Book Description

One of the most significant transformations in twentieth-century Christianity is the emergence and development of Pentecostalism. The fastest-growing form of Christianity, with over five hundred million followers worldwide, this widely diverse movement has influenced many sectors of Christianity, flourishing in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and also affecting Canada. Bringing together a previously scattered and somewhat hidden literature, Canadian Pentecostalism provides the first comprehensive overview of the subject. The collection is broad in focus, examining classical Pentecostalism, charismatic movements in the Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant traditions, and neo-Pentecostalism. Contributing authors examine historical debates about the origins of the movement, the response of Pentecostalism to institutionalization and globalization, and the roles of women, aboriginals, and immigrants within the Canadian movement. A multi-disciplinary study - with contributions from scholars in history, sociology, cultural studies, theology, and religious studies - Canadian Pentecostalism provides an important window into the Pentecostal / Charismatic movement and fills a gap in our general understanding of religion in Canada. Contributors include Peter Althouse (Southeastern University), Peter Beyer (University of Ottawa), Robert K. Burkinshaw (Trinity Western University), Michael Di Giacomo (Valley Forge Christian College), Bruce L. Guenther (Trinity Western University), Randall Holm (Providence College), Pamela M.S. Holmes (Th.D. candidate, Toronto School of Theology), Stephen Hunt (University of the West of England), Martin Mittelstadt (Evangel University), David Reed (University of Toronto), Thomas A. Robinson (University of Lethbridge), Donald S. Swenson (Mount Royal College), and Michael Wilkinson (Trinity Western University)