Posted on 10/07/2006 6:40:10 AM PDT by NYer
NEW YORK - A new 10-nation survey of Pentecostal and charismatic Christians, considered the fastest-growing stream of Christianity worldwide, shows they are deeply influencing the Roman Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches and are poised to make a big impact on global affairs. p>The poll released Thursday by the Washington-based Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found that "spirit-filled" Christians, who speak in tongues and believe in healing through prayer, comprise at least 10 percent of the population in nine of the 10 surveyed countries.
The study also found that followers are more willing than previously thought to bring their traditional values into public debates, potentially shaping government policies in the years ahead.
The surveys were conducted over the spring and summer in Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, the Philippines, South Korea" /> Researchers polled both Pentecostals, who form their own denominations such as the Assemblies of God, and charismatics, who have adopted some Pentecostal beliefs but remain members of traditional Protestant and Catholic churches.
The survey estimated that Pentecostals and charismatics together comprise at least half the population of Brazil, Guatemala and Kenya, and 44 percent of the Philippines.
They make up about one-third of the population of South Africa and Chile and nearly one-quarter of Nigerians and U.S. residents. The figure for South Korea is smaller, at 11 percent. In India, the poll was limited to three states with large Christian populations, so a national estimate could not be made.
The study found Pentecostal beliefs have a strong hold in major churches in many countries.
In the traditionally Catholic nations of Brazil, Guatemala and the Philippines, charismatics are a larger share of the population than Pentecostals.
In six of the 10 countries, Pentecostals and charismatics together make up the majority of the overall Protestant population, according to the survey.
The Pentecostal movement, which began a century ago in Los Angeles, spread quickly overseas because of its adaptability to local cultures, whose indigenous beliefs often include healings and casting out of evil spirits, and because of the exuberance of its worship.
While Pentecostals and charismatics are known for speaking in tongues, the survey found respondents were more likely to say that they had personally witnessed or experienced other signs of the Holy Spirit, such as a healing through prayer or a direct revelation from God.
The majority of Pentecostals in every nation surveyed except South Korea and India believed religious groups should express their views on social and political issues. In seven of the 10 countries, 70 percent of charismatics agreed.
"These are folks for whom the world of spirit is remarkably alive ... but that in no way diminishes their commitment to social justice for the poor, for instance, or a role for government in meeting those needs," said Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum.
The polls were conducted by phone in the U.S., and in person overseas, with margins of error ranging from plus or minus 4 percentage points to 9 percentage points for some subgroups.
The polls in Brazil, South Africa and South Korea focused on urban areas.
It boggles my mind that anyone from this present era could follow in the goosesteps of that era!
= = = =
We're not. Not at all.
Methinks I've read very different history books.
I'm also thankful I don't have an allergy to issues related to God.
In my church, there is one person who speaks out a lot about visions (dreams) that he has. I just think that is this one person's "gift". He is a very artistic person, and he loves to write music. I think he can visually interpret a lot of the Bible.
He is a nice guy, and I like when he shares his visions with our church. Most of the things he says would sound like "I see a river of water flowing over someone and washing away their sin." They are very generic. It's not like I see a disaster hitting Los Angelas.
Some people at my church are artistic and paint beautiful pictures about spiritual things.
I see painting real pictures and "painting" pictures with words as real gifts from God. I can't do either. It's not the gift God has given me.
That's why I think you see the same person doing the same thing. I don't think I would ever speak in tongues or paint a picture. However, I have a special needs daughter. I think my gift is to take care of her. Not everyone can do that.
I like Lutherans also. My daughters have attended Vacation Bible Schools at 2 different Lutheran churches, and the people there and the programs have been wonderful.
The churches are very traditional, but the members have a lot of heart. You can tell that the spirit is part of those churches.
You make very good points. God Bless you for taking care of your special needs daughter. Having worked as a School Psychologist for the past 11 years I know well the challenge that is faced by parents with special needs children.
well hello quix....we haven't had a conversation for a while!
Are you kidding? The Nazis were into a Nordic demigod occult spiritism. Just because they plastered christian trinkets over the surface of what they did doesn't make it real Christianity.
A more legitimate historical comparison might be the Great Awakening. There's a very good book called 'Megashift' which details the worldwide impact of supernatural Christianity in the underground and persecuted church worldwide.
I much agree. And congrats on your great job with your kid. Many people fail to see what a gift such challenges can be.
Spiritual growth is about ruling and reigning with Christ in eternity. This is boot camp.
Somehow, it seems that a lot of Lutherans I've known have been very good at being loving, effective Christians
IN SPITE OF their leadership and some of their doctrinal biases.
And the abuses of them I've seen by the leadership in behalf of some of the screwy doctrinal biases have been horrendous.
Seeing them freed up by the power and ministry of Holy Spirit was truly magnificent and miraculous.
Thanks.
How about a FREEPMAIL update on you and your family?
INDEED.
Very well put on both counts.
Thanks tons.
Seems like the destructive effects of hypocritical parents and/or religious figures can go on and on and on.
Have you read that Megashift book?
No. I've just heard of it. Been somewhat on the look out for it but haven't seen it locally, that I recall. Sounds good.
Thx.
I would highly recommend it. It's not just non-religious, it's ANTI-religious. Well documented and awesome events of God's intervention throughout.
been there, done that, please spare me.
I'm home now, my friend. Thanks.
ON the list!
ON your list
Sounds great.
Thanks.
THANKS.
Will check to insure that you are on the list.
LUB,
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