A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

The Charismatic Movement
attempts to teach or imitate speaking in tongues. 315
Oneness Pentecostals generally oppose the distinctive
doctrines and practices of Charismatics, although some
have followed Charismatic trends. In return, Charismatics
usually do not see the Oneness doctrine as a problem, but
they object to the doctrine of salvation and holiness
lifestyle of Oneness Pentecostals.
In 1997, Charisma published the first significant
analysis of Oneness Pentecostals by Charismatics. It
noted their many achievements but exhibited an agenda
of trying to move them toward the Charismatic position.
It based its analysis primarily upon views and reports of
ex-members rather than interaction with Oneness theologians.
The article accused Oneness Pentecostals of “legalism,”
“elitism,” being “mean-spirited,” “judgmentalism,”
“hypocrisy” and embracing “a flawed theology of salvation
by works”—with no awareness of the irony of judging
them so harshly based on a few disgruntled sources. 316
From a Oneness Pentecostal perspective, there are
many honest-hearted, Spirit-filled people in the
Charismatic movement. Indeed, many have received the
full Acts 2:38 experience of salvation. The movement has
led millions of people to a more biblically based faith and
a greater spiritual experience with God. Nevertheless, it
has fallen short in restoring them to the full apostolic
doctrine and lifestyle. It still needs a revival of the message
of the almighty God in Jesus Christ and the message
of scriptural holiness, both inwardly and outwardly.
In many cases, the movement has actually created significant
barriers to further spiritual progress. Multitudes
outside the movement have been turned away by foolish,
unbiblical doctrines and practices and by the poor examples
317