neo-pentecostal
LowFormal, Academic, Religious
Definition
Meaning
Relating to a modern movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes charismatic practices such as speaking in tongues, faith healing, and direct personal experience of God.
Pertaining to the wave of charismatic Christian movements that emerged in the mid-20th century, distinct from classical Pentecostalism, often characterized by a focus on spiritual gifts, prosperity theology, and integration into mainstream denominations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is hyphenated. It refers specifically to the post-1960s charismatic renewal, as opposed to the early 20th-century Pentecostal movement. It can function as both a noun and an adjective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though the movement is more numerically significant and discussed in American contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries theological and sociological connotations. In British usage, it may more frequently be associated with immigrant-led churches.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the larger size and influence of the movement in the US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a neo-pentecostal[identify as] neo-pentecostal[belong to] a neo-pentecostal churchVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of religious publishing or media.
Academic
Common in religious studies, sociology of religion, and theology journals.
Everyday
Very rare; used primarily by those within or commenting on religious circles.
Technical
Standard term in religious studies and theological discourse to specify a historical phase of the charismatic movement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The neo-pentecostal service was vibrant and expressive.
- She studies neo-pentecostal growth in urban centres.
American English
- The neo-pentecostal conference attracted thousands.
- His theology is influenced by neo-pentecostal thinkers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some churches are neo-pentecostal.
- They believe in healing.
- The neo-pentecostal movement started in the 1960s.
- Many neo-pentecostal churches have lively music.
- Scholars debate the global impact of neo-pentecostal theology on mainstream Christianity.
- The neo-pentecostal emphasis on spiritual gifts distinguishes it from more traditional denominations.
- The proliferation of neo-pentecostal megachurches in Latin America has significantly altered the region's religious landscape.
- Critics argue that certain neo-pentecostal doctrines, such as prosperity gospel, represent a theological divergence from early Pentecostalism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NEO' = new, and 'PENTECOSTAL' = relating to Pentecost (the biblical event). A new form of Pentecostal Christianity.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT AS A WAVE (e.g., 'the third wave of the Spirit').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'новый пятидесятник' in a general sense; it is a specific historical/theological term. The direct calque 'неопятидесятнический' is the established term in religious studies.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'neopentecostal' (though unhyphenated form is emerging).
- Confusing it with 'classical Pentecostal' or 'Evangelical'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'very religious'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of neo-pentecostalism?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Pentecostal' typically refers to the classical movement starting around 1900. 'Neo-pentecostal' refers to the charismatic renewal that began in the 1960s, often within established, non-Pentecostal denominations.
The hyphenated form is standard, especially in formal writing. The unhyphenated 'neopentecostal' is sometimes seen but is less common.
No. It is a specialized term used primarily in academic, religious, or journalistic contexts discussing modern Christian movements.
In terms of worship style and theology, a traditional liturgical church (e.g., Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran) or a cessationist Evangelical church that does not believe in the ongoing use of charismatic gifts.