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Very Short Introductions #255
Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction
In religious terms Pentecostalism was probably the most vibrant and rapidly-growing religious movement of the 20th century. Starting as a revivalistic and renewal movement within Christianity, it encircled the globe in less than 25 years and grew in North America and then in those parts of the world with the highest birth-rates. Characterised by speaking in tongues, miracles, television evangelism and megachurches, it is also noted for its small-group meetings,
empowerment of individuals, liberation of women and humanitarian concerns.
Without the financial and military support of the state (as was the case with communism), it flourished in almost every conceivable socio-political environment. Even in Europe, where religion most frequently appeared tired and out of date, Pentecostalism might draw large crowds or, within mainline Christian congregations, flourish in a more muted charismatic form. When these two forms are added together, Pentecostalism and neo-Pentecostalism are thought to account for around 450 million
people.
William K Kay outlines the origins and growth of Pentecostalism, looking at not only the theological aspects of the movement, but also the sociological influences of its political and humanitarian viewpoints.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
empowerment of individuals, liberation of women and humanitarian concerns.
Without the financial and military support of the state (as was the case with communism), it flourished in almost every conceivable socio-political environment. Even in Europe, where religion most frequently appeared tired and out of date, Pentecostalism might draw large crowds or, within mainline Christian congregations, flourish in a more muted charismatic form. When these two forms are added together, Pentecostalism and neo-Pentecostalism are thought to account for around 450 million
people.
William K Kay outlines the origins and growth of Pentecostalism, looking at not only the theological aspects of the movement, but also the sociological influences of its political and humanitarian viewpoints.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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First published December 24, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 26, 2025
A brief but solid introduction to Pentecostalism. The history section was good, and I found the section on the prominence of apocalyptic beliefs in Pentecostalism interesting. It was especially interesting in the last chapter (on surveys) when Kay mentions the Bertelsmann Stiftung survey's findings on Nigeria and the overlap on Nigeria's Muslim and Christian (Kay speculates prominently Pentecostal) beliefs in apocalypticism and spiritual warfare, as I was just listening to a lecture earlier today about the prominence of apocalyptic beliefs in early Islam.
Another thing I liked was Kay engaging with ideas from two other books in the Oxford VSI series, albeit briefly. I also found it interesting Kay's overview of sociological perspectives on the fast growth of Pentecostalism in the US and how that related to the experiential dimension of religion so prominent in Pentecostalism. Before this I read Stephen Prothero's book on religious literacy and was reminded on his situating the rise of experiential Christianity with the decline of religious education (and by extension a decline in knowledge of doctrine and the like). Speaking of Prothero's book, this is now the second book in a row I've read that mentions Aimee Semple McPherson. She sounds like she was an interesting person, so I look forward to reading more about her life.
As for problems, I would have liked more of an in depth description on what Kay refers to as "Neo-Pentecostals" and their development. Are those the same as Neo-Charismatics? And I would have liked a more in depth look at the apostolic networks discussed at the end of chapter 5. These issues I have are expected though, given that Pentecostalism is clearly diverse and this is a "very short introduction". Also, Kay's own Pentecostal views become apparent sometimes, like his mention on page 114 on the belief in luck in Asian cultures as "reckless", which really wasn't necessary.
A decent introduction, and I'll certainly read more on the subject. I'm particularly looking forward to reading a more in depth account of Pentecostalism in the US, as well as the early development of the Charismatic movement.
Another thing I liked was Kay engaging with ideas from two other books in the Oxford VSI series, albeit briefly. I also found it interesting Kay's overview of sociological perspectives on the fast growth of Pentecostalism in the US and how that related to the experiential dimension of religion so prominent in Pentecostalism. Before this I read Stephen Prothero's book on religious literacy and was reminded on his situating the rise of experiential Christianity with the decline of religious education (and by extension a decline in knowledge of doctrine and the like). Speaking of Prothero's book, this is now the second book in a row I've read that mentions Aimee Semple McPherson. She sounds like she was an interesting person, so I look forward to reading more about her life.
As for problems, I would have liked more of an in depth description on what Kay refers to as "Neo-Pentecostals" and their development. Are those the same as Neo-Charismatics? And I would have liked a more in depth look at the apostolic networks discussed at the end of chapter 5. These issues I have are expected though, given that Pentecostalism is clearly diverse and this is a "very short introduction". Also, Kay's own Pentecostal views become apparent sometimes, like his mention on page 114 on the belief in luck in Asian cultures as "reckless", which really wasn't necessary.
A decent introduction, and I'll certainly read more on the subject. I'm particularly looking forward to reading a more in depth account of Pentecostalism in the US, as well as the early development of the Charismatic movement.
March 6, 2025
The omission of Jimmy Swaggart seemed to be deliberate, and it is quite obvious considering how Swaggart is integral to a historical account of the late 1980's in the United States. His scandal was parodied by Saturday Night Live and inspired Ozzy Osbourne's song "Miracle Man". Swaggart is probably the most famous Pentecostal of all time and
I was hoping to see how Swaggart persevered through this scandal, and how the scandal may have altered public perception of televangelists, megachurches, and Pentecostalism itself. This controversy seemed to be conveniently overlooked entirely.
I was hoping to see how Swaggart persevered through this scandal, and how the scandal may have altered public perception of televangelists, megachurches, and Pentecostalism itself. This controversy seemed to be conveniently overlooked entirely.
May 11, 2024
Chapter 1: Origins and characteristics
Chapter 2: The United States
Chapter 3: Across the World
Chapter 4: Glossolalia, healing, prosperity, and spiritual warfare
Chapter 5: Churches and beliefs about the end of time
Chapter 6: Megachurches, cells, and progressive Pentecostalism
Chapter 7: Race, ecumenism, and politics
Chapter 8: Studies and surveys
Chapter 2: The United States
Chapter 3: Across the World
Chapter 4: Glossolalia, healing, prosperity, and spiritual warfare
Chapter 5: Churches and beliefs about the end of time
Chapter 6: Megachurches, cells, and progressive Pentecostalism
Chapter 7: Race, ecumenism, and politics
Chapter 8: Studies and surveys
December 10, 2021
This book’s first three chapters are very strong and provide a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the history of Pentecostal Christianity, its origins, and its global dimensions (something very hard to find when you are trying to teach Intro to Christianity!). If I were only reviewing the first chapters, I would unhesitatingly give this book 4 stars for its accessibility and usefulness. However, the chapters on theology and the future of Pentecostalism were decidedly a mixed bag. His chapters on theology were okay, if a bit repetitive. In fairness, I also found his straightforward approach to the place of glossolalia, healing, and spiritual warfare in Pentecostal theology and practice helpful for pedagogical purposes. However some of the later chapters were of significantly lower quality. Kay introduces but then demurs on the issue of race in both the history of Pentecostalism and in the present. His tone becomes increasingly triumphal and less objective when he discusses the future of Pentecostalism and the increasing influence of Pentecostal churches. Particularly off-putting is his dismissal of potential concerns about the political and social conservatism of the majority of Pentecostals. He basically says “haters gonna hate”. He also (offensively, in my opinion) speculates on Pentecostal Christianity’s potential value in convincing Jews to accept Christ as their messiah. These passages in particular struck me as rather irresponsible and reductive positions to take in a book intended to be an authoritative, academic introduction to the subject.
April 5, 2019
A informed and useful introductory account of the Pentecostal movement. Its strength is its first three chapters, which are a historical survey of Pentecostalism. Later chapters try to suggest commonalities among all the various Penecostal denominations, their emphasis on spirituality and religion as an intense experience rather than as a liturgy or scholarly, contemplative practice. I read this while also reading St. Augustine's *Confessions* and was surprised by how St. Augustine's intense conversion experience in the garden evoked some of themes treated in this brief introduction. I wish there was a VSI on more recent iterations of Christianity as an intense experience, i.e. a survey of charismatic preachers, megachurches, and the commercialization of Christianity. Some of those concerns were treated in this book but these parts felt oblique the main focus.
May 27, 2022
The Oxford University Press's A Very Short Introduction series is an excellent way to learn the basic facts, history, and concepts about a movement, philosophy, or religion. The authors write like Sgt Friday, "Just the facts, ma'am."
I read this book because I interact with pentecostal ministers several times a month, and wanted to understand where they are coming from as fellow Christians who practice some disciplines that are outside of my experience. I found Kay's work accessible, cogent, and very well organized. Small bios of important pentecostal leaders from around the world are included.
I learned there is a 'progressive' pentecostalism. Kay does point out that the 20th century spread of pentecostal ministries in the global south mirrors the similar spread of soccer in the same regions. Interesting thought.
I read this book because I interact with pentecostal ministers several times a month, and wanted to understand where they are coming from as fellow Christians who practice some disciplines that are outside of my experience. I found Kay's work accessible, cogent, and very well organized. Small bios of important pentecostal leaders from around the world are included.
I learned there is a 'progressive' pentecostalism. Kay does point out that the 20th century spread of pentecostal ministries in the global south mirrors the similar spread of soccer in the same regions. Interesting thought.
October 29, 2021
Neither one of the better VSIs, nor one of the worse. Dare I say, lukewarm?
February 19, 2013
Kay, William K. 2011. Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction. Vol. 255, Very Short Introductions. New York: Oxford University Press.
Pentecostal Christianity is the fastest-growing religious movement of the modern era. Over the past 100 years, it has grown from a handful of adherents to well over 500 million. Often associated with white, right-wing, American televangelists in the public mind, it is actually populated by poor, Majority World residents whose political commitments are diverse.
William Kay’s Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction ably introduces this movement by sketching an outline of its history (chapters 1–3), theology (chapters 4–5), and sociology (chapters 6–7). A concluding chapter (8) speculates on possible trajectories for the size and influence of the movement. Kay includes a “Further Reading” list at the end of the book for readers who wish to delve more deeply into these topics.
I highly recommend Pentecostalism as an introduction to this vibrant Christian movement for readers who know little to nothing about it.
P.S. If you found this review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
Pentecostal Christianity is the fastest-growing religious movement of the modern era. Over the past 100 years, it has grown from a handful of adherents to well over 500 million. Often associated with white, right-wing, American televangelists in the public mind, it is actually populated by poor, Majority World residents whose political commitments are diverse.
William Kay’s Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction ably introduces this movement by sketching an outline of its history (chapters 1–3), theology (chapters 4–5), and sociology (chapters 6–7). A concluding chapter (8) speculates on possible trajectories for the size and influence of the movement. Kay includes a “Further Reading” list at the end of the book for readers who wish to delve more deeply into these topics.
I highly recommend Pentecostalism as an introduction to this vibrant Christian movement for readers who know little to nothing about it.
P.S. If you found this review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
August 25, 2016
Beginning with a history and then moving into theological perspectives and a very cursory sociological analysis, Kay does not hide his participation in the movement about which he writes. Particularly in the theology section, he becomes defensive. He undulates between a defensive posture and one of self-criticism (of the movement, which he gives both lightly and vehemently).
In the conclusion, he predicts the continued growth of Pentecostalism to the point of being the face of Christianity in every country (as opposed to internationally). This is hardly a tough prediction to make, but he makes it with rose-tinted glasses. He attributes its flexibility and ability to grow to its emphasis on the Spirit (or from his perspective, it's proper embrace of the Spirit). Wishing I would have picked an introduction from another perspective.
In the conclusion, he predicts the continued growth of Pentecostalism to the point of being the face of Christianity in every country (as opposed to internationally). This is hardly a tough prediction to make, but he makes it with rose-tinted glasses. He attributes its flexibility and ability to grow to its emphasis on the Spirit (or from his perspective, it's proper embrace of the Spirit). Wishing I would have picked an introduction from another perspective.
September 26, 2014
Some good info, but there was a lot of filler. A lot of it had the tone of a pamphlet. It was like the author had a difficult time balancing the need to sound objective and detached with the fact that he is a participant in the movement he's describing.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews