Although the Pentecostal movement was strongly opposed by the Fundamentals from its beginning, it was formed in the milieu of Fundamentalism. However, the relationship between Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism has been less researched in contrast to t...
Although the Pentecostal movement was strongly opposed by the Fundamentals from its beginning, it was formed in the milieu of Fundamentalism. However, the relationship between Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism has been less researched in contrast to the close relationship between them.
This paper investigates the relationship Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism special reference to the theory of evolution. In order to evade a fragmentary research, the writer examines the responses of the major Pentecostal denominations in both the British Isles and the United States on the theory of evolution.
The result shows that the Pentecostals also strongly opposed against the theory of evolution in cooperation with the Fundamentals. In particular, Aimee Semple McPherson, the founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, headed those among the Pentecostals who took a stand against the theory of evolution, leading a series of campaigns against it.
Therefore, it can be said that the controversy over the theory of evolution became one of important factors to form a sense of solidarity between the Pentecostals and the Fundamentals. As a result, the main target of the Fundamentals’ attack moved from Pentecostalism toward liberalism.