ABSTRACT
The Pentecostal World provides a comprehensive and critical introduction to one of the most vibrant and diverse expressions of contemporary Christianity. Unlike many books on Pentecostalism, this collection of essays from all continents does not attempt to synthesize and simplify the movement’s inherent diversity and fragmented dispersion. Instead, the global flows of Pentecostalism are firmly grounded in local histories and expressions, as well as the various modes of their worldwide reproduction. The book thus argues for a new understanding of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements that accounts for the simultaneous processes of pluralization and homogenization in contemporary World Christianity.
Written by a distinguished team of international contributors across various disciplines, the volume is comprised of six parts, with each offering a critical perspective on classical themes in the study of Pentecostalism. Led by a programmatic introduction, the thirty-six chapters within these parts explore a variety of themes: history and historiography, conversion, spirit beliefs and exorcism, prosperity, politics, gender relations, sexual identities, racism, development, migration, pilgrimage, interreligious relations, media, ecumenism, and academic research.
The Pentecostal World is essential reading for students and researchers in anthropology, history, political science, religious studies, sociology, and theology. The book will also be very useful for those in related fields, such as culture studies, black studies, ethnic studies, and gender studies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|78 pages
Complicating “Roots” – The Global/Local Nexus in Pentecostal History
chapter 2|12 pages
No Eye has Seen
chapter 4|12 pages
On the Footsteps of the Faith
chapter 5|15 pages
Arrows Flying to the Five Continents
part II|76 pages
Abandoning “Waves” – Localizing Pentecostal Historiography
chapter 10|11 pages
A Revival within a Revival
part III|80 pages
Contextualizing Spirituality – Pentecostal Demonology and Inter-Religious Encounters
chapter 18|14 pages
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Latin America
part IV|78 pages
Problematizing Ethics
chapter 25219|11 pages
You Preach Like a Man
part V|76 pages
Mapping Power
chapter 27|12 pages
Pentecostalism and Global Development
chapter 29|12 pages
The many Faces of Pentecostal Politics
part VI|79 pages
Tracing Homogeneities – Media, Knowledge, and Institutions in the Making of Pentecostal Identity