Protestant vs. Pentecostal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
Protestant refers to Christians who belong to non-Catholic branches following the Reformation, while Pentecostal is a Protestant movement emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gifts, like speaking in tongues.
Difference Between Protestant and Pentecostal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Protestantism represents a broad group of Christian denominations that arose during the Reformation in the 16th century. This Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, sought to address perceived errors in the Catholic Church. Pentecostalism, on the other hand, is a subset within Protestantism, emerging in the early 20th century with distinct emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the Holy Spirit.
The Protestant movement encompasses various denominations such as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and many others. Each of these denominations has its unique doctrines, practices, and traditions. Pentecostalism, while being a part of the Protestant umbrella, stands out because of its charismatic practices, especially the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which can include healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues.
Another key difference between the two is their historical roots. Protestantism's roots can be traced back to the Reformation, a period of significant religious upheaval and challenge to the Roman Catholic Church's dominance. Pentecostalism's origins are more recent, starting in the 20th century, with revivals focusing on the Holy Spirit's outpouring, as described in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible.
While both Protestant and Pentecostal denominations emphasize the authority of the Bible, Pentecostals often stress the importance of personal and emotional experiences with God. These experiences, they believe, are evidence of the active and present work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Emerged during the 16th-century Reformation
Emerged in the early 20th century
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Doctrinal Emphasis
Varies by denomination
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Major Beliefs
Sola scriptura, priesthood of all believers
Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues
Historical Figures
Martin Luther, John Calvin
William J. Seymour, Charles Parham
Number of Adherents
Over 800 million worldwide
Estimated 280 million worldwide
Compare with Definitions
Protestant
A Christian not adhering to the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Many Protestant churches can be found throughout the United States.
Pentecostal
Relating to or characteristic of Pentecostal Christianity.
The Pentecostal revival meeting was filled with energy.
Protestant
Pertaining to the faith, church, or followers of the Reformation.
The Protestant work ethic is often discussed in sociological studies.
Pentecostal
A believer in the Pentecostal movement emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gifts.
He became a Pentecostal after attending a revival service.
Protestant
One of the churches or believers opposing the practices of the Catholic Church during the Reformation.
Several Protestant denominations exist with varied beliefs.
Pentecostal
A member of a church derived from the early 20th-century religious revivals emphasizing direct personal experience of God.
She shared her testimony at the Pentecostal church service.
Protestant
A member of a Western Christian church whose faith and practice are founded on the principles of the Reformation, especially in the acceptance of the Bible as the sole source of revelation, in justification by faith alone, and in the universal priesthood of all the believers.
Pentecostal
Of or pertaining to the Christian movement emphasizing baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostal worship often includes speaking in tongues.
Protestant
A member of a Western Christian church adhering to the theologies of Luther, Calvin, or Zwingli.
Pentecostal
Of, relating to, or occurring at Pentecost.
Protestant
One of the German princes or cities that supported the doctrines of Luther and protested against the decision of the second Diet of Speyer (1529) to enforce the Edict of Worms (1521) and deny toleration to Lutherans.
Pentecostal
Of, relating to, or being any of various Christian religious congregations whose members seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, in emulation of the Apostles at Pentecost.
Protestant
Protestant (also prə-tĕstənt) One who makes a declaration or avowal.
Pentecostal
A member of a Pentecostal congregation.
Protestant
Of or relating to Protestants or Protestantism.
Pentecostal
Of or pertaining to Pentecost or to Whitsuntide.
Protestant
Alternative case form of Protestant
A protestant effort
Protestant work ethic
Pentecostal
Any member of a Pentecostal religious body
Protestant
Protesting.
Pentecostal
Of or relating to or characteristic of any of various Pentecostal religious bodies or their members
Protestant
(slang) Not allowing unsafe sex. (Cf. catholic)
Pentecostal
Of or relating to or occurring at Pentecost
Protestant
One who protests; a protester.
Pentecostal
Pertaining to the belief in the active and present work of the Holy Spirit in today's believers.
His Pentecostal beliefs emphasize personal encounters with God.
Protestant
Alternative case form of Protestant
Protestant
One who protests; - originally applied to those who adhered to Luther, and protested against, or made a solemn declaration of dissent from, a decree of the Emperor Charles V. and the Diet of Spires, in 1529, against the Reformers, and appealed to a general council; - now used in a popular sense to designate any Christian who does not belong to the Roman Catholic or the Greek Church.
Protestant
Making a protest; protesting.
Protestant
Of or pertaining to the faith and practice of those Christians who reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church; as, Protestant writers.
Protestant
An adherent of Protestantism
Protestant
The Protestant churches and denominations collectively
Protestant
Of or relating to Protestants or Protestantism;
Protestant churches
A Protestant denomination
Protestant
Making a protest
Protestant
A member of a Christian church founded on the principles of the Reformation.
The Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on European history.
Protestant
A Christian belonging to a church separated from the Roman Catholic Church.
She was raised in a Protestant family.
Common Curiosities
What initiated the Protestant Reformation?
It began with criticisms of the Catholic Church, especially by Martin Luther.
Are all Pentecostals Protestants?
Yes, Pentecostalism is a movement within Protestantism.
Do Protestants believe in the Trinity?
Yes, most Protestant denominations uphold the belief in the Trinity.
What is a distinctive feature of Pentecostal worship?
Speaking in tongues and charismatic worship are distinctive.
Which Bible version do Protestants use?
Different denominations prefer different versions, like the NIV or KJV.
What event in the Bible do Pentecostals emphasize?
The Day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus' disciples.
Do all Protestant churches have the same practices?
No, practices and doctrines vary among Protestant denominations.
How do Pentecostals view salvation?
Most believe in salvation through faith in Jesus, with an emphasis on a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Are Pentecostals strict in their beliefs?
Some Pentecostal denominations have strict codes of conduct, but it varies.
Who was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther, who wrote the Ninety-Five Theses.
Are there different branches within Pentecostalism?
Yes, like the Assemblies of God and Church of God in Christ.
Which denominations fall under Protestantism?
It includes Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and many others.
What's a key Pentecostal belief regarding the Holy Spirit?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Do Protestants have sacraments?
Protestants typically have two: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Is Pentecostalism growing globally?
Yes, it's one of the fastest-growing Christian movements worldwide.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
