African Pentecostalism: An IntroductionAcross Africa, Christianity is thriving in all shapes and sizes. But one particular strain of Christianity prospers more than most-Pentecostalism. Pentecostals believe that everyone can personally receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as prophecy or the ability to speak in tongues. In Africa, this kind of faith, in which the supernatural is a daily presence, is sweeping the continent. Today, about 107 million Africans are Pentecostals-and the numbers continue to rise. In this book, Ogbu Kalu provides the first ever overview of Pentecostalism in Africa. He shows the amazing diversity of the faith, which flourishes in many different forms in diverse local contexts. While most people believe that Pentecostalism was brought to Africa and imposed on its people by missionaries, Kalu argues emphatically that this is not the case. Throughout the book, he demonstrates that African Pentecostalism is distinctly African in character, not imported from the West. With an even-handed approach, Kalu presents the religion's many functions in African life. Rather than shying away from controversial issues like the role of money and prosperity in the movement, Kalu describes malpractice when he sees it. The only book to offer a comprehensive look at African Pentecostalism, this study touches upon the movement's identity, the role of missionaries, media and popular culture, women, ethics, Islam, and immigration. The resulting work will prove invaluable to anyone interested in Christianity outside the West. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 90
Page x
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page xi
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page xii
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 5
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 14
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
activities African Christianity African Pentecostalism AICs American argued attention became become believers Bible called caused challenge character charismatic Christ Christianity churches claim communities concept contemporary context continuity countries created cults culture dimension discourse divine early emerged engagement ethics evangelism experience explains faith forces forms founded Ghana global gospel groups growth healing human identity ideology immigrant important indigenous individual instance institutions International Islam issues Jesus Journal land later leaders lives means ministry mission missionary moral move movement Muslim Nigeria North organizations pastors period person perspective places political practice prayer Press problem prophetic regions relationship religion religious response revival rituals role roots schools served social society South space spiritual started story strategies structures symbols theology traditional United University various West Western women worldview young