O pai ausente do pentecostalismo moderno: a vida, as contradições e a teologia de Charles Fox Parham

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyze the life, work, and thought of Charles Fox Parham, considered one of the key figures in the emergence of modern Pentecostalism due to his role as the principal proponent of the theology of Spirit Baptism, evidenced by speaking in tongues. However, because of controversies surrounding his biography, other individuals have often been identified as the "fathers of Pentecostalism." This study seeks to explore the core of Parham’s theology, examining elements that were retained or excluded from the broader Pentecostal movement. To this end, the research will examine the historical context in which his theology was developed, his biography, and the specific aspects of his theological thought. Finally, the work offers a brief overview of contemporary Pentecostal and charismatic understandings, as well as the historical transformations within the movement, including the contributions of William Seymour and William Durham. Throughout the development of this research, specific objectives were pursued: to identify the main theological themes present in Parham’s writings, sermons, and publications between 1899 and 1929; to determine whether there were shifts in Parham’s interpretation of specific theological topics between the founding of The Apostolic Faith newspaper and his death in 1929; to contextualize Parham’s experiences and thought within other theological currents of his time, as well as within his life trajectory and the political, social, and economic contexts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries; to assess whether the controversies involving Parham were reflected in his theological writings; and to present, through a panoramic and bibliographic approach, the main differences between Parham’s Pentecostalism and that advocated by William Seymour and William Howard Durham. In general terms, Parham’s theology exhibited a strong eschatological focus, characterized by elements of Anglo-Israelism, anti-intellectualism, and anti-denominationalism, rather than being centered exclusively on pneumatology. The methodology employed in this research will consist of an analysis of the bibliography and the works of Charles Fox Parham.