Renewalism has become one of the most rapidly growing faith groups all over the world, especially in the last couple of years. In fact, according to an article by the Pew Research Center, more than 60 percent of Latino Protestants as well as 50 percent Latino Catholics can be considered as renewalist Christians.
If you are unfamiliar with this movement, then read on to find out more about the contemporary church and the rise of renewalism.
What Exactly Is Renewalism?
Renewalism is more or less an umbrella term that encompasses Charismatics, Global South churches, Pentacostals, and Third Wave Christians. Generally, the movement gives much attention to the Holy Spirit’s direct presence in Renewalist followers’ lives. They claim that evidence of this can be found when one speaks in tongues, witnesses or conducts miraculous healings, and gains any divine revelations. In short, this movement stresses the importance of a very intense and personal experience with God and the Holy Spirit, and their influence on people’s everyday lives.
Variations of Renewalism
However, certain branches do conduct different practices. Charismatic followers, in particular, tend to offer their prayers to Mother Mary, practice praying the rosary, and attend confession more regularly. They also are more likely to believe that the bread and wine used during communions are the literal body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Implications of Renewalism
Because of this movement, quite a large number of followers—particularly Latino renewalists—have chosen to leave the traditional Catholic Church behind. Often, their reasons are due to desiring a more direct personal relationship with God, as well as a much deeper experience of faith than can be found in the church. In a way, the movement encourages people to experience their faith in whatever ways they feel most comfortable with—as strange as it may seem to more traditional churches—and to be more honest with themselves about their feelings about God.
