Why do some Pentecostals/Charismatics Reject Theology?

By Rev Dr Carol Tomlin: Principal of Kingdom School of Theology (KST)
January 2021

I wrote in the press release of August 2020 about the rise of independent churches in the UK as being ‘fascinating trend,’ and that clergy leading these churches are well qualified in a variety of fields. However, a recent paper by Dr David Muir from Roehampton University indicates that there is a degree of apathy towards theological education among some ministers in Pentecostal/Charismatic circles.

The reasons for this lack of interest in the field of theology are historical and equally applicable to black and white Pentecostals/Charismatics. He explains that in the early years of the Pentecostal movement there was the rise in liberal theology from the nineteenth century which questioned the inerrancy of Scripture, the God of miracles and the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit needed for missions.

For Pentecostals who have a fundamental view of Scripture, this resulted in a ‘dead church;’ powerless to reach the ‘unsaved’ and spiritually ill-equipped for the end time harvest. Muir also explains that the reservations about theological education continues to the present day in Pentecostal/Charismatic practice. At KST, we are sensitive to various theological schools of thought which may conflict with Pentecostal beliefs.

We therefore aim through our courses, to provide relevant theological knowledge that will deepen application of the Bible and equip ministers with tools to serve more effectively in the Kingdom of God.

To find out more, visit our website on: www.kstheology.com/courses