Pentecostalism in the Postcolony by Peter White

Pentecostalism in the Postcolony by Peter White

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.

“African Pentecostalism is full of contradictions, and to explain it, we must think dialecticallyThis book methodically combines dialectics, polarity of form and dynamics, and the interplay of logics and emotions of transformation to reveal the kernel of Pentecostalism in the African postcolony. The result is a pathbreaking text that exudes creativity, shines with brilliancy, and insightfully penetrates the fabric of African Pentecostalism. Indeed, a volume of valuable, voyant beauty!”

- Nimi Wariboko, Boston University, USA

"Pentecostalism remains a dynamic force as a distinct stream of Christianity and, for years to come, will constitute the growing edge of the faith in Africa. This is a volume that explores, interrogates, and pursues the multifaceted impact of Pentecostalism on the continent. The critical word at the heart of the volume is “multifaceted”, and the various authors justify their inclusion in the book by considering the vibrancy and dynamism of Pentecostalism from perspectives that speak to the impact of the movement from different angles and disciplines. It is a book that will serve those interested in the study of Pentecostalism very well and satisfactorily, both as an academic text and for the general reader too."

- J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, Ghana

"By exploring the historical and contemporary lived realities of various forms of Pentecostalism within the social, political, economic, and religious contexts of postcolonial Africa this volume offers an important, nuanced study of the dialectic nature and transformative impact of Pentecostalism in this space. The strength of the book lies in the breath of the research contexts and the depth of the inter-and multi- disciplinary analysis offered. The varied methodologies used present a robust multi-dimensional engagement with the subject showing the complex and varied landscape of Pentecostalism in Africa. Overall, the study argues that in postcolonial Africa, Pentecostalism is ‘a potent force of both continuities and radical raptures’ socially, theologically, spiritually, economically, and politically impacting the lives and identities of people in and beyond the continent."

- Maria Frahm-Arp, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

"Pentecostalism in the Postcolony brings together an impressive array of contributors to provide, through individual snapshots, a broad overview of the ethos, theology, and practice of Pentecostals in Africa. Its insightful contributions from different parts of Africa challenge readers to move away from worn stereotypes and introduce them to new aspects within the diversity of the Pentecostal experience. This is an important volume that brings the reader into conversation with the vitality and diversity of Pentecostal experience in Africa, with its possibilities and perils."

- Kyama Mugambi, Yale Divinity School, US.

Peter White is an Associate Professor and Head of Department at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Martina Björkander is a Docent of Practical Theology, especially Pentecostal studies, and a researcher at the Polin Institute, Åbo Akademi University, Finland.

Elias Kifon Bongmba holds the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Chair in Christian Theology and is Professor of Religion at Rice University, USA.