Title
The Rebirth of Latin American Christianity
Files
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Department
History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
Description
As the demographic center of Christianity has shifted to the global South, Latin America has become one of the most important regions in the world for both Catholicism and Protestantism. This book shows that despite facing serious problems that had the potential to marginalize the religion, Christianity in the region has been revitalized in several ways since 1950. Military governments, urbanization, and widespread poverty posed serious challenges, but the prophetic response of Chile’s bishops, the upbeat music of Brazil’s “singing priests,” and the active faith of millions of other Christians saved the day. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of Protestantism, especially in the form of Pentecostalism, forced Catholics to adopt a more active and dynamic approach to their religion. Although many Catholics left their church to become Pentecostals, many others responded to the Protestant challenge by joining new Catholic movements such as the Charismatic Renewal, base ecclesial communities, and Focolare. Christianity in the region has been energized to such an extent that today Latin America is sending missionaries to Africa, Europe, and the United States.
ISBN
9780199358304
Publication Date
2014
Publisher
Oxford University Press
City
Oxford, England
Keywords
Christianity, Latin America, Pentecostals, Catholicism, Protestantism, missionaries, base ecclesial communities, Brazil, Chile, Focolare
Disciplines
Christianity | History | History of Christianity | History of Religion | Latin American History
Recommended Citation
Hartch, Todd, "The Rebirth of Latin American Christianity" (2014). EKU Faculty and Staff Books Gallery. 89.
https://encompass.eku.edu/fs_books/89
