This volume explores Pentecostalism's multifaceted nature in Africa, examining its dialectical engagements, dynamic expressions, and transformative potential across the continent's spiritual, social, and political landscapes in postcolonial contexts.
The volume brings together a range of scholarly voices to offer a comprehensive and critical engagement with Pentecostalism in Africa, spanning Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ghana. A central thread is the concept of dialectics, as the authors move beyond simplistic narratives to embrace the inherent tensions and contradictions that define African Pentecostalism. It is a faith of both continuity and radical rupture, one that simultaneously draws from the wellsprings of missionary Christianity while reconfiguring it through distinctly African cultural and spiritual lenses. The volume recognises that the movement cannot be understood apart from the historical legacies of colonialism and the contemporary challenges facing African nations. The chapters explore how Pentecostal churches and believers are grappling with pressing issues such as poverty, gender inequality, democratic governance, and health crises, often emerging as a theology of hope and empowerment that offers new forms of agency and social positioning to its adherents. Grounded in African studies and employing diverse methodological approaches, the book offers in-depth ethnographic case studies, theological analysis, and postcolonial critique.
It is a timely and valuable contribution to the study of Pentecostalism and its enduring global impact.
| ISBN: | 9781041206460 |
| Publication date: | 17th July 2026 |
| Author: | Peter White, Martina Björkander, Elias Kifon Bongmba |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 380 pages |
| Series: | Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies |
| Genres: |
Pentecostal or Charismatic Churches Indigenous, ethnic and folk religions and spiritual beliefs Regional / International studies Religion: general |
This volume explores Pentecostalism's multifaceted nature in Africa, examining its dialectical engagements, dynamic expressions, and transformative potential across the continent's spiritual, social, and political landscapes in postcolonial contexts.
The volume brings together a range of scholarly voices to offer a comprehensive and critical engagement with Pentecostalism in Africa, spanning Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ghana. A central thread is the concept of dialectics, as the authors move beyond simplistic narratives to embrace the inherent tensions and contradictions that define African Pentecostalism. It is a faith of both continuity and radical rupture, one that simultaneously draws from the wellsprings of missionary Christianity while reconfiguring it through distinctly African cultural and spiritual lenses. The volume recognises that the movement cannot be understood apart from the historical legacies of colonialism and the contemporary challenges facing African nations. The chapters explore how Pentecostal churches and believers are grappling with pressing issues such as poverty, gender inequality, democratic governance, and health crises, often emerging as a theology of hope and empowerment that offers new forms of agency and social positioning to its adherents. Grounded in African studies and employing diverse methodological approaches, the book offers in-depth ethnographic case studies, theological analysis, and postcolonial critique.
It is a timely and valuable contribution to the study of Pentecostalism and its enduring global impact.
Pentecostalism in the Postcolony features in the following genres: Pentecostal or Charismatic Churches, Indigenous, ethnic and folk religions and spiritual beliefs, Regional / International studies, Religion: general
Pentecostalism in the Postcolony is available in Hardback
Pentecostalism in the Postcolony was written by Peter White, Martina Björkander, Elias Kifon Bongmba and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Pentecostalism in the Postcolony has 380 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies series
£139.50