Pentecostalism

African Pentecostalism is one of the most vibrant expressions of Pentecostalism in the world today. There are over 100 million Pentecostals in Africa, and the movement continues to grow. So significant is the Pentecostalization of global African Christianity, it is referred to as an African reformation. No serious study of global Pentecostalism can be conducted without a critical look at African Pentecostalism. In Pentecostalism: Insights from Africa and the African Diaspora, Clifton R. Clarke explores the historical and theological factors behind the phenomenal growth of African Pentecostalism. Clarke provides insightful elucidation on critical religious, theological, philosophical, political, and social issues that have shaped the movement. His extensive account examines such topics as: theological method for the study of African Pentecostalism, African Pentecostalism and Islam, Pan-Africanism and African Pentecostalism, the African Pentecostal understanding of God, and Christ and the Holy Spirit. What is the cause of this African Pentecostal revival? Clarke points to such features as its vibrant approach to worship and a robust emphasis on the Holy Spirit, its aggressive evangelism and church growth strategies, and its ability to tap into African imagination and felt needs in a way that is culturally relevant and contemporary--all of which has contributed to African Pentecostalism's global attraction. ""As Pentecostal Christianity sweeps over the continent of Africa, Dr. Clarke's book comes in response to the demand of African Christian needs. Accordingly, he explores critical issues that pose challenges to the people of the continent and other Africans living in the diaspora through an African Pentecostal hermeneutical lens and viewpoint. This book will be an invaluable companion to people who want to understand the contemporary movement of God in Africa."" --OPOKU ONYINAH, The Church of Pentecost, Accra, Ghana ""Clarke, in this book, captures well the connections between the socio-economic situation in Africa, the spirituality and epistemology of its people, and the emerging limit-transcending theology of the Pentecostal movement. The book invites us to take a fresh look at African Pentecostal theology and to turn to its author as a major voice and guide in the crafting of this heady theology."" --NIMI WARIBOKO, Boston University, Boston, USA ""Pentecostalism constitutes the growing edges of world Christianity. Clifton Clarke is clearly one of its non-Western leading voices. In writing on Pentecostal theology from African perspectives in this volume, Clarke, as a critical insider, makes up for the lack of theological material on African Pentecostalism. This is a work of solid worth that will serve both the Christian Theological Academy and the world church immensely."" --J. KWABENA ASAMOAH-GYADU, Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, Ghana Clifton R. Clarke, PhD Associate Dean, William E. Pannell Center for African American Church Studies and the Associate Professor for Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. His previous publications include African Christology (Pickwick, 2011), Pentecostal Theology in Africa (Pickwick, 2013), and the Islamic Dilemma: A Pentecostal Response to Global Jihad (High Bridge, 2015).