THE
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD:
GODLY LOVE and the
REVITALIZATION of
AMERICAN PENTECOSTALISM.
By
Margaret M. Poloma
& John C. Green.
Poloma and Green report findings from a sociological study of the
Assemblies of God by interpreting interview and survey data from 447 clergy and
1,827 congregants, contextualized by historical narratives, website documents,
previous research, and sociological theories.
They posit that
organizational tension between charisma
(primal spirituality) and social
structure (pragmatic, organizational concerns) can catalyze revitalization;
however, extant data are not quite sufficient to support the hypothesized dynamic. Data illustrate both a commitment to classic Pentecostal experiences (e.g., glossolalia,
divine healing) as well as concerns for orthodoxy and structure. We also see a strong
moral stance consistent with their history.
Godly Love is offered as a theory to
explain a dynamic interaction between believers and God, which yields love
energy flowing outward in benevolent service. Attitudinal and benevolent activities
data suggest the potential for Godly Love
as a relational model of the Pentecostal experience.
The analyses and
interpretations are heavily dependent upon self-reported attitudes and behaviors.
Some survey scales are challenged by low scale reliability and limited
construct validity. The lack of cohort-based longitudinal data in the context
of the American host culture and other religious bodies may relegate trend
analysis to speculation. Nevertheless, the authors successfully maintain a
delicate balance between a plethora of statistics and readable narratives
making the work a primary source for a wide audience of scholars interested in
this century-old American Pentecostal journey.
When I think about Christian love, I think about forgiveness, but forgiveness is not a concept listed in the index. My colleagues and I explored the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation in a few publications, including a a research study (See references below.)
The tables at the end of the book are a bonus, which offers useful
information to generate hypotheses for future studies and implications for
consultants. I included references to some of their findings in Counseling
and psychotherapy with Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians: Culture &
Research | Assessment & Practice (2021).
Some examples of pastors' Pentecostal practices from Table A.2, p. 208
Pastors: 16% reported speaking in tongues with interpretation at least weekly. And 82% pray in tongues at least weekly. The percentages were low for weekly or greater experiences of singing in the spirit (18%), Holy laughter (5%), and dancing in the Spirit (8%).
Examples of beliefs and values from Table A.5, p. 210.
Pastors' Beliefs- data for those who Agree and Strongly Agree
The devil actually exists 99%
Scriptures are literally accurate 98%
Christ is the only way to salvation 100%
Immanent rapture 99%
Pastors' morality
No dancing 76%
No gambling 99%
No movies 51%
References
Mittelstadt, M. & G. W. Sutton (eds.) (2010) Forgiveness, reconciliation, and
restoration: Multidisciplinary studies from a Pentecostal perspective.
Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications. ISBN: 9781608991945
Poloma, M. M. & Green, J.C. (2010).
The assemblies of God: Godly love and the revitalization of American Pentecostalism. New York: New York University Press.
Sutton, G. W. (2011). [Review of the book The Assemblies of God: Godly love and the revitalization of American
Pentecostalism by M.M. Poloma & J.C. Green]. Religious Studies Review, 37,
185. Accepted 3 February 2011. Academia Link Research
Gate Link
Sutton, G. W. (2021).
Counseling and psychotherapy with Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians: Culture & Research | Assessment & Practice. Springfield, MO: Sunflower. ISBN-13 : 979-8681036524 (
See review)
AMAZON
Sutton, G. W., Jordan,
K., & Worthington, E.L., Jr. (2014). Spirituality, hope, compassion, and
forgiveness: Contributions of Pentecostal spirituality to godly love. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 33, 212-226. Academia
Link ResearchGate
Sutton, G. W. &
Mittelstadt, M. W. (2012). Loving God and loving others: Learning about love
from psychological science and Pentecostal perspectives. Journal of Christianity and Psychology, 31, 157-166. Academia Link Research
Gate Link
Related Books
Counseling and
psychotherapy with Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians: Culture &
Research | Assessment & Practice AMAZON
Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Restoration: Multidisciplinary Studies from a Pentecostal Perspective
Published by
Pickwick / WipfandStock FREE copies to Reviewers and Instructors
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