Studying Global Pentecostalism: Theories and Methods (Volume 10)

The Anthropology of Christianity

by Allan Anderson (Editor), Michael Bergunder (Editor), Andre F. Droogers (Editor)

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.

338 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 2010

Reviews

[Sam Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read a couple of chapters because I have limited time and I don't need a profound depth of knowledge about pentecostalism, but this book was useful in giving me a flavor of the literature and if I were to return to the topic, this might be a book I read again to get the lay of the interdisciplinary field.