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

movement. It also showed that the change in situations significantly affected its
mission theory and practice, and thus shows the progressive nature of Pentecostal
missiology in Rajasthan. Although the Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal divide has
not completely disappeared, Pentecostals have made a significant impact on other
Christians, and consequently there is a definite increase in ecumenicity.
Chapters four and five showed that Pentecostals in Rajasthan face intra-church as
well as extra-church issues. This is partly due to the misrepresentation of
Pentecostalism as a foreign religion. It is argued in chapter four that the complex
web of religion and politics has become a serious issue for Pentecostals in
Rajasthan as in other part of the nation. Pentecostals, along with other segments of
Christianity and other religious minority groups, struggle to maintain their
minority rights due to the rise of religious intolerance. The foreignness of
Christianity is a major argument that Hindu militants use against Christians. The
religio-political situation in India at large affects the local context and thus creates
tensions. As conversion is legally forbidden with the introduction of the Anti-
conversion Law, religious tension is on the increase, and consequently, it has
become a matter of concern for Pentecostals as they are accused of being a
proselytizing group, even by other Christian groups. However, despite their status
as a minority, the less privileged and persecuted Pentecostals in Rajasthan claim
to be making a contribution as nation builders. Although Pentecostalism is
becoming more and more Rajasthani as many local people are embracing the
movement, Pentecostals are under tremendous pressure from various social and
343