Differing Christian Views on Beliefs about the Holy Spirit (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

All Christians who believe in the Trinity believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, along with God the Father and God the Son

They also all believe that the Holy Spirit: 

• Is the spirit or “breath” of God

• Gives life to all things 

• Is equal in power and glory to God the Father and God the Son

• Is the presence of God working in the world today

• Inspires people to let them know the will of God

There is some variation in the emphasis that different Christian churches place on how the Holy Spirit is conferred to Christians today

Catholic and Anglican Christians believe that although the Holy Spirit is present at all times, it is passed on in a very special and significant way through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and ordination

• They also include prayer and worship of the Holy Spirit throughout their liturgy in Sunday Mass and Eucharistic services 

• Examples include prayers, such as the Sign of the Cross and the Creed

Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians place great emphasis on the events of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–6)

• This was proof that God sent the Holy Spirit to inspire all Christians to spread the Gospel of Jesus

• When these Christians gather together for worship, they believe the Holy Spirit is present, just as at the first Pentecost 

• This inspires the preacher and the worshippers to directly experience the Holy Spirit

• This can lead to less formal services, using non-liturgical prayer

• These Christians believe that the experience of the Holy Spirit during these services can help them to live as good Christians throughout their daily lives 

Believing in the Holy Spirit should have a great impact on each Christian’s daily life

Christians believe the Spirit of God is with them in everything they do

God is not transcendent but is present as an invisible but real force, moving with them through all their actions

• This can reassure them that God is truly present and truly cares about them

• Christians will be aware of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, helping them to cope with life’s challenges. For example:

  • If they are being persecuted for their faith, they have the gift of courage to help them stand firm

  • If they are facing difficult moral choices, they have the gifts of wisdom and counsel to help them make the correct decisions

Christians will be aware of the need to live in a way that pleases God

• They are aware of their need to spread the good news, just as the first Christians did after Pentecost

• They are aware that they should show the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their daily behaviour. For example:

  • If they are getting frustrated, they should be full of the Holy Spirit and be able to show patience

  • If they are tempted to do the wrong thing, they should show the Holy Spirit’s fruit of self-control and be able to resist wrongdoing