Assemblies of God Church

[jeanannemarie]

Are there any members of the Assemblies of God Church that can tell me honestly what your church thinks/believes about Catholicism?

 

[brotherknight]

I’m converted (not from Assembly of God) and I have some cousins that are Assembly of God. They do not think highly of the Catholic Church. I refuse to discuss any shape or fashion of theology with them, I simply tell them that I’ve never been stronger in my faith and good luck to them on their endeavors!

I am anxious to see some of the posts on this one though!!!

 

[couponfit]

Are there any members of the Assemblies of God Church that can tell me honestly what your church thinks/believes about Catholicism?

Normally standard stuff, like Mary, Saints, Scriptural interpretation, the Pope, etc.

AoGs can be short lived, and sometimes unless they use a 4 or 5 pillar approach do not survive beyond a single minister. There’s not real oversight either, so accounting fraud can be missed for quite a while. Further their AoG affiliation is really an affiliation, it’s not the same as a Catholic church or a Episcopalian church. The AoG churches are really independent churches that accept a basic doctrine to expand from there.

 

[jeanannemarie]

Some of my family members have joined this church and I was wondering if they would be encouraged to disdain the Catholic Church. It all makes me nervous. I fear that I will not know what to say, or that I will be quiet and commit a sin out of human respect. I am dreading this.

 

[ltwin]

I am not Assemblies of God, so I will not speak for it. However, I am Pentecostal and have some familiarity with where the AG comes from. The AG is very very very diverse. There is no one stance that can be said to be AG.

I can’t find an official stance on Catholicism taken by the AG. However, articles from official publications include it as Christian along with other groups in passing.

*Is Mormonism Christian?

In the final analysis, Mormonism is an original, invented religion, born of the mind of Joseph Smith, who is responsible for the spiritual seduction of millions of people. To the world, Mormonism sells itself as the friendly Christian church down the street, but in reality it is no closer to biblical Christianity than Hinduism or Islam.
The goals of Mormonism, however, remain unchanged. It desires to turn Protestants and Catholics, Evangelicals and Pentecostals, into Mormons. It seeks to introduce them to what the Bible calls another gospel, another spirit, and another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4).

*Lessons From the Past: What Our History Teaches Us

Charismatic Issues. In the 1950s, with the advent of the charismatic renewal, a new set of relationships was thrust on Pentecostals. Churchmen in the liberal wing of Christianity, especially those associated with the World Council of Churches, began to earnestly inquire about the work of the Holy Spirit. In 1967, an even more astounding development took place—Roman Catholics were receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These outpourings in liberal Protestant settings and among Roman Catholics put traditional Pentecostal bodies like the Assemblies of God in an awkward posture. Our evangelical friends discountenanced association with liberals and with Catholics, yet among these people there appeared to be a greater openness to the work of the Spirit. The charismatic renewal is, without doubt, a genuine work of the Holy Spirit.

*Turning the Church Crisis Into a Spiritual Revolution: Is the American Church Really in Crisis?

The Catholic church has seen a similar drop. Fueled in the early part of this decade by the priest abuse scandal, mass attendance dropped by 11 percent from 2000–07. When we factor in population growth, that decline increases to 17 percent. The decline has been most dramatic in urban dioceses in the Midwest and the Northeast. For example, the archdioceses of Philadelphia and Chicago were not as affected by the abuse scandal as was Boston, yet mass attendance in Chicago declined from 571,000 in 2001 to 467,000 in 2007; while in Philadelphia, it dropped from 392,255 in 2001 to 295,802 in 2007.

*The Emerging Muslim Convert Church:

CLARK: There are actually four major churches in the Middle East: the traditional Orthodox Catholic church, the Roman Catholic church, the Evangelical church, of which the Assemblies of God is a part, and the Muslim convert church.

There’s been a tremendous move of the Holy Spirit among the Orthodox churches, especially among the Coptic Orthodox believers in Egypt, similar to what we saw in America among the charismatics in some of our traditional churches in the 1970s and 80s. The Evangelical churches in the Middle East are generally seeing steady growth in most countries.

*Power: Stepping into the flow of God’s presence:

Emma informs me that many of those present are not members of Victory Assembly. Instead they represent as many as 30-35 churches — Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Church of God, independent and more. Forged into one body by the Holy Spirit, worship is united and free. Labels are gone.

 

[ltwin]

Obviously the AG has differences with the Catholic Church:
*A Cycle of Sowing and Reaping:

Traditionally, people think of South America as a Christian continent because of the influence and strength of the Roman Catholic Church. In reality, many areas are still strongly influenced by animism. Brazil’s equivalent of voodooism is prevalent nationwide. In Guatemala, the teachings of Catholicism and animism have blended together; the shell is Catholic, but at the heart it is animistic. In Haiti, voodooism is still a major religious force. Because of it, we have experienced opposition to establishing a viable church. In places like Suriname, Trinidad, Guyana and parts of Venezuela, strong Islamic or Hindu influences prevail. In Uruguay, atheism is strong.

These are informative articles in AG publications which give a personal side to the story:

*Mark Christopher Lawrence: Under Big God Management

Mark: When my wife (who grew up Catholic) and I were finally talking about getting married, we did this Engaged Encounter for a weekend . . . But that opportunity opened up a conversation about faith for us. We went to a couple of Catholic churches and I said to her, “We both agree that we need God in our lives, but I don’t want to go to a Catholic church. From what I understand of the Bible, Christ died so we don’t have to go to a middleman to confess our sins. We go right to Him.” So we started attending Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego.

*Rwandan renewal

As a Roman Catholic, perhaps aided by an unforgiving press, I’ve regarded evangelical Christianity as different, almost threatening. But when an academic project led me to Rwanda, I lived for two months in the home of an evangelical Christian Hutu family, active in the Assemblies of God church.

 

[AmateurPianist]

Are there any members of the Assemblies of God Church that can tell me honestly what your church thinks/believes about Catholicism?

I have been going to an Assemblies church the last 15 years. During this time I have not heard one word negative about the Catholic church from the pulpit. For that matter I have not heard one negative word about any other church in our city. Except maybe a time when he spoke negatively about churches that support gay marriage perhaps.

We like to build our brothers and sisters in Jesus up, not tear them down.

That is not to say we agree totally with the Catholic church down the street because we do not. But we don’t agree totally with the Baptist church next door for that matter. But we won’t run either of these churches down.

I have come to the opinion that what Jesus says about specks and logs also applies to your brother’s church.

 

[Sojourner61]

I was raised in the Assemblies of God church. I won’t speak badly of them, but have distanced myself from that denomination somewhat, even though my father is a retired AofG pastor. I may be off base here, but even though it is a Trinitarian denomination, equal attention was not given to all three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. Also, there is little to no discipleship training or training in church doctrines. That said, the reason I’m not part of the AofG now is because it seemed to me that the Gospel had to be simpler than what was being preached and taught there. The AofG does have a governing body, but it seems that most favor is shown to large, wealthy churches, while the smaller, sometimes struggling churches are left to fend for themselves. Since leaving the AofG, I have experienced the Messianic movement, the Pentecostal charismatic movement, and for the moment am(with my wife), attending a Congregational Christian church on Sundays, but attending Mass on Saturday nights at a Catholic Church an hour away from our home, and seriously considering taking RCIA classes.**

 

[Steven_John]

here in Australia where i live i have fellowsjiped with them many times, we share prayer groups, we work together on social justice and I have a member in my Vincentian conference.

Thay have issues with some doctrine as other posters has spoken of but i consider most of them as loving Catholic people.

There have been some who have spoken against the CC to me on the basis that they are judgmental and alienate people so they want nothing to do with them. IMO these view the CC in the 'light" of pre Vat ii. Best i see these are those stuck in the same issues they speak against and wont accept the CC is showing a very different accepting attitude and understanding of those outside the CC.

Bless ya

 

[AbideWithMe]

I have been going to an Assemblies church the last 15 years. During this time I have not heard one word negative about the Catholic church from the pulpit. For that matter I have not heard one negative word about any other church in our city. Except maybe a time when he spoke negatively about churches that support gay marriage perhaps.

We like to build our brothers and sisters in Jesus up, not tear them down.

That is not to say we agree totally with the Catholic church down the street because we do not. But we don’t agree totally with the Baptist church next door for that matter. But we won’t run either of these churches down.

I have come to the opinion that what Jesus says about specks and logs also applies to your brother’s church.

I don’t go to an AoG church myself, but I have a number of friends and relatives who do. Similar to what AP said, I don’t see them running down other churches, including Catholics. Church-bashing, Catholic or otherwise, hasn’t been a fault of theAoG members that I know, rather it’s been the opposite. That’s my personal experience, anyway.

 

[jeanannemarie]

Thank you, all, for your comments. I will be respectful and hopefully will be treated respectfully. Perhaps my fears will never materialize.

 

[ltwin]

Thank you, all, for your comments. I will be respectful and hopefully will be treated respectfully. Perhaps my fears will never materialize.

I hope you are treated with respect as well. One thing that you can point to if you do encounter anti-Catholicism is the Charismatic movement. The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal denomination, and the Charismatic movement has done a lot to bridge gaps between Pentecostals and Catholics. There are still misunderstandings but we can see the Spirit moving among each other.

 

[Beati_Pacifici]

I have to give kudos to this threat for everyone being so mature about the conversation. Really great seeing that

I have friends who are not AoG per se, but are pentecostal nonetheless (they don’t stick to one pentecostal denomination, just kind float). I’ve received mixed reaction but a lot of positivity and understanding from them. We both agree to disagree on a lot, but none of us condemn each other. I get a lot of offers to to church with them, but I politely decline because I absolutely love being Catholic and my walk with God .

 

[Newsy]

My in-laws are pentacostal, they recently joined the AoG church. They attended Cursillo, a Catholic weekend, and understand Catholics to be Christians. They don’t have any real issues with the CC, just don’t want to join it.

They don’t seem to hear anti-Catholic speech at their church, but I think it varies from one church to another. This is the case throughout the protestant world, most don’t “preach it from the pulpit”, but a few do. I am always reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote, “I think we may accept it as a rule that whenever a person’s religious conversation dwells chiefly, or even frequently, on the faults of other people’s religions, he is in a bad condition.” - (Collected Letters Vol. 3 p. 209).

Personally, I have heard more vocal anti-Catholic rhetoric from my Baptist friends than from any AoG members.

 

[Indiana_Jones]

I was in a band with a girl from the AoG a few years ago. She and her AoG friends/family were sort of suspicious of any liturgical body. That suspicion wasn’t something that was officially taught, but the mindset wasn’t exactly discouraged either (at least in this particular congregation). Next thing you know, she joined the Greek Orthodox Church downtown. Attitudes and preconceived notions can definitely change as people grow. Showing Christian love and patience really helps!

 

[icamay]

My upbringing was a confusing mix of AoG and Oneness Pentecostal. Here are the arguments against my love for the RCC as told to me by my ministering uncle:

1. The Council of Nicea was formed to appease the pagans.
2. God is one form, who can manifest himself into the form of either the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit, as the need is called for.
3. Mary was a kind and honorable woman who is worshipped by the Catholics as a Goddess.
4. Paul taught us to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ.
5. Praying to dead saints is a continuation of Roman paganism. (my uncle refers to his fellow Christians as “saints”, which leads me to believe that he believes that saints are the body of Christ on earth)
6. The RCC is an empty faith rooted solely in tradition.
7. Catholic mass is a ritual daily sacrifice of Christ. (Imagine his disgust when I concur.)

I will not say that this is a representation of any official church doctrine, but it is what my uncle preaches from the pulpit and in my ears as my confirmation date nears.

 

[Beati_Pacifici]

My upbringing was a confusing mix of AoG and Oneness Pentecostal. Here are the arguments against my love for the RCC as told to me by my ministering uncle:

1. The Council of Nicea was formed to appease the pagans.
2. God is one form, who can manifest himself into the form of either the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit, as the need is called for.
3. Mary was a kind and honorable woman who is worshipped by the Catholics as a Goddess.
4. Paul taught us to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ.
5. Praying to dead saints is a continuation of Roman paganism. (my uncle refers to his fellow Christians as “saints”, which leads me to believe that he believes that saints are the body of Christ on earth)
6. The RCC is an empty faith rooted solely in tradition.
7. Catholic mass is a ritual daily sacrifice of Christ. (Imagine his disgust when I concur.)

I will not say that this is a representation of any official church doctrine, but it is what my uncle preaches from the pulpit and in my ears as my confirmation date nears.

1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 sound alot like the vile, disgusting, presumptuous filth that I was told in humanities class - for example, that Baptism and the Eucharist came from the Cult of Mithras (you could imagine how angry I was).

 

[ltwin]

My upbringing was a confusing mix of AoG and Oneness Pentecostal. Here are the arguments against my love for the RCC as told to me by my ministering uncle:

1. The Council of Nicea was formed to appease the pagans.
2. God is one form, who can manifest himself into the form of either the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit, as the need is called for.
3. Mary was a kind and honorable woman who is worshipped by the Catholics as a Goddess.
4. Paul taught us to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ.
5. Praying to dead saints is a continuation of Roman paganism. (my uncle refers to his fellow Christians as “saints”, which leads me to believe that he believes that saints are the body of Christ on earth)
6. The RCC is an empty faith rooted solely in tradition.
7. Catholic mass is a ritual daily sacrifice of Christ. (Imagine his disgust when I concur.)

I will not say that this is a representation of any official church doctrine, but it is what my uncle preaches from the pulpit and in my ears as my confirmation date nears.

As you say, you were raised in a confusing mix of AG and Oneness. The AG is Trinitarian. What you describe in number 2 of your list is Oneness Theology, which the AG rejects. Number 4 is also not an accurate representation of AG teaching or practice. They baptize using the Trinitarian formula.

Here is the Statement of Fundamental Truths which contains the basic theology of the Assemblies of God.

Here is the Wikipedia article on the Statement of Fundamental Truths which provides history and background to its formulation.

 

[SophiaGrace]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this thread, but I would like to add my two cents. I became a Christian in an Assembly of God church when I was fifteen. The pastor was very welcoming to the Catholic Church and often had a priest he was friends with come and minister in our services. He felt that Jesus intended the church to be in unity, not division. Although I attend an interdenominational Charismatic church now, I would say they are just as open.

 

[Indiana_Jones]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this thread, but I would like to add my two cents. I became a Christian in an Assembly of God church when I was fifteen. The pastor was very welcoming to the Catholic Church and often had a priest he was friends with come and minister in our services. He felt that Jesus intended the church to be in unity, not division. Although I attend an interdenominational Charismatic church now, I would say they are just as open.

That is really cool!