In 2006, the contemporary American Pentecostal movement celebrated its
100th birthday. Over that time, its African American sector has been
markedly influential, not only vis-à-vis other branches of
Pentecostalism but also throughout the Christian church. Black
Christians have been integrally involved in every aspect of the
Pentecostal movement since its inception and have made significant
contributions to its founding as well as the evolution of
Pentecostal/charismatic styles of worship, preaching, music, engagement
of social issues, and theology. Yet despite its being one of the fastest
growing segments of the Black Church, Afro-Pentecostalism has not
received the kind of critical attention it deserves.
Afro-Pentecostalism brings together fourteen interdisciplinary scholars
to examine different facets of the movement, including its early
history, issues of gender, relations with other black denominations,
intersections with popular culture, and missionary activities, as well
as the movement's distinctive theology. Bolstered by editorial
introductions to each section, the chapters reflect on the state of the
movement, chart its trajectories, discuss pertinent issues, and
anticipate future developments.
Contributors: Estrelda Y. Alexander, Valerie C. Cooper, David D. Daniels
III, Louis B. Gallien, Jr., Clarence E. Hardy III, Dale T. Irvin, Ogbu
U. Kalu, Leonard Lovett, Cecil M. Robeck, Jr., Cheryl J. Sanders, Craig
Scandrett-Leatherman, William C. Turner, Jr., Frederick L. Ware, and
Amos Yong
