Charismatic Chaos: The Negative Legacy of Aimee Semple McPherson on American Christianity

On Today in Church His-Story (Episode 25) we look at the charismatic figure, Aimee Semple McPherson. Once thought to be dead, a memorial service was held in her honor by her mother. But after five weeks she reappeared in a Mexican desert. Credited as the founder of the Foursquare Gospel churches, McPherson’s influence on the charismatic movement could hardly be overestimated. Her antics bear the marks of modern day charismatic leaders. As the first female at the helm of a megachurch, McPherson set the stage for later women claiming to be called into the ministry as preachers and pastors. In many respects, she can be considered a modern day Jezebel.