Pneumatology as theological foudation of the inter-religious dialogue for the Congregation of God in Brazil

Abstract

The Assemblies of God represent the classic Pentecostalism that initiated in Brazil in 1911, its ground is the experience of the Spirit and its gifts. Nowadays, theses churches gather about 15 million members and the doctrine on the Holy Spirit continues one of their most important basis. However, hodiernal Brazil is different than the one of 1911, it is currently a plural country in its culture and religious manifestations. Therefore, the dialogue among religions is a fundamental imperative in Brazil. Since the Holy Spirit promotes unity, dialogue, conviviality and friendship among the different ones and that it is its breath that gives life and communion, for the Assemblies of God members, the Spirit may be the ground for a dialogue with different religions. Thus, the objective of this search is to set the foundation of the inter-religious dialogue in the Holy Spirit. In order to accomplish it, elements that may contribute to rethink Pentecostal theology in the Assemblies of God regarding to inter-religious dialogue are drawn from Pneumatology. Based on a bibliographical analysis some conclusions become clear: the Holy Spirit is present in all human beings; Environmental care, the seek of justice and peace are Pneumatological aspects common to all Christians and relevant to different religious traditions. By saying that the Spirit promotes friendship and communion among humans it may result in harmonious conviviality among the people of different religious traditions. So, it is possible to conclude the fecundity of the Pneumatology as the foundation of inter-religious dialogue in the Assemblies of God.