The Assembly of God in Focus – Analyzing a Religious Denomination
September 18th, 2011If you do not have a clear-cut idea of what the Assemblies of God are, then you are in for a treat. This article will provide a quick but informational discussion about this particular religious sector. With all the many denominations present in religion today, it is suggested that one gets to know each so as to educate that person with what the religion is all about. It will also help that person to avoid any prejudices should the belief systems in a specific denomination contradicts with what he or she primarily believes in. For those who are curious about the Assemblies of God, read on to learn more.
The Assemblies of God, otherwise known by their acronym AG, is actually a part of another religious denomination. Specifically, Assembly of God churches in Lexington KY belong to the Pentecostal denomination. By this, we mean to imply that any of the standard belief systems that Pentecostals practice can also be seen or reflected in most or some of the practices of the people from the Assembly of God churches. Therefore, you should not really confuse yourself between the Pentecostal church and the Assembly of God church as they are somehow similar with one another.
When compared to most Pentecostal churches, Assembly of God churches in Lexington KY somehow find their distinction with regards to their practices. They are best known for their two traditions – first is speaking in tongues while the other one is the so-called “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. Apart from that, they are also strict believers of healing with the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Looking at their core beliefs, we can say that Assembly of God churches have strong faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.
That however, has become the main source of criticism towards Assembly of God churches in Lexington KY. Most critics of this specific denomination describe the habit of “speaking in tongues” as something that is against the laws of God. To be specific, somehow, it contradicts with the idea of not speaking to the Lord God in vain. Most of the AG’s critics see this act as a disgrace to God, thus labeling it as something “evil”.
In defense to that specific criticism especially on the “speaking of tongues”, Assembly of God members stipulate that the intercession of the Holy Spirit in their church is a gift from God. They believe that it is a blessing that should be used to spread the word about Him. One of the many forms of the existence of the Holy Spirit is when people speak in tongues. Having said that, people from this church, while doing this act signifies that the Holy Spirit is present in them. Clearly, this is an implication that the belief systems of various religious denominations come in diversity. Therefore, understanding every sector would be important in knowing more and learning more about it.