Pentecostalism: A Guide for the Perplexed

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Pentecostalism is the fastest growing religious movement of our time. The unexpected birth of the modern-day Pentecostal movement at the doorsteps of the twentieth century is as perplexing as its continuing existence and unprecedented expansion worldwide. Once marginalized from public discourse, Pentecostals have entered into mainstream culture, religion, politics, academia, and social action. However, the unprecedented growth of Pentecostalism in all its diversity has led to characterizations ripe with platitudes, stereotypes, and misrepresentations. This Guide for the Perplexed sheds light on the most persistent contrasts characterizing the Pentecostal movement: the tension between local manifestations and global Pentecostalism, the inconsistency between spiritual discernment and charismatic excess, the gap between rampant denominationalism and the pursuit of Christian unity, the disparity between poverty among many Pentecostals and the popularity of the prosperity gospel, the division between Oneness Pentecostals and their trinitarian counterparts, and the worldview of Pentecostals beyond the confines of a religious movement. Those tensions form the essence of global Pentecostalism and represent the emergence of a global Christian world.

Reviews

Vondey is a sure guide to the global phenomenon of Pentecostalism and its primary and scholarly resources, expertly sifting out the complexities of the many tongues of the movement and charting helpful frameworks to understanding and engaging with it. Beginner students and informed observers alike will benefit from this perspicacious study.' - Amos Yong, Biola University, USA. -- Amos Yong
This book by Vondey does exactly what it says on the cover. It provides an introductory text for students of theology and religion who wish to find out more about the nature and significance of Pentecostalism. Given its size and scope, it covers pretty much all the ground that one would expect to see covered in a satisfactory textbook. -- Mark J. Cartledge, University of Birmingham, UK * Theology *

Author Bio

Wolfgang Vondey is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the Centre for Renewal Studies at Regent University, Virginia Beach, USA.