Introduction: African Scholars and the Study of African Pentecostalism

This chapter introduces the volume, placing the minimisation of the contribution of African scholars in the study of African Pentecostalism in the discourse on the politics of knowledge production in African Studies. The chapter contends that the dominance of scholars from the Global North runs the danger of relegating African scholars to the position of perpetual juniors in the field. It summarises the debate on the power imbalances between scholars from the Global North and African scholars, calling for the recognition of the contribution of African scholars. It highlights the diverse publications by African scholars who employ disparate methodological approaches in the study of African Pentecostalism. The chapter draws attention to developments in African Christianity and how they have shaped the study of African Pentecostalism. To provide a balance, the chapter acknowledges the pioneering and ongoing contribution of scholars from the Global North to the study of African Pentecostalism. Overall, the chapter discusses the historical, political, ideological and methodological issues relevant to appreciating the volume.