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Holy Roller or Holy Jumper are terms originating in the 19th century and used to refer to some Protestant Christian churchgoers in the Wesleyan-Holiness movement, such as Free Methodists and Wesleyan Methodists.[1] The term describes dancing, shaking or other boisterous movements by church attendees who perceive themselves as being under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Rolling is sometimes used derisively by those outside these denominations, as if to describe people literally rolling on the floor in an uncontrolled manner. Those within related Wesleyan traditions have reclaimed the term as a badge of honor.
Occasionally, they have been referred to as followers of the "pokeweed gospel" or members of the "lightning bug church."[2]
- ^ Snyder, C. Albert (1 May 2006). Spiritual Journey. Xulon Press. p. 69. ISBN 9781600340161.
Holiness means different things to different people. Our church, the Free Methodist, is a "holiness" church. One doctor said to me: "Free Methodists? I know about them; they are holy rollers. They used to have camp meetings near where I grew up."
- ^ Randolph, Vance (2012-07-31). Ozark Magic and Folklore. Courier Corporation. ISBN 978-0-486-12296-0.