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Theologically, most Pentecostal denominations are aligned with Evangelicalism in that they emphasize the reliability of the Bible and the need for conversion to faith in Jesus Christ. While there is cross pollination with other movements, Pentecostals differ from Fundamentalists by placing more emphasis on personal spiritual experience (often emotional), and, in most cases, by allowing women in ministry.
The distinguishing characteristic of Pentecostalism (and what separates it from Evangelicalism) is its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is seen as evidence that a person has received one of many blessings or spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Most major Pentecostal churches also accept the corollary that those who don't speak in tongues have not received the blessing that they call "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit" (this claim is uniquely Pentecostal and is one of the few consistent differences from Charismatic theology).
Critics charge that this doctrine does not mesh well with Paul's criticism of the early Corinthian church for their obsession with speaking in tongues (see 1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14 in the New Testament). Advocates say that the Pentecostal position aligns closely with Luke's emphasis in the book of Acts and reflects a more sophisticated use of hermeneutics.
The idea that one is not saved unless one speaks in tongues is rejected by most major Pentecostal denominations.
Some churches claiming the Pentecostal label hold to " Oneness theology ", which denies the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. The largest Pentecostal "Oneness" denomination in the United States is the United Pentecostal ChurchA Pentecostal church in Salem, Oregon The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a Pentecostal denomination formed by a 1945 merger of the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. The UPCI is headquarter. Oneness Pentecostals, sometimes known as "Jesus only" or "apostolic" Pentecostals for their belief that the original apostles baptized converts in the name of Jesus only, believe that GodThis article focuses on the concept of singular, monotheistic God . See deity, gods, or goddesses for details on divine entities in specific religions and mythologies. God is a term referring to the supreme being generally believed to be ruler or creator has revealed Himself in three different roles rather than believing that God exists in three distinct persons sharing one substance. The major Pentecostal organizations, however, including the Pentecostal World ConferenceThe Pentecostal World Conference or Pentecostal World Fellowship is a fellowship of Pentecostal believers and denominations from across the world. The Pentecostal World Conference meets every three years. The first conference was held in 1947 at Zurich, S and the Fellowship of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America , have condemned Oneness Theology as a heresy, and refuse membership to churches holding this belief.
