Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism, Protestant fundamentalist and revivalist movement that emphasizes holiness and spiritual power as initiated by an experience (“baptism in the Spirit”) in which the recipient “speaks in tongues.” The Pentecostal churches base their distinctive doctrines and practice of charismata on New Testament teachings and accounts of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostalism began c. 1906 and spread rapidly; it is now influential in many major denominations. The largest Pentecostal churches in the United States are the Assemblies of God and the United Pentecostal Church.

See also: Protestantism.