Pentecostalism and Catholic Ecumenism In Developing Nations: West Africa as a Case Study for a Global Phenomenon
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Through fieldwork research, this book seeks to explore Catholic ecumenism and the proliferation of Pentecostalism. Using data gathered from four West African countries, it additionally endeavors to investigate the sociopolitical impact of Pentecostalism, which is growing exponentially and is seen by many as the new face and phase of Christianity on the continent. This book puts a search light on the reality of West African Pentecostalism and its relationship with the older Christian traditions. It cogently asks if Pentecostalism is a cog in the wheels of the fragile ecumenical work among West African Christianity and wonders about its impact on the poor existing social, economic, and political situations common to most West African politics and governments. This book is for professionals and students of religion and theology, and is useful for the casual reader.
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“In this book John Odeyemi examines West African Pentecostalism.
He acknowledges that, with its phenomenal growth over the
last decades, it could well be the future face of African
Christianity, but for him this is distressing news. West African
Pentecostalism’s lack of a coherent ecclesiology, but especially
its preoccupation with ‘health and wealth’ doctrines, troubles him
deeply. If West African Pentecostalism does not reach out
ecumenically, commit itself to social justice issues, and connect
itself more fully with the history of Christianity, it will not be
able to sustain itself in the long run.”
—Steven Bevans, SVD, Catholic Theological Union
“Utilizing extensive research and valuable first-hand experience,
Odeyemi critically examines the intersection of modern ecumenism
and the increasing influence of Pentecostalism in West Africa. His
systematic approach probes whether popular Pentecostal movements
are capable of, or even desire, a healthy dialogic ecumenical
relationship with other Christian churches. Under the influence of
the Holy Spirit, Christianity is by nature Pentecostal; however,
this book provocatively questions if ‘Pentecôtistes nouvelle
génération,’ Odeyemi’s term for the newest generation
Pentecostals, hinder or help spread the gospel message of justice
and peace in emerging African countries.”
—Joyce Konigsburg, Notre Dame of Maryland University
“Ecumenism and Pentecostalism offers an approach to
important questions at the intersection of pneumatology,
liberation, and ecumenism. Odeyemi incisively rethinks a
theological foundation for a truly African ecumenism that
substantively considers the implications of West African
Pentecostalism. In the face of many challenges to human dignity,
Odeyemi reminds his readers that the project of Christian unity has
an integral role to play in the task of liberation.”
—Rufus Burnett, Jr., Fordham University
Product Details
- Title : Pentecostalism and Catholic Ecumenism In Developing Nations: West Africa as a Case Study for a Global Phenomenon
- Authors:
- Odeyemi, John Segun
- Nwaezeapu, Paschal John Chibuzo
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2019
- ISBN: 9781532676475
John Segun Odeyemi is an ordained Catholic priest from the
diocese of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds a doctorate in systematic
theology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He
is currently a parochial vicar at Epiphany Church in downtown
Pittsburgh. He is an independent scholar, as well as a visiting
research fellow at the Dominican University in Samonda, Ibadan,
Nigeria. He is closely associated with the department of theology
at Duquesne University. This is his fifth published book.