A Call for a New Pentecost (from Christmas of 1964)

Here's a link to a fascinating article from December 25, 1964 (h. t. Greg Molin).

In calling for a "new" Pentecost, we find this gem. "New Pentecost.  The spirit of Christian renewal in 1964 is searching, questioning, critical—willing to challenge every doctrine and institution of the church.  If worship may perhaps be better expressed by folk singing, modern dance or drama, the churches are ready to try.  Yet a considerable body of Protestant and Catholic radicals, ranging from bishops to informed laymen and seminarians, believe that the present vitality of Christianity is simply a kind of spiritual Indian summer. Convinced that most of the structures of the church have outlived their usefulness, many of these all-out reformers want a new Pentecost—"a return to the womb and a new birth for the Christian community."

Well, every doctrine has been challenged, churches have tried folk (and rock--not the radar in 1964), liturgical dance, film, drama and just every thing else.  And still, there's been no new Pentecost.  But then that's what happens when you stop trusting in what happened on the first Pentecost. 

To read it, Click here: The Servant Church -- Printout -- TIME

Comments

[Matt]

On an unrelated note: What do you think of a pastor who does a publicity stunt by carrying a cross on his back and walks from city to city preaching?

Something is wrong about it but I don't how to put it into words. This blog has great thinkers/writers so can someone sum up why this pastor shouldn't do this?

[Matt]

Well said, Kim.