Religion in the concept of a successful life: the Pentecostal Movement in Latin America Cover Image

Religia w koncepcji udanego życia: ruchy pentekostalne w Ameryce Łacińskiej
Religion in the concept of a successful life: the Pentecostal Movement in Latin America

Author(s): Andrzej Sarnacki SJ
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Instytut Nauk o Kulturze i Studiów Interdyscyplinarnych - Wydział Filologiczny - Uniwersytet Śląski
Keywords: Pentecostal Movement; religion; late stage of capitalism; human dignity

Summary/Abstract: The Pentecostal movement that has been growing rapidly over the last few decades, claims to offer an experience of a radical life-transformation, spiritual safety and even economic prosperity. It is strongly proselytizing, exhibits charismatic leadership and proclaims a dualistic vision of the world. The major response comes mostly from the poor and marginalized social strata, due to the emphasis on human dignity, certain emancipation of women, freedom from addictions, but also requirements of taking responsibility for one's family. The "born again" members derive mostly from the Catholic Church, whose pastoral practices fail to compete against the market-oriented ones. The attraction and the swiftness of its expansion are the subject of many studies and prognosis regarding the influence of Pentecostalism on the socio-economic changes. Understood as a religious movement proper to the late stage of capitalism, Pentecostalism helps to cease the Latino fatalism, yet stirs some controversies regarding its realism and durability of its proposals.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 20-21
  • Page Range: 36-47
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish