Confusion in the Charismatic Camp

One startling religious phenomenon of the twentieth century is the rise of the Pentecostal and charismatic movement with its emphasis on the “charismata,” or spiritual gifts. The movement had its beginning in the early 1900’s, a rather recent date in terms of church history. And yet, by the end of this century, Charismatics have infiltrated all mainline denominations and have made strong inroads into Roman Catholicism and evangelical churches. Discerning evangelicals are concerned with a number of problem areas. Doctrinal and denominational differences are often ignored in light of the Charismatics’ common experience of Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues.