I have 2 very sweet, thoughtful neighbors who are twin sisters about 7 years younger than me. They know that I'm Christian & that I have a church, but they would occasionally invite me to go to their Pentecostal church. One day I accepted, on a Wednesday night. I was excited about getting to experience a new church.
But when the pastor began talking, it went downhill. He spoke of unbelievers as 'pigs' and 'dogs'. He spoke of homosexuals, alcoholics, and prostitutes in a very hateful tone of voice while he called them queers, drunks & whores. I was appalled, and quite frankly I felt very disjointed, uncomfortable. There was such a huge chasm between the love the congregation seemed to have, and the hate being preached. I understand people having differing opinions about homosexuality & such, but how necessary is it to be so hateful? How many Pentecostal churches preach like this?
I like my neighbors & visiting other churches, but I can never go back there.
2006-11-29 14:16:05 · 4 answers · asked by Blooming Sufi 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm Pentecostal and unfortunately that theme seems to be popular in them churches. Don't know why....it's certainly not like that in all Pentecostal churches and I've been to quite a few but when they get hateful, they certainly do it full force. By the way, I love being Pentecostal, reading the Bible and even going to church....just took awhile to find the right one. ;o)
2006-11-29 14:21:59 · answer #1 · answered by Dyanstar 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that sounds like a HORRIBLE experience. I've been both Pentecostal and Charismatic, and NEVER have I seen such an act. It sounds more like a KKK meeting than a church gathering!
Somebody needs to call this so-called "minister" on his hateful attitude. I know Jesus was one for calling people out, but He usually did the name calling to the religious elite! I wonder if the minister can take being called a "snake". or part of a "viper's brood"? That, at least, would be scriptural!
2006-11-29 22:24:22 · answer #2 · answered by MamaBear 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have heard of similar experiences. The father of a friend was a Pentecostal minister. He was as nice as could be in public, but I overheard him talking with another Pentecostal minister when I was visiting my friend. They were making very bad racist comments and I could not believe my ears at what I heard. Yet, when I was with the family in public, he was all "handshakes and smiles" for everybody.
It is this bigotry and intolerance that is so phony and offputting -- and then they act like they are on a mission to save the world from sin.
You have every right to be upset.
2006-11-29 22:33:26 · answer #3 · answered by SB 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you will find there are a variety of different Pentecostal denominations, with differences.
And some churches may have great people but wind up with real "duds" as preachers!!
And then there are non-Pentecostal Charismatic Churches.
2006-11-29 22:27:20 · answer #4 · answered by kent chatham 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋