오순절-은사주의 운동의 새로운 한 모형 - 팻 로벗슨(Pat Robertson)을 중심으로 -

Abstract

In general, the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement has been thought of as a sort of apocalyptic sectarian activity which has consistently rejected to be involved with any kind of social-political affairs. In particular, since this movement has been primarily interpreted as "the vision of the disinherited," nobody has raised any serious question about such a prevailing understanding of the Pentecostal-Movement as a religion for the poor. However, one began to notice a remarkable change in the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement after World War II. That is, a band of Pentecostals began to emerge as a significant political power in the United States of America. It is Pat Robertson that stands in the center of this new phenomenon. As one of the leading Charismatics for this generation, Robertson has played a critical role in advocating conservatism, religious, ethical, and political. Centered at CBN, one of the largest cable TV companies in America, Robertson makes a tremendous influence upon American politics, in particular, the Republican Party. Then, what made it possible for such a significant change to happen after World War II? One of its main reasons is a sort of embourgeoisement which took place in the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement after WWII. First, one should remember that social environment was dramatically changed. Thanks to NAE, the Charismatic movement, and the Full Gospel Business Men International, the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement eventually became a family member of American evangelicalism. Second, Pat Robertson's personal background helped himself to develop a highly unique attitude toward the world including politics and secular power. He was born to be a son of the U.S. Senator, graduated from Yale Law School, and is the CEO of CBN. Thus, it is certain that such a change of social status has led Pentecostals like Robertson to participate in politics not as a onlooker, but a main character.