The name comes from the Greek charismata, meaning “gifts.” These are spiritual gifts, bestowed upon Christians through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Paul lists and describes these various gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and Romans 12:6–8. Churches have often become so mired in ritual and social issues that they neglect teaching about spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.
The charismatic movement in American churches began in the 1960s as people sought a more emotional spiritual life and deeper intimacy with God.
Charismatics are similar in many ways to Pentecostals (see 327), and it is possible to be both. But Pentecostals tend to form their own denominations, while charismatics are scattered throughout many denominations, including Catholics.
