Theological Roots of Pentecostalism

by Donald W. Dayton

Pentecostalism is one of the most dynamic forces in twentieth-century Christianity. From fast-growing denominations such as the Assemblies of God to popular television ministries such as "The 700 Club," the fruits of Pentecostalism can be seen throughout modern Christian life. In this landmark study, Dr. Dayton explains how Pentecostalism grew out of Methodism and the nineteenth-century holiness revivals. He finds evidence of Wesleyan teaching in the classic writings of many Pentecostal leaders. He shows how Pentecostalism is rooted in the Wesleyan theological tradition, rather than being a contrived system of modern revivalistic ides. Martin E. Marty says in his foreword that Pentecostals "have no choice, it is clear from this book, but to see that there were . . . roots to the growth they reaped." He calls Theological Roots of Pentecostalism "a very important statement . . . one without which subsequent commentators on Pentecostalism are not likely to give intelligent accounts."

Genres: Theology, Christian, School, Church History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

Donald W. Dayton (PhD, University of Chicago), now retired, taught theology and ethics at North Park Seminary, Northern Baptist Seminary, Drew University, and Azusa Pacific University. He lives in California.

Reviews

[Chaim Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend for those looking to do an in-depth study of classical Pentecostal origins. The staying power of Dayton’s volume is evident in the bibliographical work and the explanatory logic of Holiness and Reformed-revivalist streams informing Pentecostals. You finish this work and can pick up the Apostolic Faith or Parham’s papers and read with immense context.
I am left asking if tongues is the defining quality of Pentecostals amid the full gospel sequence, or if Pentecostals come to utilize the full gospel they co-opt it into their own formulation.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dayton's book has long been considered a classic in the field of Pentecostal studies, and I wholeheartedly agree with that designation. The book is a very enlightening look at the theological "pre-history" of Pentecostalism (mainly focused on the middle-to-late 19th century), using as its organizing theme the "four-fold Gospel" of Christ as Savior, Sanctifier/Spirit Baptizer, Healer, and Coming King.

While some would rightly be skeptical of using such an "artificial" organizational principle, I would only observe that Dayton, who is NOT a Pentecostal, did a good enough job to convince me that he is exactly right. And I AM a Pentecostal!

Church history is not my academic area, so I was at times both out of my depth in some of his discussions (especially of the complexities of Wesley's writings) but also impressed at his self-evident command of very complex bodies of literature. (The concluding bibliographical essay is an EXTREMELY useful feature of the book.)

Again, occupying that strange middle ground between novice and expert (more connossieur than dilettante), I'm not sure that I would recommend this as the FIRST book to read on Pentecostalism. I really think something like Harvey Cox's "Fire From Heaven" might be better. However, anyone who desires to understand Pentecostalism clearly will have to know this book, and the sooner the better, I would think.

As with most historical studies, many of Dayton's insights helped to shed light on some of the current debates raging within even my own denomination. This DNA of Pentecostalism that Dayton has defined continues to define our "dominant traits." And I think Dayton's work will continue to elucidate such shifts for several more decades to come.