Emotionalism: A potential hybrid syncretistic expression in Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostalism

Abstract

Background: In Pentecostal theology, a considerable emphasis is placed on emotions and experience in Pentecostal gatherings. As a result, the liturgical expressions are often deeply infused with an atmosphere of emotional intensity. The risk is the excessive emphasis on emotions and experience that may ultimately result in emotionalism and, when infused with the biblical message, can manifest as a form of syncretism, leading to heretical biblical interpretations and manipulation.
Objectives: A clear distinction must be drawn between emotionalism and the experiences and emotional responses that emerge from the authentic activity of the Holy Spirit, requiring theological and spiritual discernment to guard against emotionalism in praxis by pursuing a predetermined outcome, often deliberately encouraged by leaders as a means of self-enrichment.
Method: A literature study will be conducted, employing practical, systematic, sociological and hermeneutical theological perspectives to examine the theological significance and potential risks associated with emotionalism manifesting as a form of syncretism.
Results: Findings show that emotional intensity cultivated through exuberant worship and charismatic preaching can result in emotionalism and the exploitation of the congregation. The infusion of the biblical message with emotionalism gives rise to a syncretistic challenge that can substitute for the genuine work of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: The emphasis on emotion and experience requires theological guidance to avert emotionalism, as a syncretistic challenge.
Contribution: Discerning and confronting emotionalism as a syncretistic challenge amid the volatility of Pentecostalism and Neo-Pentecostalism, while still fostering emotions and experience within the authentic work of the Spirit.