Pentecostal
Catholic and Pentecostal
Pentecostals emphasize a post-conversion baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues and ongoing charismatic gifts, while Catholics receive the fullness of the Spirit sacramentally at Confirmation and recognize charisms within a sacramental and hierarchical framework.
Catholic view
The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is received fully at Confirmation, sealing and strengthening the graces of baptism, and that charismatic gifts, including tongues and healing, remain valid and are welcomed, notably through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal recognized by several popes since the late 1960s.
Their view
Pentecostals, following the Azusa Street Revival and statements such as the Assemblies of God's Statement of Fundamental Truths, teach that baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience subsequent to conversion, evidenced initially by speaking in tongues, empowering believers for ministry and holy living.
Key differences
Baptism in the Spirit
- Catholic view
- Received sacramentally at Confirmation, though charismatic renewal experiences can also occur.
- Their view
- A distinct post-conversion experience, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Role of sacraments
- Catholic view
- Grace flows ordinarily through the seven sacraments instituted by Christ.
- Their view
- Emphasis rests on direct spiritual experience over sacramental mediation.
Church structure
- Catholic view
- Hierarchical governance under bishops and the pope guarding doctrine.
- Their view
- Often congregational or denominational structures with less centralized doctrinal authority.
Common ground
Both affirm the ongoing activity of the Holy Spirit and the charismatic gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12, the importance of vibrant personal faith, and the practice of praying for healing.
Biblical foundation
Both traditions look to Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14 concerning the gifts of the Spirit, while Catholics also emphasize Acts 8:14-17 as connecting the imparting of the Spirit to the laying on of apostolic hands, foreshadowing Confirmation.
Historical evidence
Modern Pentecostalism traces its origin to the 1906 Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles led by William Seymour, while the Catholic Charismatic Renewal began in 1967 at Duquesne University and was later encouraged by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II as an authentic movement within the Church.
The Church Fathers
“Those who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform miracles.”