Rather Spirit-filled than learned! Pentecostalism's tradition of anti-intellectualism and Pentecostal theological scholarship

Marius Nel

doi:10.4102/ve.v37i1.1533

Abstract

The beginnings and first half-century of South African Pentecostalism are characterised by a tradition of anti-intellectualism consisting of a rejection of theological training, a critical and negative attitude towards theologians, and criticism of the academic world in general. This led to Pentecostals being seen as outsiders without a theological tradition or any contribution to be made to the theological world, or even any interest in developing and formulating a theological structure that can compare or contrast with other theological structures. The historical phenomenon of anti-intellectualism is described in terms of its complicated motivation and nature before the rise of Pentecostal theological scholarship is investigated in terms of its historical development and nature. The article closes with some remarks about the future of Pentecostal theological scholarship.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article reflects a historical survey of attitudes within the South African Pentecostal churches towards academic endeavours and theological reflection, showing how it changed from anti-intellectualism toward a more positive attitude with certain reservations and allowing for the development of Pentecostal scholarship. For historical reasons South African tertiary education has been closed for Pentecostal scholarship, although the situation will be changing in the near future because of the Pentecostal influence.Keywords: Anti-intellectualism; Pentecostalism; scholarship; theological training

Highlights

The first five or six decades of the existence of South African Pentecostalism is characterised by anti-intellectualism that is based on the historical given of the movement’s origin, with most of the early members being illiterate and lacking the motivation to engage in intellectual activities and organisations
Its anti-intellectualism is driven by the urgency and determination of Pentecostals to proclaim the gospel of salvation to a world facing the imminent second coming with its judgement seat; there was no time left for training and preparation
Pentecostal anti-intellectuality rests on the observations that Pentecostal spirituality arises from the affections rather than intellectual ability; it is dominated by imagination rather than reason; it operates on the level of oral rather than written discourse; and it is concerned with ongoing, daily revelation of truths in the life of the individual and assembly rather than the revelation of eternal truths

Summary

Introduction

The need to carry the message to the unreached was so urgent that there was no time for training and preparation (Anderson 2007:47–72 discusses these worldwide outreaches that lead him to characterise early Pentecostalism in terms of its missionary nature).10 The gift of speaking in tongues was frequently interpreted as the gift of foreign languages, enabling the receiver to preach the gospel to nations without the need to learn the foreign languages and without the need for further theological or biblical training Archer 2009, 2012:109–110) with the purpose that members be equipped for ministry and witness in culturally appropriate ways (Rance 2008:8).12 Even in contemporary times Pentecostal scholars are sceptic about academic scholarship that is overdependent on the intellect at the cost of involving the entire person in the life of faith (Vondey 2013:136).

Results

Conclusion