Pentecostalism increases its influence in the U.S. Hispanics
The Pentecostalism appeal to Latinos in U.S. has changed the dynamics of the influence of the Roman Catholic church, according to a nationwide survey of…
Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing movements in global Christianity during the 20th century and it continues to have a strong presence in the U.S. Hispanic community. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
The Pentecostalism appeal to Latinos in U.S. has changed the dynamics of the influence of the Roman Catholic church, according to a nationwide survey of more than 5,000 Hispanics by the Pew Research Center.
SEE ALSO: More Hispanic Catholics are losing their religion in the US
Pentecostalism encourages charismatic or spirit-filled movements that has rapidly grown in Latin America and other countries in the global South for the past century or so.
Those who belong to this diverse and dynamic branch of Christianity are sometimes referred to as renewalists because of their belief in the spiritually renewing gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, divine healing and prophesying.
The influence of Pentecostalism is still strongly felt within the Hispanic community.
They also nurture a strong sense of Gods direct, often miraculous, role in everyday life.
Religious facts reported that it’s estimated that the movement has 500 million adherents worldwide.
- The new Pew survey finds that among Hispanics who have left Catholicism and now identify as Protestants, more than a quarter (28%) are Pentecostal.
- Among Hispanic Protestants overall, two-thirds either say they belong to a traditional Pentecostal denomination (29%) or describe themselves as charismatic or Pentecostal Christians (38%).
- Among Hispanic Catholics, 52% describe themselves as charismatic Christians.
Pentecostalism is a fairly modern movement within Christianity
The “Charismatic” Pentecostals believe that the “manifestations of the Holy Spirit” are alive, available, and experienced by modern-day Christians.
A major focus of Pentecostal churches is Holy Spirit baptism as evidenced by speaking in tongues.
- 64 % Hispanics who are Pentecostals are particularly likely to report having received a divine healing and direct revelation from God
- 59% to have witnessed the devil or spirits being driven out of a person
- 49% say they have spoken in tongues
The Pentecostals religious traditions are sometimes referred to as the renewalist branch of Christianity. Yet, Pentecostals and charismatics remain mysterious even to other Protestants.
SEE ALSO: Can Latino evangelicals save the Republican Party?
