By way of introduction

Classical Pentecostals supported pacifism until the Second World War and then changed their viewpoint in general. The question is asked what caused this change in perspective and whether it should not be regained. The answer is given from an African perspective. It is hypothesised that the way Pentecostals think about violence is inter alia related to the way they interpret the Bible. When their hermeneutical angle changed Pentecostals redefined the way they viewed violence and war. It is argued that the Pentecostal movement needs to consider visiting its roots of nonviolence and pacifism because nonviolence serves as the hallmark of the Christian moral life.