Charisma

The word Charisma (from the Greek) has to do with a gift, and is often used in this form to describe an individual who appears to have a natural ability to charm or influence people.

Many politicians, especially those with vague platforms and populist ambitions, prize charisma, selling it to their electors in common language as the mystique of leadership.

The word is also used by certain Christian denominations to indicate that they believe in and practice the spiritual gifts of tongues, prophecy and words of knowledge, as well as other gifts of the Holy Spirit as found in the Bible.

See also Pentecostalism, Charismatic authority