In the middle of this 20th
Century appeared a movement, which is called "charismatic," (from
Greek work — chares = benefaction) that was aimed to restore in
contemporary society the gifts, that the Original Apostolic Church had and in
particular this movement wanted to restore "the gift of tongues" —
which is the ability to speak different languages at will. This movement
attracted many Baptist and Protestant churches. In reality Protestants (in a
very general sense) joined the "charismatic" movement, because they
did not have apostolic succession and renewed Grace of the Holy Sacraments.
Unbeneficial sectarian prayer meetings can’t satisfy the spiritual needs of a
Christian.
The Charismatic movement promised to pour in fresh spiritual streams into
the spiritual life of Protestant churches. It became very popular and soon, in
different parts of U.S. there began to appear Pentecostal movements. Once in a
while Pentecostals have large meetings that bring members from all parts of the
world including USA. Because they do not have a definite structure, it is hard
to put a number on them. Recently Pentecostal movements started to spread in
Europe and Russia.
The aim of all Pentecostals is a desire to get a beatified enlightening and
the gift of tongues. Most Pentecostals accept the Holy Trinity, the original
sin and that the Savior come from God and His Redeeming Sacrifice. They accept
baptism by immersion and Communion, the Last Supper with which they also
combine the rite of "washing of feet." The apostolic succession,
priesthood and other Sacraments they reject, as do all Protestants.
The name "Pentecost" comes from their understanding of how the
Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles on the 50th day after the Resurrection.
They teach that they emulate the Apostles at the time of baptism and public
prayer, they also get the gift of the Holy Ghost and miraculous ability to
speak with different languages. In order to "get" that gift,
Pentecostals use many artificial methods at their prayer-meetings: they inspire
themselves by singing in unison, stamping their feet in rhythm, clapping hands
and from time to time singing "alleluia" and "amen" in
chorus. The object of all this is to artificially inject into oneself, good
feelings and arrive at ecstasies. Some members with susceptible nervous systems
get into a trance of hysteria, start laughing without stopping, gesticulate and
mumble incomprehensible words or phrases.
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