The Charismatic movement within denominational Christianity

Abstract

Change has become a major and key factor in the society of North America. A vital part of the growth and history of that society is the religious life of its members. Denominational Christianity is the major expression of this- religious life. This study is an endeavor to reveal the history, mechanisms, and structures of a contemporary movement termed "The Charismatic Movement." Its immediate setting is denominational Christianity which is delineated in the introduction. The study is two-fold. A history of the charismatic phenomenon has been traced from the genesis of the Christian faith to the present day beginnings of the charismatic revival. The main body of the paper is the actual study of the present day movement. The conclusions to the study were based on library research of pertinent literature, personal interviewing of leaders within the movement, and actual participatory observation of a sample of different phases of the movement. The methodological problem involved will be discussed in an appendix to the study. In a word, this study may be the beginnings of studies of a movement that may have substantial effects on the religious life style of North Americans.