The Spirit of Dis/Continuity

Abstract

The introduction discusses the primary research questions to be addressed in this study, in particular the question of to what extent Pentecostalism in Africa continues the religious enchanted world of pre-Christian African religion or is in a discontinuous relationship with it, a radical break with the past. The study makes a case for the simultaneous operation of both continuity and discontinuity, making Pentecostalism a contextually relevant form of Christianity in Africa. An overview of Pentecostal growth as a popular religion is given, with some discussion on the shortcomings of western materialism and theological rationalism when dealing with the pastoral realities of Africa. It outlines the key issues to be discussed in the book.