Pentecostal Power: Expressions, Impact and Faith of Latin American Pentecostalism, reviewed by Tony Richie
Each section is strong and the contributions are as well, although in certain cases it must have been a stretch to know how to fit them together. There is overlap and incongruity. Juan Sepúlveda’s “Another Way of Being Pentecostal” and Mel Robeck’s “Roman Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue,” are both excellent contributions and both obviously ecumenical and historical nevertheless each occurs in very different thematic sections of the book. Regarding Martin Lindhardt’s discussion of the spirit world and spiritual warfare, Smith says it is “a theological issue albeit explored here from an interdisciplinary perspective”—yet it is set in the theological section. More theology surfaces in Stephen Hunt’s section two “Evaluating Prophetic Radicalism” focusing on Brazilian Pentecostalism in the political sphere. (After reading Hunt, I understand somewhat better the surprised reactions I received when in Brazil recently, as part of an ecumenical and interreligious project helping children, upon announcement that I am Pentecostal.) Then it was a bit surprising to see a major work on Latin American Pentecostalism, Cheryl Bridges Johns, Pentecostal Formation: A Pedagogy Among the Oppressed (1993) almost completely ignored. Thus selections seem a bit uneven or arbitrary. Yet, regardless of its sectional placement, well worth noting is the importance of the Catholic-Pentecostal dialogue, and not only for Latin Americans. Unfortunately, as Robeck points out, the dialogue itself and its significance are largely unnoted by many Pentecostals. Perhaps this book can help overcome that sad fact.
At last, particularly arresting is William Kay’s appeal for Pentecostals to “take the risks associated with exuberant spiritual life.” Kay preceded this remark by saying, “the greatest danger to Pentecostalism’s continued survival lies in the gradual accretion of ritual and the gradual diminution of spiritual vitality.” I don’t think he meant to limit his assessment to Latin America. I know I wouldn’t. Perhaps Smith’s Pentecostal Power can help both students of Pentecostalism and Pentecostal participants better understand and experience the life of the Holy Spirit as fervent followers of Jesus Christ. At the least, it is a solid work for those wishing to know more about the contemporary phenomenon of Pentecostalism’s amazing journey in Latin America.
Reviewed by Tony Richie
Preview this book: books.google.com/books?id=HYDRPVfMe1sC
Category: Church History, Fall 2012, Pneuma Review
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