Pentecostalism and Liberation Theology
In this course we will compare Pentecostalism and Liberation Theology, two movements of considerable popularity and influence in 20th and 21st century global Christianity. We will begin with an exploration of the central beliefs and practices in Pentecostalism, its origins in the Azuza Street Revival, and the reasons for its success around the world. Then we will turn our attention to Liberation Theology, beginning with the work of prominent Latin American theologians and extending in different forms to North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Finally, we will consider how these movements represent different responses to the intellectual, cultural, and economic challenges of postmodern society.