Contemporary Issues of the Global Pentecostalization of Christianity

Abstract

The article delves into the pentacostalization process of Christianity on a world level. Christian charismatic communities are probably the most vigorous and fast growing religious movement of the 21st century which has already overtaken the entire world. No other branch of Christianity has grown faster than the pentecostal group, particularly in the southern hemisphere. It is vital to understand the beginnings and the development of this movement and to note the ethical implications of this process. The correct interpretaion of this very complex phenomenon demands an interdisciplinary approach. A sociological and cultural diagnosis is needed, however, a deeper analysis of this reality would not be complete without a contribution from scientific disciplines such as the philosophy of religion, anthropolgy, ethnography and ethics.