charismatic movement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “charismatic movement” mean?
A Christian renewal movement that emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit, including spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian renewal movement that emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit, including spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
More broadly, any movement or group characterized by a focus on the personal charisma of its leader(s) and the emotional, experiential, or ecstatic participation of its followers, often within a religious or political context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious. In secular analysis, it may carry connotations of populism or emotional manipulation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger size and historical prominence of charismatic Christian groups in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “charismatic movement” in a Sentence
The [Adjective] charismatic movementThe charismatic movement [Verb: flourished/spread/emerged]a movement [Prepositional Phrase: within Christianity/characterized by...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charismatic movement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The church was profoundly charismatised by the movement.
- He ministers in a charismatically influenced style.
American English
- The movement charismatized mainstream Protestantism.
- They worship in a charismatically oriented church.
adverb
British English
- The service was conducted charismatically, with emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit.
American English
- They pray charismatically, expecting manifestations of the Spirit.
adjective
British English
- Charismatic-movement theology emphasises spiritual experience.
- She comes from a charismatic-movement background.
American English
- Charismatic-movement practices include speaking in tongues.
- It was a charismatic-movement conference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically to describe a company culture driven by a founder's powerful personality.
Academic
Common in religious studies, sociology of religion, and history texts.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used primarily by individuals within or discussing religious communities.
Technical
Specific term in theology and religious history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “charismatic movement”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “charismatic movement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charismatic movement”
- Misspelling as 'charasmatic movement'.
- Using it as a general synonym for any popular trend.
- Confusing it with 'Pentecostal movement', which is a distinct but overlapping predecessor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they are closely related. Pentecostalism is seen as the origin point in the early 1900s. The Charismatic Movement refers to a later wave (mid-20th century) where similar practices spread into mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches.
While the practice of glossolalia (speaking in tongues) is a hallmark and is encouraged, not every individual in the movement necessarily practices it. It is considered a key spiritual gift among others.
Yes, but less commonly. Sociologists or political analysts might use it descriptively for any group whose cohesion relies heavily on the dynamic personality of a leader and collective emotional experience.
Common criticisms from other Christian traditions include an over-emphasis on emotional experience at the expense of doctrinal depth, and concerns about the potential for manipulation or the elevation of human leaders.
A Christian renewal movement that emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit, including spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
Charismatic movement is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Charismatic movement: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkær.ɪzˈmæt.ɪk ˈmuːv.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌker.ɪzˈmæt̬.ɪk ˈmuːv.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHARIsmatic leader who starts a MOVEMENT where people are moved by spiritual gifts.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A LIVING ORGANISM (it experiences renewals and movements); SPIRITUAL POWER IS A TANGIBLE FORCE (that can be experienced and manifested).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'charismatic movement' MOST precisely used?