Pentecostalism in the Postcolony

Dialectics, Dynamics, and Transformations in Africa
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-20646-0
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 380 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Reihe: Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies

This volume explores Pentecostalism's multifaceted nature in Africa, examining its dialectical engagements, dynamic expressions, and transformative potential across the continent's spiritual, social, and political landscapes in postcolonial contexts.

The book brings together a range of scholarly voices to offer comprehensive and critical engagement with Pentecostalism in Africa, spanning Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ghana. A central thread is the concept of dialectics, as the authors move beyond simplistic narratives to embrace the inherent tensions and contradictions that define African Pentecostalism. It is a faith of both continuity and radical rupture, one that simultaneously draws from the wellsprings of missionary Christianity while reconfiguring it through distinctly African cultural and spiritual lenses. The volume recognises that the movement cannot be understood apart from the historical legacies of colonialism and the contemporary challenges facing African nations. The chapters explore how Pentecostal churches and believers are grappling with pressing issues such as poverty, gender inequality, democratic governance, and health crises, often emerging as a theology of hope and empowerment that offers new forms of agency and social positioning to its adherents. Grounded in African studies and employing diverse methodological approaches, the book offers in-depth ethnographic case studies, theological analysis, and postcolonial critique.

It is a timely and valuable contribution to the study of Pentecostalism and its enduring global impact.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

White, Peter

Björkander, Martina

Bongmba, Elias Kifon

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Christliche Kirchen, Konfessionen, Denominationen Protestantismus, evangelische und protestantische Kirchen Pfingstkirchen
• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Systematische Theologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Historische & Regionale Volkskunde

Inhaltsverzeichnis

List of Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgements

THEME I: FRAMING THE DIALECTICS

Chapter 1: Introduction: Pentecostalism in the Postcolony – Dialectics, Dynamics, and Transformations

Peter White, Martina Björkander, and Elias Kifon Bongmba

Chapter 2: Living in a Complex World: How Pentecostalism Intersects with and Affects the Socio-Political and Religious Realities of Contemporary Africa

Elias Kifon Bongmba

Chapter 3: P(new)umatologisation in African Pentecostalism: A Matrix of Spirit, Resistance, and Renewal

Chammah J. Kaunda

THEME II: POLITICS, POWER, AND POSTCOLONIAL AGENCY

Chapter 4: Pentecostalism in Uganda: Politics and Adherence to African Worldviews

Evelyn Namakula B Mayanja

Chapter 5: Precarious Pentecostal Politics: Relocating Religious Agency in Ethiopia

Jörg Haustein

Chapter 6: Iviyo loFakazi – Negotiating Pentecostalism, Anglicanism, Colonialism, and Apartheid in South Africa

Henry Mbaya, and Thokozile J Mbaya

Chapter 7: A Perfect Prophet of the Postcolony – Babu wa Loliondo

Mika Vähäkangas

Chapter 8: The Yoke Is Cracking, But Our Hands Are Still Bound: Imagining a Decolonised Pentecostal Theology in Malawi

Harvey Kwiyani

THEME III: GENDER, IDENTITY, AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Chapter 9: The Woman Called Man: A Lens into Gender Dynamics and the Import Transformation in African Pentecostalism

Itohan Idumwonyi

Chapter 10: Swedish Pentecostalism in Rwanda: Women's Participation in Its Implantation, Expansion, and Identity Negotiations

Viateur Habarurema

Chapter 11: Reordering the Christian Home: Pentecostalism and Family Life Transformations in Ghana

Felicity Apaah

THEME IV: WORSHIP, SOUNDSCAPES, AND CULTURAL REFRAMING

Chapter 12: Tope Alabi and the Oríkì of Olódùmarè: Reframing Yorùbá Praise Poetry in Pentecostal Soundscapes

Akeem Adagbada

Chapter 13: Moving with the One Who Moves: Pentecostal Worship as a Dialectic Ritual Practice

Martina Björkander

Chapter 14: 'Born-Again' Kingship and Pentecostal Musical Performance in Nigeria: A Study of the Royal Fathers' Choir of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Toyin Samuel Ajose

THEME V: ECONOMICS, DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL PRAXIS

Chapter 15: Contextual Analysis of Money and Socioeconomic Realities: Ghanaian Pentecostals' Perspective

Jeremiah Agbeshie

Chapter 16: Together Towards Life and Mission: An Appraisal of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatics Council's Theology and Praxis in Light of the SDGs 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10

Peter White

Chapter 17: Reimagining Development in Postcolonial Africa through the Lens of Nigerian Neo-Pentecostal Churches

Babatunde Adedibu

THEME VI: YOUTH, PROPHECY, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Chapter 18: African Pentecostalism, African Ancestorship, and the Gap in Between

Benson Ohihon Igboin

Chapter 19: Flow and Movement in Charismatic Christianity in Ghana: Reflections on Young Pastors and the Charismatic Move

Karen Lauterbach

Chapter 20: Conclusion: Concluding Remarks and Constructive Reflections on Pentecostal Dynamics in Postcolonial Africa

Martina Björkander, Peter White, and Elias Kifon Bongmba

Index

Über Autor(innen)

Peter White is an Associate Professor and Head of Department at the Faculty of Theology in Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Martina Björkander is a Docent of Practical Theology, especially Pentecostal studies, and a postdoc researcher at the Polin Institute, Åbo Akademi University, Finland.

Elias Kifon Bongmba holds the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Chair in Christian Theology and Professor of Religion at Rice University, USA.