational Christianity, represents a fusion of evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, and ecumenicalism that started becoming prominent in the early 21st century. ... The Hallelujah diet is a controversial diet that is promoted by George Malkmus. ... The Assembleias de Deus Africanas is a charismatic denomination of Christianity in Mozambique, probably the largest one. ... Hillsong Church is a Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian church. ... Ministries of His Glory is a large-scale Christian organization that encompasses more than 90 churches in Central America. ... Neocharismatic is a reference to those Christians who have received Pentecostal-like experiences, yet they claim no association with either the Pentecostal or Charismatic movements. ... Snake handling is a religious ritual in some Christian churches in the U.S., usually characterized as rural and Pentecostal. ... Charismatic is an umbrella term used to describe those Christians who believe that the manifestations of the Holy Spirit seen in the first century Christian Church, such as glossalalia, healing and miracles, are available to contemporary Christians and ought to be experienced and practised today. ...

Further reading

(This list is by no means systematic or comprehensive)

Opposed:

Charismatic Chaos by Dr. John MacArthur

Counterfeit Revival by Hank Hanegraaff

Corinthean Catastrophe by George E. Gardiner

Counterfeit Miracles by B. B. Warfield

Perspectives on Pentecost by Richard B. Gaffin

Supporting:

Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere

The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today by Wayne Grudem

Neutral:

Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Edited by Wayne Grudem

External links

• Understanding Spiritual Gifts by Dr. Dale A. Robbins
• Charismatic Pentecostal Theology

Alternative viewpoints

• The Association of Former Pentecostals A non-profit association uniting former Pentecostals and Charismatics worldwide.