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

definition and the rich diversity of Pentecostalism (internal issues) as well as the
socio-religious and political contexts (external issues) are some key reasons for
the identity issue becoming an essential concern.
The reaction by many Pentecostals to Anderson’s Introduction to Pentecostalism
is a clear indication of Pentecostal concern about identity. As Michael Wilkinson
observes, the question of identity is a core issue in the book. 29 The response shows
that Anderson’s research raised two major issues with regard to identity concern.
The first issue is related to the regional representation of Pentecostalism. Joseph
Castleberry, a reviewer of the book, argues that Anderson has not given
satisfactory attention to Pentecostalism in many parts of the world. His treatment
of Pentecostalism in Africa was appreciated, but other regions are not equally
represented in his research. 30 However, as Anderson has responded,
Pentecostalism in other regions like Asia is yet to be explored. 31 The second issue
is related to Anderson’s inclusive and broad definition of Pentecostalism. 32
Anderson defended his stance by stating that his ‘treatment of Pentecostalism is
an attempt to be inclusive and intercultural in resisting exclusive, expansionist and
Western-centred approaches.’ 33 As he has followed an inclusive definition, many
indigenous revival movements as well as people have found their identity in
Pentecostalism. However, sharing their Pentecostal identity with others has
created some uneasiness in several classical Pentecostals. All these reactions
clearly demonstrate that Pentecostals are concerned about their identity.
29
Michael Wilkinson, ‘When is a Pentecostal a Pentecostal? The Global Perspective of Allan
Anderson,’ Pneuma 28, no.2 (2006): 278.
30
Joseph L. Castleberry, ‘History from Below Should be Fair to Missionaries Also,’ Pneuma 28,
no.2 (2006): 271.
31
Allan Anderson, ‘The Hazards of Writing a Book on Global Pentecostalism,’ Pneuma 28, no.2
(2006): 284.
32
Wilkinson, ‘When is a Pentecostal,’ 278.
33
Anderson, ‘Hazards of Writing,’ 284.
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