for the discerned activity of the Spirit) and experience (as evidence of
the actual activity of the Spirit), then the potential to deviate from their
community values and purpose is increased.
When it comes to the topic of homosexuality, Pentecostals have
tended to focus on one element of this triad of essential components : sola
Scriptura. My purpose in utilizing this example of homosexuality is not
to critique the resolution of Pentecostal communities regarding this topic,
but to highlight the methodology by which they reach their conclusions.
The same discussion could be applied to a range of important ethical and
theological issues, including climate change, stem cell research and abor-
tion. In their work on “Pentecostal Churches and Sexuality,” Kay and
Hunt survey some of the formal statements and position papers produced
or utilized by various Pentecostal groups globally. 29 An approach gener-
ally adopted by most groups was to appeal to Scripture (and their inter-
pretation) as the primary argument, and sometimes only, factor in their
deliberation. For example, the statement on homosexuality provided on
the Assemblies of God (AG) USA website includes the comment: “The
Church, however, is called to be faithful to God’s Word in all things. For
this reason the Assemblies of God opposes homosexuality and the gay
lifestyle recognizing such as sin. But we encourage all members to reach
out in love to homosexuals extending to them the grace that leads us
all to Christ’s forgiveness.” 30 The statement then proceeds to list vari-
ous Scriptures (including Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26, 27,
and 1 Corinthians 6:9–10) and provide brief commentary on each text.
It closes with a list of concerns and a minor engagement with scientifi c
discourse on the issue:
One of the myths propounded by pro-homosexual advocates is that homo-
sexual orientation is genetically determined and that people have no choice
in the matter. There is no scientifi c evidence to support this claim. Linking
a particular behavior with a specifi c gene is considered highly unlikely by
geneticists. Some would like to believe this myth, for it could be used to
excuse all sin and evil behavior. In contrast, ministers and psychologists are
treating homosexuality with success, which further discredits the genetic
theory. The fact that God’s transforming power has changed the lifestyle of
many homosexuals is well documented.The AG USA statement demonstrates the mimicking (noted above) read-
ing methods from Acts 15 and Isaiah 56 by appealing to the three ele-
154 J. GREY