Is the rise of Pentecostal movement in the US a reaction against mainline Protestant aridity and stodginess?

Answer 1

to a large degree that is what the pentecostal literature says. One could also argue that the most evengelical body is the one winning/ ministering to the poor folks. the main line denominations sort of moved "up town" prior to the pentecostal/full gospel/greater gifts movement.

Answer 2

There is a Pentecostal movement. I'm glad I've managed to avoid it so far. I also thought all Christians were arid and stodgy.

Was I wrong?

Answer 3

It's a fulfillment of a prophecy in the book of Joel and it means the Lord is coming back soon.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Joel 2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
Joel 2:30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Answer 4

Well, it's very passionate and emotional, and I can see where that would appeal to people. It also works very hard to get "meat in the seat", as the pastor's wife on the Simpsons put it--I've seldom seen a mainline church sponsor things like skate nights, bowling nights, and classes for every group, for instance.

Answer 5

I was raised in a mainline Prtestant church. I now attend a Pentecostal church and I have found a freedom in worship, in prayer, in expression of faith that I never felt in the church I grew up in.

Answer 6

Here is an article to help answer your question: http://hirr.hartsem.edu/research/PentecostalMovemnt.pdf

Answer 7

No and yes.