Typological Identification of Modern Russian Pentecostalism

Introduction. The article defines the typological model of contemporary Russian Pentecostalism and identifies the characteristics of the two main types using the continuum «neo-Pentecostals - neo-charismatics» based on theoretical and field studies of 30 Pentecostal churches in Russia and the CIS. Before that, an approach to typologization is defined and a definition of Pentecostalism is formulated in connection with recent studies of the genesis and definition of world Pentecostalism. Content. In the main part of the paper two generally accepted typological models of Pentecostalism are considered - the «three-wave» model and the theological model. The problem with the first is that Pentecostalism is characterized as an exclusively North American phenomenon. The second model finds that the use of narrow theological characteristics such as «baptism in the Spirit», «speaking in tongues» and its obligatory manifestation as «evidence of the baptism of the Spirit» complicates the typology. The most relevant model of world Pentecostalism is Allan Anderson's augmented typology, which examines the Pentecostal movement using historical and theological criteria, consists of four overlapping types and several subtypes, covers a wide range of movements, and yet is not over-complicated. The most common groups are non-denominational churches and Independent Network Charismatic Christianity. In accordance with this typology, four types of Russian Pentecostalism are defined: «classical» Pentecostals, «oneness» Pentecostals, neo-Pentecostals and neo-Charismatics. The characteristics of the latter two types, as the majority of Russian Pentecostals, are examined according to four criteria: organizational structure, theological views, ritual practices, and social participation. Conclusions. Based on the conducted research the most relevant model of world Pentecostalism has been singled out. In accordance with it the typological model of Russian Pentecostalism with a new type of neo-Charismatics with its own special characteristics is defined: a wide variety of practices and doctrines, «spirit-centeredness», a great perception of the teachings of «network apostles», a relatively small number of community members, a pronounced non-denominational character of the community.