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.
Uhhh ... No. Rabbi and Priest are two separate things. Modern day Jews have Rabbis, who lead and teach the congregations. To be a Rabbi is not hereditary. There are no Jewish Priests today, because the Priesthood was hereditary, and genealogical records have been lost, and the name Cohen is not considered sufficient proof (although DNA testing may be used to restablish the Priesthood.) But Priests sacrifice; Rabbis teach. Not the same. Jesus was not a Levitical Priest, but He was a Priest after the order of Melchisadek.
It's a contradiction that all scholars of history recognize.
A little too sweeping. But Roman and Orthodox scholars have their own problems trying to identify Christian Elders (Presbyters) with Old Testament Priests. (The early Christians had had Elders, but no Priests.) This confusion is the cause of much misunderstanding.
I've read enough critiques of Josh McDowell. Wasn't impressed with them.
Not interested in going there. Not a priority. Thanks anyway.
Yes, there's plenty fascinating . . . particularly about God's character, priorities, instructions . . . nature . . . goals . . .
You're always so kind. It would be nice to meet you. Mxxx
Thanks.
But, contrary to what so many 'elders' told me as a teen . . . I've found more answers than I'd been led to believe were available.
When my husband first came to know the Lord, he was a real recluse. We used to pray in circles in the church before the service and prayed out loud. After the first time, he said he'd never do that again. Well, 20 years later, you should hear him pray. It's beautiful. He's a man of few words publicly but what he says is full of love and wisdom. His prayers have grown right along with him.
You'll have a tough time in heaven then because we'll all be raising our hands in worship to the Lord, laying prostrate at his feet, dancing, singing loud songs of praise, etc.
Those are the churches I call as preaching the gospel of the NY Times. They just don't get it.
He was called Raboni, which means teacher, which he was. He was a carpenter until he was called into the ministry around the age of 30.
One of our friends' only son is going to Iraq this week. He's a schoolteacher and has three small children. Please add Kurt to your prayers. I pray all of them return safely with no harm done to them emotionally, physically or spiritually. May they all be a witness to God's love while they're there. Mxxx
Kurt has been added to our prayers. May God watch over him and all those who serve with him. God Bless Kurt, his family and friends. Thanks for giving me his name.
I hear what you're saying!
Raboni? That sounds like a magician!
I think you misunderstand me. I'm all in favor of charismatic worship of our Lord. Scripture is full of exhuberant worship...
Thanks for your kind and understanding reply.
Wonderful!
Raising hands in worship is all over The Bible.
Interesting how so many congregations censor it out of their PRACTICE of The Bible!
I suspect God is not amused beyond a sad 'oh me,' chuckle.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Of Note: Your homepage declares that you were saved in Jesus Christ at age 30; I at 291/2! I've walked with Jesus 12 years now, and I know I would greatly benefit from having you as a mentor in my life who have known Him in Love so much longer. You've already blessed me in this forum many times, dear Mary, and I thank God for you and for our fellowship In Him Who Is, and Was, and Is To Come! Hallelujah, amen!
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