An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity

by Allan Heaton Anderson

Pentecostalism has become the fastest growing Christian movement, particularly outside Europe, and Allan Heaton Anderson is one of the foremost scholars of this phenomenon. His innovative interpretation of Pentecostalism focuses on the serious contribution made by both western and Majority World participants in its development. In this second edition of his leading introductory course book, Anderson presents an updated global history of the movement, which addresses significant events and changes in recent years, and surveys important theoretical issues such as gender and society, as well as politics and economics. The book also offers a comprehensive explanation of the significance of Charismatic Christianity throughout the world, plus its effect upon the globalisation of religion and its transformation in the present century. This new edition will be an important resource for those studying Pentecostalism, Charismatic Christianity, theology and sociology of religion.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2013

Reviews

[Starla Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this introduction to global Pentecostalism, Anderson offers a fantastic contribution to the field by showing other origin points to Pentecostalism outside Azusa Street. I appreciate this honoring of American Pentecostalism while also decentering it from the conversation. An excellent scholarly work.

[Josh Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than I deserved to know about this movement and denomination. Really interesting how it has seeped into mainline denominations and the continued push that it makes against certain denominational stances.

[Jon Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having come out of a Pentecostal background, I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it fairly evaluated the movement as a whole and gave a comprehensive history which established the background of Pentecostalism and traced the history globally. Anderson's evaluation of the Pentecostal roots in church history was a realistic perspective from a man who was a Pentecostal minister. He seems to have a good grasp of Church History in general, and a passion for the movement globally. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to understand one of the most important Christian revivals in Central America, South America, and Asia in particular.

The weaknesses are a repetitive and slightly bland writing style and many issues that beg expounding are left untouched. Anderson often raises an issue or topic and leaves it there, with the reader wondering what the author thinks about the issue and why he mentioned it. Alongside, that he often repeats certain themes over and over.

Overall, this is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand more about one of the most important global movements in Christianity.