https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYp29QmW4Q
Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that emerged in the 20th century in the United States, based on the belief that all Christians should seek a post-conversion experience called baptism with the Holy Spirit. This experience is marked by the manifestation of supernatural gifts, especially speaking in tongues, which Pentecostals regard as a sign of the Spirit's presence and power. Pentecostals trace their origin to the Apostles and the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the first Christians and enabled them to speak in different languages. Pentecostalism has its roots in the holiness movement of the 19th century, which emphasised personal sanctification and revival. The founder of the first Pentecostal church was Charles Fox Parham, who taught that speaking in tongues was the biblical evidence of Spirit baptism. Pentecostalism spread rapidly through revivals and missionary work, and today it is one of the largest and most diverse branches of Christianity, with many denominations and faith groups that share a common emphasis on the experiential and charismatic dimension of faith.
Pentecostals are a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasises the direct personal experience of God through baptism with the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals do not believe that repentance of sin is a necessary condition for receiving God's forgiveness and salvation. Repentance means turning away from all sin and turning to God in prayer, confessing one's sins and asking for His mercy. However, Pentecostals seek forgiveness as a substitute for repentance which they believe will save. Asking for forgiveness is the first step in receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which they believe is a second work of grace that empowers Christians to live a Spirit-filled and victorious life. Pentecostals often associate baptism with the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues, which they consider to be a sign of the Spirit's presence and power. However, there is nothing in the Bible to suggest the way to salvation is by speaking in tongues or that it is necessary to be saved. On the contrary, speaking in tongues could be a sign of a demon-possessed individual.
The Bible mentions tithing in both the Old and New Testaments but not necessarily to the church. Tithing means giving a tenth of one's income or produce to support those who are less fortunate . In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to give a tithe of their crops, livestock and spoils of war to the Levites, who served at the tent of meeting and did not have an inheritance in the land (Numbers 18:21-28). The Israelites were also instructed to give a tithe of their produce every third year to support the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans and the widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). In addition, they were to be generous with those in need and lend them whatever they needed (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed that tithing was an obligation for the Jews who lived under the law, but he also criticized the Pharisees who tithed meticulously but neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23-24). Jesus taught that giving should be done cheerfully, not as an obligation, and not for public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). He also challenged some of his followers to give more than a tenth, even everything they had, to follow him and serve God (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4). The apostles and early Christians did not impose tithing as a rule for believers, but they encouraged them to share generously of whatever gifts, abilities and wealth God had entrusted to them (Romans 12:6-8, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17).
One day, a Pentecostal preacher grabbed me by the shoulders and started to shake me. He told me that I had to tithe to his church or else I would face God's wrath. He was living in a huge and luxurious mansion that he had built with the money from his congregation. I was one of his donors for a while, but I didn't give him much before I left the church for good and that is that for the Pentecostal movement.
The Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest and largest religious institutions in the world, but it has also been the subject of many criticisms and controversies over the centuries. Some of the faults that have been attributed to the church are:
- Sexual scandal. The church has been accused of covering up cases of sexual abuse and misconduct by its clergy, especially against children and young people. The scandal has damaged the credibility and reputation of the church, and led to lawsuits, resignations, and criminal investigations in many countries .
- Celibacy. The church requires its priests and nuns to remain celibate, which means they cannot marry or have sexual relations. This rule has been challenged by some who argue that it is unnatural, unhealthy, and a cause of frustration and loneliness for many clergy. Some also claim that celibacy contributes to the sexual abuse problem, as some priests may seek illicit outlets for their sexual urges.
- Birth control. The church opposes any form of artificial contraception, such as condoms, pills, or sterilization. It teaches that sex is only for procreation within marriage, and that any interference with the natural process of conception is immoral. This stance has been criticized by many who say that it is unrealistic, irresponsible, and harmful to women's health and rights. Some also blame the church for contributing to the problems of overpopulation, poverty, and AIDS in developing countries.
- Homosexuality. The church considers homosexual acts to be gravely sinful, and homosexual orientation to be disordered. It does not accept same-sex marriage or civil unions, and opposes any legal or social recognition of homosexual relationships. It also teaches that homosexuals should live in chastity and refrain from expressing their sexuality. This position has been denounced by many as homophobic, discriminatory, and insensitive to the dignity and needs of homosexual people.
- Female priests. The church does not ordain women as priests, and asserts that this is a matter of divine law that cannot be changed. It bases this doctrine on the example of Jesus, who chose only male apostles, and on the tradition of the church, which has always reserved the priesthood to men. This doctrine has been challenged by some who argue that it is sexist, unjust, and contrary to the spirit of equality and inclusion that Jesus taught.
- Premarital sex. The church teaches that sex outside of marriage is a serious sin that offends God and harms the dignity of the human person. It also warns that premarital sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies, abortions, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional damage, and loss of trust and respect in relationships. This teaching has been questioned by many who say that it is outdated, unrealistic, and irrelevant to modern society.
Religion is a complex and diverse phenomenon that has shaped human history and culture in many ways. It can provide a source of meaning, morality, and community for millions of people, but it can also be a cause of conflict, violence, and oppression. No religion is perfect, and neither are its followers. All religions have faults and so do people, and it is important to acknowledge and address these shortcomings in a constructive and respectful manner. Religion can be a force for good or evil, depending on how it is interpreted and practiced by individuals and groups. Therefore, it is essential to promote dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among different religious traditions and worldviews, as well as to challenge the misuse and abuse of religion for political or personal gain such as you are doing by marketing books attacking the Roman Catholic Church.
Blessings
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