Dispensationalism and Pentecostalism: Contours, Convergences and Divergences

This article compares Dispensationalism and Pentecostalism. Opening remarks are personal experience of both ideologies. The historical evolution is highlighted and how they influence each other either negatively or positively. The contours balance between doctrine and faith. Doctrine is experienced though Pentecostals go for glossolalia as an evidential experience. Major convergences include literal hermeneutics, followed by premillennial views concerning pretribulation rapture, the coming of the kingdom of God, and cosmic destiny. Three divergences are Pentecostals’ baptism with the Holy Spirit, dispensational cessationism versus Pentecostal continuationism, and Israel-Church relationship. The conclusion highlights some differences and similarities between the Dispensationalists and the Pentecostals, showing that theology is dynamic, therefore these views undergoing some evolutionary processes. Pentecostal movement is emphatic on mission and evangelism, without abandoning the conviction regarding the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Like dispensationalists, less fervent on eschatology, but actively involved in social transformation initiatives. Dispensationalists and Pentecostals go through some evolutionary thoughts on their standpoints yet continue to hold on to their evangelical roots and persuasions.