New Centers of Global Evangelicalism in Latin America and Africa

This book argues that local and global religious social forces are primarily responsible for the social developments in communities in the global south.

Stephen Offutt (Author)

9781107435216, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 February 2017

206 pages, 1 map 3 tables
23 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.33 kg

'Offutt's book fits nicely into the increasingly robust literature on global evangelical Christianity, with its focus on global relationships and issues as they relate to the lives of believers. Thanks to largely qualitative and ethnographic research - vital and welcome approaches to the topic - we get a good sense of how the religious 'entrepreneurs' central to Offutt's analysis engage the public and the world, with examples from both South Africa and El Salvador. Offutt's volume should be read for its learned analysis and its effective ability to draw together a considerable amount of information on two very different countries and make it work.' Brendan Jamal Thornton, Latin American Research Review

This book shows that new centers of Christianity have taken root in the global south. Although these communities were previously poor and marginalized, Stephen Offutt illustrates that they are now socioeconomically diverse, internationally well connected, and socially engaged. Offutt argues that local and global religious social forces, as opposed to other social, economic, or political forces, are primarily responsible for these changes.

Introduction
1. A new way of thinking about a global faith
2. Historical sketches of El Salvador and South Africa
3. Encountering transnational religious social forces
4. Exercising local influence: an entrepreneurial approach
5. The social contours and global reach of the new centers of global evangelicalism: enlarging organizations, exporting religion, and creating social stratification
6. New strategies of public engagement: integrated political engagement, increasing social engagement, and shifting beliefs
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Regional government [JPR], Political ideologies [JPF], Comparative politics [JPB], Sociology: customs & traditions [JHBT], Religious groups: social & cultural aspects [JFSR]