Why Don’t Pentecostals Celebrate Ash Wednesday?

Understanding the reasons why Pentecostals choose not to celebrate Ash Wednesday can provide insight into their unique theological perspective and practices. I, a former member of the Assemblies of God and now a non-practicing Christian, can shed light on this fascinating aspect of Pentecostal faith.

Traditions and Personal Experiences in Pentecostalism

For me, as a Pentecostal from the Assemblies of God, Lent was not a part of my religious upbringing. My first encounter with the concept of Lent occurred during my conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, four years after leaving the Pentecostal faith. My father, a lifelong Methodist, had a fervent yet irregular attendance at church. His religious beliefs evolved over time, culminating in his departure from organized religion. His story is a testament to the profound impact of personal experiences, such as the birth of his brother with Down Syndrome, which can lead individuals to question their faith.

My father, who later became an atheist, was once visited by Mormons but showed no interest in their faith. This experience highlights the diversity of religious encounters and the personal nature of belief choices.

Theological Underpinnings and Biblical Interpretation

Pentecostals, along with other Evangelical Christians, uphold fundamentalist and literalist views. They adhere closely to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and give little, if any, regard to other interpretations. Their practices are often shaped by personal emotions and tongue-speaking experiences, and they emphasize the teachings of their pastors regarding hellfire and brimstone.

The Unique Perspective of Pentecostals

For Pentecostals and some Evangelical churches, the absence of established liturgy is a hallmark of their faith. They do not follow the Common Lectionary or the Liturgical Church Calendar, preferring instead the Bible as their ultimate guide. Ash Wednesday is expressly absent from the Bible, making its celebration a non-starter for many Pentecostals. They believe that for a practice to be a significant Church event, it must be explicitly mentioned in the Bible.

Comparative Practices in Christian Denominations

Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and certain high church Protestants attach spiritual significance to practices such as receiving blessed ashes on the forehead, which they consider a sacramental act. However, for Pentecostals, the emphasis lies on personal faith and the direct work of the Holy Spirit, rather than rituals. For them, the two primary identifiers are the belief in the Bible as the sole source of practices and a belief in continuationism, the idea that the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue today. Practices like Ash Wednesday, devoid of Scriptural precedent, are seen as hollow and meaningless.

Conclusion

Every Christian denomination has practices that represent their beliefs and traditions. Ash Wednesday remains a non-observance for Pentecostals and many other Evangelicals. What we see is the fulfillment of these beliefs through a focus on personal faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance. Understanding these practices provides insight into the diverse and rich tapestry of Christian faith.