Pentecostalism in Latin America: Characteristics and controversies

Abstract

Now nearly 90 years old, Latin American Pentecostalism has become a mass phenomenon. Academic interest in religion, previously focused on progressive Catholicism, has turned to the Pentecostals. Pentecostalism has become a new form of popular religiosity and has an uneasy relationship with parts of academia, which is reflected in academic work. After presenting its main characteristics, the author surveys some key controversies: the extent of foreign influence; explanations for growth; the contrasting fortunes of Pentecostal churches and base communities; the role of the media; implications for women and for indigenous peoples; economic effects; and the aptness of characterizing Latin American Pentecostalism as "Protestant". He reminds readers of the importance of including Brazil in research because of its richness in autochthonous processes which may emerge later in other parts of the region.