A Theological Reflection on Unity and Division within Pentecostalism
Background and Context
“Between Fire and Water” captures the historical effort to reconcile theological differences between Trinitarian and Oneness Pentecostals. This six-year dialogue (2002–2007), conducted under the auspices of the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) and published in Pneuma (Vol. 30, 2008), brought leading scholars together to discuss the Godhead, baptism, and salvation. Participants included Frank D. Macchia (Assemblies of God) and David K. Bernard (United Pentecostal Church International), along with Kimberly Alexander, Edmund Rybarczyk, Bishop James Johnson, and others.
The Roots of Division (1916)
The Pentecostal movement fractured in 1916 when debates arose over how to interpret Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. Oneness believers held that baptism must be performed ‘in the name of Jesus Christ’ as the true apostolic model, while Trinitarians defended the triune formula ‘in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.’ Both sides appealed to Scripture and apostolic precedent, each claiming to preserve biblical fidelity, yet the split created distinct denominational streams that endured for decades.
