Faith and Social Mobility
My last encounter with the Pentecostal church was about ten years ago when a family friend was convinced that I wasn’t saved because of the choices I was making (I chose to be a pastor and was thinking about doing my MDiv). He offered to lay hands on me and pray that I would receive the Holy Spirit who would surely not only convince me of my wrongdoing, but would also give me the ability to speak in tongues. I kindly declined his offer, and walked away, but that encounter together with a few other minor incidents has caused me to cringe a little when I think about the Pentecostal church and the denomination in general.
The other thing that has caused me discomfort with the Pentecostal church is its association with the prosperity gospel. Lately, it seems like the two go hand in hand. I might be wrong but in the United States, prosperity gospel is synonymous for Pentecostalism. Maybe?
So with all this said, when I picked up Donald Miller’s book, Global Pentecostalism I was not excited to start reading. This book however was very eye opening and refreshing. There are many interesting things that stood out to me, but the thing I found most interesting is the segment of the book that talked about Pentecostalism and upward economic mobility. Yes! I rolled my eyes when I started reading, but I think that Miller makes some good points, at least some points that I’ve never really thought through before. He says,
“It is important to note, however, that the goal of conversion is not financial; rather, financial gain is an unintended consequence of a changed life. As individuals become more disciplined in their spiritual lives, they establish patterns that contribute to their work life and business activities. This new ethic, however, does not exist in a vacuum it is supported by a number of associated factors that strengthen the link between Pentecostalism and economic advancement.” (Loc 2020)
He proceeds to give us a list of issues that cause people to be stuck in poverty and how Pentecostalism addresses the issue:
First, Miller says that it is the lack of a sense of self-worth (Loc 2020) that keeps people from climbing up the economic ladder. Pentecostal theology deals with image and identity.
Second, worship allows people to be part of a community and allows individuals to become “one with Christ”. Group identity provides strength.
Third, a close-knit community can provide safety and networking opportunities.
Forth, “large Pentecostal churches have well-developed social services and education facilities that give their members a competitive advantage over nonmembers.” (Loc 2028)
Fifth, spirit possession seems to be an issue in many developing countries… Pentecostalism provides deliverance from these forces.
Sixth, the skills that people learn in Pentecostal churches transfer into the business sphere.
Seventh, spiritual disciplines transfer to discipline in the secular world.
I’m wondering what you all think of this list?
About the Author
Stefania Tarasut
7 responses to “Faith and Social Mobility”
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As always, I can relate well with many of your feelings and ideas in your post. The paragraph you quoted was one that I both highlighted and made special note of myself. I think what hit me was the concept we have about conversion as a purely spiritual experience (which, ironically, is what we often claim is the focus of most Pentecostals), that is something that involves our inner-selves and it is between me and God. What Miller here points out so well is that conversion should ultimately effect all of life! Here is a truly radical idea for many of us today, that maybe being a Christian might effect my ethics, my work, my attitudes, my life-style…that in some way our lives would experience improvement by following Jesus. I think often in the West, we are more anxious for people to join our church that we offer “cheap grace” — a faith that really requires nothing, that changes nothing. This book for me was helpful in seeing a much richer and fuller form of Christianity. Thanks for bringing back to my awareness that insightful paragraph and sharing your hesitation in approaching this book.
Stefania, thanks for your honest, insightful post.
I had mixed feelings about this text, some positive, some skeptical. Part of my concern was wondering if the two authors spent adequate time in the churches they researched. I was concerned that they saw the honeymoon but not the marriage over time. In regards to your list, here are my thoughts:
1. There is some truth in this. But if the assumption is that one’s value can only be found through a Pentecostal experience, then I disagree vehemently.
2. Isn’t this also true of non-pentecostal churches? How is worship defined? If it is only defined in the context of upbeat music and emotional feelings, which is often the case with Pentecostal worship, then I again disagree.
3. This is true, but it is true for other groups as well as just for Pentecostal churches. I can network anywhere.
4. Not sure I agree with this one either. How can being a member of a church offer a “competitive edge” when these very social services are for all people, not just for insiders?
5. I can’t speak to this point since I don’t know if the Pentecostals are the only ones who deal with deliverance from evil forces. But I am fairly certain that other churches also have ministry in this area.
6. I do not even understand this one. What skills are they referring to? In my view, this is a globalized claim.
7. Don’t other denominations also have spiritual disciplines that can be transferred to disciplines in the secular world? How about the Roman Catholics? The Quakers?
After reading my comments, I guess you can see my skepticism about the authors’ claims. I think that the authors found some good things in their research; however, somewhere along the line in their research they lost their objectivity and made some claims that are not accurate.
Just my thoughts.
Great post – I have also had the same experience with the Pentecostal church as you mention. While I agree with some of the benefits that the author’s provide (in your list), none of these are distinct to the Pentecostal church. These could be true in any church. Point number four causes me some concern, as it is Christ that delivers us from spirit possession, not Pentecostalism. It is clear that there is much good being done by the Pentecostal church from a socio-economic standpoint. However, I have to wonder also if there is spiritual danger that we should be alert to as evidenced with your introductory story. I have to ask, should we overlook false Biblical teaching because a church is doing so much to help people? What is the longer term impact of the Pentecostal doctrine to the lives of individuals?
Stefania, I enjoyed reading your post. Like Bill and Richard said, I do agree that the authors share many good things that is being by Pentecostal churches in the developing countries, but they also tend to make sweeping generalization about Pentecostal churches. For example, “large Pentecostal churches have well-developed social services and education facilities that give their members a competitive advantage over nonmembers.” (Loc 2028) This is not to say such churches don’t exist but it is unconvincing to believe such a globalized claim.
Hi Stefania,
I’m so sorry to hear about the negative experiences you’ve had within Pentecostal churches. That’s so sad 🙁 What was that pastor thinking??!
It’s interesting to read how your perspective is that Pentecostalism is so strongly connected to the Prosperity Gospel. Would Joel Osteen fit into that category? (Haven’t read any of his books, so just don’t know).
I guess there is no perfect denomination, but it’s experiences like this that cause so much harm. Hope it hasn’t put you off the gifts in general my dear. x
Funny how so many of us had a negative experience with a well intentioned Pentecostal believer… When I was young in my faith, a woman who was mentoring me spoke often of my need for Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues to assure my salvation. I had others around me who offered other assurance that I was indeed saved. But I think Pentecostals get a bad rap – I also had some Church of Christ folks come to my door and offer to baptize me in water (right then and there in my bathtub) to assure my salvation.
That said, I made note in my post about a general principle that we social workers are aware of, in which when you see improvement in one aspect of a person’s life, you often see improvements in other area of their life. For us, the nature of a specific goal for change is not as urgent as the fact that they have one, because ultimately there will be broader improvement. The authors make some good points, but the theory that poor self esteem is a primary economic limitation is also not necessarily true. Other literature indicates that even with a healthy sense of self, we can make poor decisions. I do think that a spiritually transformed life, and connection with the community of believers produces change, however. I think that it can be helpful to identify human indicators like community, networking, learning discipline, etc. But I am reluctant to rule out the impact of the Holy Spirit as a variable unto itself.
I kind of wonder if “upward mobility” is perhaps a bi-product of having hope? When we lack hope, it is challenging to move forward. When we gain hope, what then? Perhaps that is worth consideration.
Stefania…
So appreciate your authenticity in your writing and reflection (which of course comes from how you are :). As I am engaged with a SFAD course on Shame & Grace I am seeing that our westernized approach to grace is funneled through grace as an action which is often focused on guilt (guilt for our sin). Yet shame is not so much about what we did (or do), rather about who we are. Therefore shame affects our identity and our concept of identity. The authors are drawing connections from pentecostalism outside our westernized version. As such although there are similarities I think they are pointing out distinctives. Addressing identity, especially in shame oriented cultures (our culture is moving that way, but we are still guilt oriented) is significant. I could keep rambling, but I think what we are being invited to is to see new distinctives and in some regards — positive deviance. Thanks for inviting us into conversation!