a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

followers. However, when it comes to the real issues of life, cultural dynamics
seem strong, even among Pentecostals in Rajasthan. Therefore, as Michael Giaco
concludes in his discussion of Pentecostalism in Quebec Culture, the truth of the
matter is that even ‘groups with otherworldly concerns like the Pentecostals are
not immune to historical, cultural … pressures….’ 32
5.4. The Globalization of Pentecostalism
Although Pentecostalism in Rajasthan has an indigenous origin without any
influence from external sources outside the nation, it has felt tremendous impact
of global Pentecostalism in recent years. It appears that there is a tension between
the global and the local within the movement. However, as André Droogers
observes in his discussion of the ‘internal religious characteristics of
Pentecostalism’ and the ‘complex articulation between Pentecostalism and
globalization,’ the capacity of Pentecostalism to combine opposite characteristics
enables Pentecostals in Rajasthan to tackle the tension. 33 Nevertheless, the
challenge is not to be taken lightly; rather it needs serious attention. As Wout van
Laar comments, ‘we are witnessing a rapid ‘pentecostalization’ of world
Christianity.’ 34 Whatever the interpretation given to its growth, whether
theological, sociological or economic, as Droogers has observed, rapid expansion
is the characteristic of Pentecostalism that has drawn the most attention. 35
32
Michael Di Giaco, ‘Pentecostalism, Nationalism and Quebec Culture,’ Pneuma 28, no.1 (2006):
34.
33
For more details of the discussion, see André Droogers, ‘Globalisation and Pentecostal Success,’
in Between Babel and Pentecost: Transnational Pentecostalism in Africa and Latin America, ed.
Andre Corten and Ruth Marshall-Fratani (London: Hurst, 2001), 57-59.
34
Wout van Laar, ‘Introduction: It’s Time to Get to Know Each Other,’ in Fruitful in this Land:
Pluralism, Dialogue and Healing in Migrant Pentecostalism, ed. André Droogers, Cornelis van
der Laan, and Wout van Laar (Zoetermeer: Uitgeverij, 2006), 10.
35
Droogers, ‘Globalisation and Pentecostal Success,’ 41.
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