Studying Global Pentecostalism Theories and Methods [Paperback]

With its remarkable ability to adapt to many different cultures, Pentecostalism has become the worlds 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.

Allan Andersonis Professor of Global Pentecostal Studies at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.Michael Bergunderis Professor of History of Religions and Mission Studies at the University of Heidelberg.Andr? Droogersis Professor Emeritus of Cultural Anthropology at the VU University Amsterdam.Cornelis van der Laanis Professor of Pentecostal Studies in the Faculty of Theology at VU University Amsterdam.

List of Abbreviations
Introduction

PART ONE. INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES

1. Varieties, Taxonomies, and Definitions
Allan Anderson

2. Essentialist and Normative Approaches
Andr? Droogers

3. The Cultural Turn
Michael Bergunder

4. Gender and Power
Elizabeth Brusco

5. Conversion Narratives
Henri Gooren
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