Issues In Contemporary Pentecostalism

This book brings together the papers presented at the McMaster Divinity College 2007 Pentecostal Forum: Defining Issues in Pentecostalism: Classical and Emergent. It highlights the defining topics, past and present, of Pentecostal theology. The chapters are grouped under Pentecostal theology and biblical studies, with selections on classical and contemporary issues in each category. This book provides an introduction to the classical doctrines of Pentecostalism and key contemporary developments in Pentecostal theology in one volume. Professors desiring to introduce students to Pentecostalism will find here a concise and accessible introduction to the defining historical and contemporary issues.

Where is Pentecostal theology going in the 21st century? How does it address issues of spirituality, politics and justice? What does it have to offer the worldwide Church? These and other vital questions are explored here by leading Pentecostal theologians from the UK and the USA as they assess the challenges and opportunities facing Pentecostalism today. With stimulating contributions by Joel Edwards, Charlotte Johnson, Steven Land, Douglas Nelson, Phyllis Thompson and Keith Warrington, this book offers valuable guidance to church leaders and to students training for the ministry throughout the Pentecostal world. ‘There is passion and information here, advice for the present and hope for the future.’ William K. Kay, Institute for Pentecostal Theology, Regents Theological College ‘When we consider that one in four Christians are Pentecostals, this book is a “must” for all who are seeking to improve their knowledge of Pentecostal theology and recognize its distinctives.’ Bishop Dr Donald Bolt, New Testament Church of God England and Wales

This book explores the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, tracing their development and their variety. Hocken shows how these movements of the Holy Spirit, both outside the mainline churches and as renewal currents within the churches, can be understood as mutually challenging and as complementary. The similarities and the differences are significant. The Messianic Jewish movement possesses elements of both the new and the old. Addressing the issues of modernity and globalization, this book explores major phenomena in contemporary Christianity including the relationship between the new churches and entrepreneurial capitalism.

""This book, comprising a sweeping range of well-documented articles on Pentecostal theology, hermeneutics, missiology, and the social sciences, provides for the student of Pentecostals a window on contemporary Pentecostal scholarship that discloses vigorous engagement with critical issues. The editors have provided a resource that promises to stimulate further research and reflection."" William Menzies, Chancellor, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines. Excerpts from Respondents Jose Miguez Bonino on Changing Paradigms: ""An updating of Pentecostal thinking on a whole spectrum of theological disciplines: systematics, missiology, biblical studies, history, and praxis . . . a wealth of information and reflection."" Vinay Samuel on Global Culture: ""Global Pentecostalism can bring a new impetus to the movement for Christian unity . . . it has much to contribute to the shaping of a new 21st century definition for Christian unity."" Harvey Cox on A Postmodern World: ""There was a time when Pentecostals warned themselves and anyone else who would listen not to become entangled with and dependent on the 'things of the world.' Pentecostals were suspicious of the passing fads of stylish clothing, the latest hairdo, and glitzy new consumer products. They were also, as it turns out rightly, suspicious that the powerful new mass media could be a seductive lure, tricking people into the empty values of the consumer market culture. Perhaps it is time for a rebirth of that ethic of simplicity, that suspicion for 'the things for the world' for which the early Pentecostals were so famous.""

This volume offers updated accounts of Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, and explores most of the dominant themes in contemporary Pentecostalism, including leadership, competition, gender, youth and prosperity. In addition, some chapters investigate emerging themes in studies on Pentecostalism, such as disability. Contributors to this volume situate Zimbabwean Pentecostalism within the larger continuum of global Pentecostalism, and reflect on Pentecostal biblical interpretation, the interface between Pentecostalism and African Traditional Religions, the use of titles in Zimbabwean Pentecostalism and Pentecostalism’s engagement with HIV/AIDS. The book will appeal to scholars in religious studies and theology, religious education, disability studies, social sciences, history, political science, development studies, gender, cultural studies, and anthropology, as well as general readers.

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.

The Other Pentecostalism: Alternative Themes in Contemporary Renewal Spirituality revisits themes within the Pentecostal movement from the vantage point of alternative interpretations of issues that have shaped the contours of the movement within the broader Christian. It suggests that more than simply a "tongues movement," Pentecostal spirituality has something of importance to contribute to a variety of conversations.