Abstract:
The formal reflective theology was a rejection target in the beginning of
Pentecostalism since it presented an anti-intellectualist culture and of
experiential religiosity. It was built primarily in oral and narrative form. As
Pentecostalism was growing and taking shape in Brazil, with the adherence of
more illustrious elements of society, it began to give opening to a more rational
and elaborated theological reflection. However, the initial rejection assumptions
continued latent, albeit in covert and subjective form making important
theological advances difficult, especially in regards to the Assemblies of God.
This research aims to clarify through historical research which leads to
sociological and theological contributions, the advances and retreats that
theological education undertook in the Assemblies of God in Brazil, detailing
discussions between supporters and disapprovers of theological education,
approaching the elaboration of curriculums and the dispute among Swedish,
Brazilians and North-Americans for the theological education, the foundation
enterprises of biblical institutions and theological courses by extension and
expansion of theology until courses recognized by MEC were opened, which
nowadays are supported by some Assemblies of God in Brazil. It tries to explain
why Pentecostalisms prefer theologies with a more devotional and experiential
character in detriment of more reflective and critical theologies, taking in
consideration the emphasis given to theology of pneumatological character. For
such, the importance of the ecstasy phenomenon through the baptism in the
Holy Spirit and all the experiential manifestations of this religious segment is
demonstrated and proposes a theological method that tries to reconcile the
Pentecostal theological legacy with academic and reflective theologies in an
attempt to draw a possible path for the Pentecostal theology that is still in
development.
