GloPent Publication: Studying Global Pentecostalism. Theories and Methods

The first three GloPent conferences were geared toward surveying and developing theories and methods for the study of Pentecostalism in diverse disciplinary fields. The result of these presentations and discussions were assembled in a text book for studying global Pentecostalism, which was published by the University of California Press.

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.

Orders can be placed at http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520266629