Restoring the Faith: The Assemblies of God, Pentecostalism, and American Culture

by Edith L. Blumhofer (Editor)

American Pentecostalism began as a culturally isolated sect intent upon announcing the imminence of the world's end. The sect's early millenarian fervor gradually became muted in favor of flag-waving patriotism. At the end of the twentieth century it has become an affluent, worldwide movement thoroughly entrenched in popular culture.
Edith Blumhofer uses the Assemblies of God, the largest classical Pentecostal denomination in the world, as a lens through which to view the changing nature of Anglo Pentecostalism in the United States. She illustrates how the original mission to proclaim the end resulted in the development of Bible schools, the rise of the charismatic movement, and the popularity of such figures as Aimee Semple McPherson, Charles Fox Parham, and David Du Plessis. Blumhofer also examines the sect's use of radio and television and the creation of a parallel Christian culture
 

Genres: Church History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Dr. Edith Lydia Blumhofer was a Harvard-educated historian, whose work focused on the history of Christianity in post-Civil War America, who focused much of her work on American Pentecostalism.

Reviews

[Sean]

I don't think there are many scholarly works about the Assemblies of God. This history is strongest in dealing with the denomination's foundation and, perhaps even more so, its precursors. Blumhofer is clearly a member herself and sympathetic to evangelical Pentecostal goals, but the problem is more that it's a little dry and lacking in guiding analysis. There were a number of points as well where I was expected to understand theological debates of the early 20th century with only passing explanations (for example, when fundamentalists were arguing with Pentecostals--explain more, please!).

Still, the facts themselves were really interesting, and Blumhofer addresses the surprising roles of women at a number of points. She doesn't completely shy away from the role of both Black Pentecostals and of segregation in AoG history, though those stories were mentioned more in passing.

Certainly the AoG of the late 20th century stands in marked contrast to its beginnings when I read the book, but the discussion of, say, the '80s was sweeping and seemed poorly researched in comparison to earlier chapters. That said, I can't blame her for rushing through this better-known time period.

So basically if you want to know about the creation of the AoG, this seems to be the book (or at least one of just a few?). It's a mildly frustrating read, but gives the facts and trends, as well as some surprising anecdotes.

If you know of other scholarly works that do it better, please let me know!

[Casper Denck · Rating 3 out of 5]

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