How the Pentecostal Movement has Brought Millions Closer to the Catholic Church – Paul Thigpen

In this talk from our 2008 Deep in History conference, Dr. Paul Thigpen looks at the history of Pentecostalism in the United States, and its global impact on Christianity. The legacy of Pentecostalism is complex; for some, it’s a road out of the Catholic Church, but for others, it’s an opening to a fresh understanding of how the Holy Spirit works through liturgy and the sacraments. Thigpen explores the roots of revivalism in John Wesley, and how the mystery and mysticism at the heart of Charismatic prayer can be a pathway to following the Holy Spirit’s call into unity and truth in the Catholic Church.

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Study Questions:

-Dr. Thigpen references Louis Bouyer’s work, The Spirit and Forms of Protestantism, and talks about the “spiritual principles” within Protestantism that cause revivals, because they help Protestantism reclaim Catholic principles. Explain your reaction to this idea.

-Does any part of Dr. Thigpen’s reflection on his own experience as a Protestant resonate with you?

-Does God still work miracles? Why is that question important to ponder?

-How do Pentecostals bridge the gap between Catholicism and Protestantism, especially regarding sacramentals?

Vocabulary:

Sacramentals: A sacramental is a sacred sign that signifies effects obtained through the Church’s intercession. Examples of Catholic sacramentals include statues, images, Advent wreaths, medals, crucifixes, the Sign of the Cross, the use of holy water, etc.