Why do the Pentecostal and charismatic denominations seem to appeal to people with a troubled past?

Question

This is not any sort of insult to Pentecostals or any other charismatics. It's simply an observation that everyone I've met from this faith came from a troubled background (drug abuse, bad family, criminal past), ect. I'm curious as to how these denominations appeal specifically to those persons.

Answer 1

that's a good question.
I suppose you could say that - and not to be mean to Baptists or Catholics or any like that...but it seems to me that the Pentecostals are a little more liberal. Baptists, Catholics, Methodists etc. all have their list of "absolute no-no's" and it seems to me that they really can rail on people who have committed those "absolute no-no's." Pentecostals seem to like you for who you are. Important to note, here in Minnesota we have an outstanding recovery program called Teen Challenge. Now, I'm not sure if Teen Challenge is a nationwide thing - because I have heard that Teen Challenge is rooted in the Assemblies of God denomination - a branch of the Pentecostals.
And maybe some from troubled backgrounds like the come-as-you-are approach instead of the rosaries and confessions and all the ritualistic things that are present in other denominations.

But - I think it's also important to point out that the Pentecostals-at least sometimes- can border on the edge of legalism. I used to be part of an Assembly of God church that I loved. And I should point out that being a Pentecostal for most of my life, I did not come to the Pentecostal church out of a troubled background. Anyway, as time went on, it seemed to me that as I got older, it seemed...tough to gain the approval of some leaders. As time went on, the AG youth group I was in seemed to be alot of do's and don'ts and having leaders tell me things I should change that they claimed wasn't legalism...but I felt that it was. After a few years, I left the Pentecostal/AG church and went back to my childhood non-denominational church.

That's my experience anyway. Sorry it was long - but it was a great question and I hope my answer helps.

Answer 2

As a former pentecostal/charismatic who became codependent with her faith, I can speak to this from experience and observation.
Your observation is correct; there is a relationship between behavioral problems and pentecostal conversion. The reasons why cannot be done justice in this post, but it boils down to the fact that fundamentalism claims to have all the answers and offers stern direction. This gives a false sense of security and makes one believe things will be OK. Not that they won't, but the false security is there, nonetheless.
Pentecostalism offers a punch; an extremism that those living on the edge feel they must have in order to remain interested. This is why they do not go for the mainline churches; they're too boring.
There are also socio-economic factors involved, but there is not enough room here to get into that.

Answer 3

Well, first of all, "charismatic" is not a denomination. I think they like to be referred to as a "movement." I am a part of a charismatic church, and I have a really good Christian background.

My answer is this: many church denominations have been around for a long time. Most of the families that attend these churches have been going for generations. Pentecostals and charismatics are different. They evangelize more, and actually reach out to the community, trying to get people saved.

Also, I think the energetic atmosphere appeals to new believers. As these people see their lives changed by God, some of their friends are also touched by their testimony and want to get their lives changed. It's like a chain reaction. I think a whole church filled with former drug addicts is a testimony to the power of God, don't you?

Answer 4

Maybe because us Pentecostals and charismatics need to see the Holy Spirit actively working in the gifts in our lives just as the first Christians did in the Book of Acts. However, I know many fellow Pentecostals who have not come from troubled pasts, so you can't say that they all were. Also it takes a few miracles sometimes to save drug addicts and people who are deeply troubled, so those who have had miracles are drawn to churches where miracles are accepted as the norm and not thought of as something only reserved for those of the early church.

Answer 5

In my opinion you could find such people anywhere. Many people with difficult lives seek stability and spiritual truth. Most people also like belonging to something and having some sense of community. All churches will welcome nearly anyone but the ones you mentioned allow people to become full members without any real religious education or deep understanding of what they are joining. By simplifying the conversion process they both obtain and lose more new converts than most other denominations and faiths.

Answer 6

No insult at all.
Pentecostals are a very happy and thankful bunch. If Christianity was a football game they would be the super fans that paint themselves with the team colors and are at every game. They do this because people who are forgiven much, love much. I am Baptist but have Pentecostal roots. I adore them.

Answer 7

There is a definite corollary between poor economic conditions/desperation and fundamentalist religion. When people are poor, uneducated, or as you put it, troubled, they are more easily susceptible to fanatic religious beliefs that center on the idea of you are worth wile and forgiven if you follow me.

They have low self esteem, and little worth in society, so when someone says I value you, so does Jesus, they listen. They aren't inheriting anything in this world, so they look to the next one. Personally I have begun to wonder whether Bush's economic policy is a deliberate attempt to bankrupt many Americans as a way to recruit for the religious fanatics.

Answer 8

It's possible that they seem to promise the most hope. Many who become Christians do so as a last resort. They have been mentally, physically, and sexually abused, or have gone through other traumas.

Answer 9

here's how it works. You go into one of those chruches at some serious low point in your life, feeling like the whole world is against you, and they start telling you how everything is okay, you're okay, there's lots of hugging and touching, and it gets to you. Next thing you know you're in tears telling them exactly how much your life sucks, and they're drinking it all in, being extremely supportive and telling you how God is going to make it all better--they attract the vulnerable, like a cult

Answer 10

It might well have something to do with the fact that these two denominations believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which gives power over such things you name.