The birth and rapid global expansion of Pentecostal movements has led to widespread recognition of Pentecostalism as a major force in the Christian globalization enterprise, and a significant subset within the broader globalization movement.
A main thread running through the study of global Pentecostalism, therefore, is its adaptability to the modern world system and, concomitantly its increasing visibility in the public sphere. Underlying the assertion of cultural adaptability is the assumption that the world‘s economic, political, and other societal structures have shifted (and continue to shift), and that Pentecostalism as a religious orientation has the ability to accommodate, or maybe even leverage, those shifts. Rather than just responding to globalization processes Pentecostalism acts on and actively shapes the dynamics of globalization, and thus can be viewed as yet another powerful force in the ‗re-sacralization‘ or ‗re-enchantment‘ of the world (cf. Csordas 2011). Put differently, Pentecostalism seems to be ―flexible and resilient enough to adapt to and be at home with both modernity and its elusive successor, post-modernity‖ (Anderson 2004: 285).
The central aim of this thesis is to understand Pentecostal ex-pansion within the theoretical framework of globalization and in terms of its internal religious characteristics. In my opinion, Pentecostalism can serve as a heuristic entry point to understand the complexity of cultural globalization processes more generally. With this end in mind and for this purpose, Pentecostalism is regarded as an ac-tive agent of globalization; as a transnational movement characterized by fluidity, innovation, and practicality within the context of an increasingly complex and plural world order, particularly in terms of the wider discourses on globalization.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Studying Global Pentecostalism
- 3. Theoretical Contexts
- 3.1 Religion, Modernity and Secularization
- 3.2 Globalization
- 3.3 Globalization of Religion
- 4. Mapping Global Pentecostalism
- 4.1 Definitional Matters
- 4.2 (Re)-Constructing the Global Pentecostal Network
- 4.3 The Emergence and Formation of Global Pentecostalism
- 5. Globalization of Pentecostalism
- 5.1 Conversion
- 5.2 Pentecostal Cosmology
- 5.3 Global Outreach and Spread
- 5.4 A Short Synopsis
- 6. Pentecostalism and Capitalism
- 6.1 The Theology of Prosperity
- 6.2 Discussing the Pentecostal-Capitalism Nexus
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to understand the global expansion of Pentecostalism within the theoretical framework of globalization and its internal religious characteristics. It explores the origins and historical trajectories of Pentecostalism's global spread, examining the conditions for its development and the theoretical frameworks best suited to define this dynamic movement. The thesis also investigates the reasons for Pentecostalism's rapid growth, analyzing both internal and external factors contributing to its global success. Finally, it examines the relationship between global Pentecostalism and processes of globalization and modernization.
- Origins and historical trajectories of Pentecostalism's global expansion.
- Factors contributing to the rapid growth of Pentecostalism worldwide.
- The relationship between global Pentecostalism and processes of globalization and modernization.
- Suitable theoretical frameworks for defining and analyzing Pentecostalism as a global movement.
- Pentecostalism's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining its distinct religious features.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the thesis through personal anecdotes of the author's experiences with Pentecostal churches in the US and South Africa, highlighting the movement's global reach and consistent religious characteristics despite diverse cultural contexts. It emphasizes Pentecostalism's unique ability to adapt locally while preserving its core features, positioning it as a potentially paradigmatic case of a de-centered global culture. The chapter sets the stage by outlining the central research questions, focusing on the origins, expansion, and the relationship between Pentecostalism, globalization, and modernization.
2. Studying Global Pentecostalism: [This chapter summary would go here. The provided text excerpt does not contain the full chapter 2.]
3. Theoretical Contexts: [This chapter summary would go here. The provided text excerpt does not contain the full chapter 3.]
4. Mapping Global Pentecostalism: [This chapter summary would go here. The provided text excerpt does not contain the full chapter 4.]
5. Globalization of Pentecostalism: [This chapter summary would go here. The provided text excerpt does not contain the full chapter 5.]
6. Pentecostalism and Capitalism: [This chapter summary would go here. The provided text excerpt does not contain the full chapter 6.]
Keywords
Global Pentecostalism, Globalization, Modernity, Secularization, Religion, Religious Adaptability, Cultural Adaptation, Global Religious Movements, Pentecostal Cosmology, Theology of Prosperity, Capitalism, Transnationalism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Global Pentecostalism
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a thesis exploring the global expansion of Pentecostalism. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The information is presented to facilitate an understanding of the thesis's scope and content.
What topics are covered in the thesis?
The thesis investigates the global expansion of Pentecostalism, examining its origins, historical trajectories, and the factors contributing to its rapid growth. It analyzes the relationship between Pentecostalism, globalization, and modernization, and explores suitable theoretical frameworks for understanding this global religious movement. A key focus is on Pentecostalism's ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining its core religious features. The relationship between Pentecostalism and capitalism, particularly the "theology of prosperity," is also explored.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into six chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and sets the stage for the research. Chapter 2 (content not fully provided in this preview) likely delves into methodologies for studying global Pentecostalism. Chapter 3 explores relevant theoretical contexts, including religion, modernity, secularization, and globalization. Chapter 4 maps the global Pentecostal network, addressing definitional issues and historical development. Chapter 5 examines the globalization of Pentecostalism, focusing on conversion, cosmology, global outreach, and a synopsis of the process. Finally, Chapter 6 analyzes the relationship between Pentecostalism and capitalism, including the "theology of prosperity."
What are the key themes of the thesis?
Key themes include the origins and historical trajectories of Pentecostalism's global expansion; factors contributing to its rapid growth; the relationship between Pentecostalism, globalization, and modernization; suitable theoretical frameworks for defining and analyzing Pentecostalism as a global movement; and Pentecostalism's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts.
What are the key words associated with the thesis?
Keywords include: Global Pentecostalism, Globalization, Modernity, Secularization, Religion, Religious Adaptability, Cultural Adaptation, Global Religious Movements, Pentecostal Cosmology, Theology of Prosperity, Capitalism, and Transnationalism.
What is the intended audience for this preview?
This preview is intended for academic use, aiding in the analysis of themes within the context of the full thesis.
Where can I find the full thesis?
The provided text does not specify where the full thesis can be found. Further information would be needed to access the complete document.
What is the author's approach to studying Global Pentecostalism?
The author utilizes a framework that integrates the theoretical lenses of globalization and Pentecostalism's internal religious characteristics. The approach seems to be both historical and analytical, tracing the origins and expansion of the movement while simultaneously exploring the factors driving its success.
- Quote paper
- Matthias Deininger (Author), 2012, Global Pentecostalism: An Inquiry into the Cultural Dimensions of Globalization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202804
