Holiness Movement

Definition

The Holiness Movement was a religious movement in the 19th century United States, emphasizing the belief in a personal, second work of grace leading to Christian perfection or 'entire sanctification'.

Analogy

Think of the Holiness Movement like an intense workout regimen. Just as you might start working out and then decide to take it up a notch with more rigorous exercises for better results, followers of the Holiness Movement believed that they needed to go beyond initial faith and seek a deeper level of spiritual commitment.

Related terms

Methodism: A group of historically related denominations of Protestant Christianity which derive their doctrine of practice and belief from the life and teachings of John Wesley.

Pentecostalism: A form of Christianity that emphasizes direct personal experience with God through baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Second Great Awakening: A Protestant religious revival during the early 19th century in the United States which reflected Romanticism characterized by enthusiasm, emotion, and an appeal to the supernatural.