With its remarkable ability to adapt to many different cultures, Pentecostalism has become the world’s fastest growing religious movement. More than five hundred million adherents worldwide have reshaped Christianity itself. Yet some fundamental questions in the study of global Pentecostalism, and even in what we call “Pentecostalism,” remain largely unaddressed. Bringing together leading scholars in the social sciences, history, and theology, this unique volume explores these questions for this rapidly growing, multidisciplinary field of study. A valuable resource for anyone studying new forms of Christianity, it offers insights and guidance on both theoretical and methodological issues.
The first section of the book examines such topics as definitions, essentialism, postcolonialism, gender, conversion, and globalization. The second section features contributions from those working in psychology, anthropology, sociology, and history. The third section traces the boundaries of theology from the perspectives of pneumatology, ecumenical studies, inter-religious relations, and empirical theology.
Studying Global Pentecostalism Theories and Methods
About the Book
Reviews
“A welcome and valuable addition to the study of this exciting phenomenon that has significantly reshaped today’s Christianity.”—Suomen Antropologi: Journal of the Finnish Anthropological Society
""A remarkable working tool drawing the various tracks implemented by a still young but promising university research."—Istina: Center for Ecumenical Studies Review
"An indispensable reference work."—Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
PART ONE. INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES
1. Varieties, Taxonomies, and Definitions
Allan Anderson
2. Essentialist and Normative Approaches
André Droogers
3. The Cultural Turn
Michael Bergunder
4. Gender and Power
Elizabeth Brusco
5. Conversion Narratives
Henri Gooren
6. Pentecostalism and Globalization
Birgit Meyer
PART TWO. SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
7. Psychology of Religion
Stefan Huber and Odilo W. Huber
8. Anthropology of Religion
Joel Robbins
9. Sociology of Religion
Stephen Hunt
10. Historical Approaches
Cornelis van der Laan
PART THREE. THEOLOGY
11. Pneumatologies in Systematic Theology
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
12. Missiology and the Interreligious Encounter
Amos Yong and Tony Richie
13. Practical Theology
Mark J. Cartledge
14. Ecumenism
Cecil M. Robeck Jr.
Contributors
Index