African Pentecostalism: A Preliminary Study of Approaches and Key Issues

The public significance of Pentecostalism and its commanding heights and depths of influence in the socio-economic and political spheres in Africa cannot be questioned. There is a variety of Pentecostalism and the individual significance of the different movements varies. The chapter utilises selected issues that present challenges and dilemmas from a religio-cultural perspective. As such, this study is not a conclusive expose on the approaches and the key issues that are raised in the study of African Pentecostalism but serves as a guide on the scientific study of Pentecostalism in Africa. I do not prescribe specific approaches or methods but highlight the challenges and complexities of studying Pentecostalism as a lived reality. At the same time, I challenge the myths that have created bias and depict areas that are significant and should guide scholars who embark on research in this field.