Description
Book SynopsisThis is a survey of religious and political developments in Latin American Christianity, especially in the rapidly growing Pentecostal churches and in Catholicism. Pentecostalism and Catholicism have many shared concerns, and a coalition between their leaders could have an impact on public policy.
Trade Review“...a slim and focused volume that draws together an enormous body of data from across the entire region under three general headings: the dynamic of Pentecostal growth and Catholic ‘retrenchment’, explanations and implications of Protestant growth; and an assessment of contemporary Catholicism.” —Latin American Studies
“Smith’s book ... consists of four insightful essays.... His broad-brushed treatment serves as much as anything as a useful bibliographical review of research on Latin American Pentecostalism and Catholicism since Vatican II.” —PNEUMA
“Brian Smith’s Religious Politics in Latin America: Pentecostal vs. Catholic exemplifies best the legacy of preoccupation with religion’s impact on larger political (particularly democratic possibilities in the region).” —Latin American Research Review
“...a compact yet very competent summary and critical evaluation of recent literature on religion, society, and politics in the region, highlighting competing explanations of Protestant growth and Catholic retrenchment. The book is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate students seeking a solid introduction to the subject.” —Religious Studies Review
“In this volume Brian Smith attempts an overview of a tremendous amount of reflection on the two largest Christian communities in the vast continent of Latin America. Recognizing the complexity of these two communities, the author sees that sharply defined scenarios for them are inadequate. He does see both as having important contributions to make in strengthening democratic values without achieving a broad alliance.” —Missiology: An International Review
“An excellent introduction to one of the most important but understudied aspects of contemporary Latin American life.” —Foreign Affairs
“Smith’s deft and judicious study covers a remarkable breadth of recent research on this topic.” —Christian Century
“A compact yet very competent summary and critical evaluation of recent literature on religion, society, and politics in Latin America, highlighting competing explanations of Protestant growth and Catholic retrenchment. This book is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate students seeking a solid introduction to the subject.” —Religious Studies Review
