Spirit Baptism and Spiritual Transformation
Spirit Baptism and Spiritual Transformation
An Exercise in Socio-Theology
This chapter discusses Pentecostal spiritual transformation with a focus on Spirit baptism and speaking/praying in tongues. In the Assemblies of God (AG), Spirit baptism with the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues, is the key transformative experience and is central to Pentecostal identity. Scholarly research on glossolalia and AG congregational data are used to explore the meaning and practice of speaking in tongues for congregants and its relationship to other embodied religious experiences found in revivals. Of particular significance is the relationship of embodied experiences, including glossolalia, and the experience of Godly Love. It is shown that Spirit baptism is more than simply a one-time experience of speaking in tongues. Rather it is an ongoing process of spiritual transformation intertwined with other charismata.
Keywords: Assemblies of God, Pentecostalism, Spirit baptism, glossolalia, love, empowerment, ritual embodiment, evangelism, benevolence, Godly Love
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