To the Ends of the Earth

Pentecostalism and the Transformation of World Christianity

By: Allan Heaton Anderson

Narrated by: Tom Parks

No branch of Christianity has grown more rapidly than Pentecostalism, especially in the southern hemisphere.

There are over 100 million Pentecostals in Africa. In Latin America, Pentecostalism now vies with Catholicism for the soul of the continent, and some of the largest pentecostal congregations in the world are in South Korea.

In To the Ends of the Earth, Allan Heaton Anderson explores the historical and theological factors behind the phenomenal growth of global Pentecostalism. Anderson argues that its spread is so dramatic because it is an "ends of the earth" movement - pentecostals believe that they are called to be witnesses for Jesus Christ to the furthest reaches of the globe. His wide-ranging account examines such topics as the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, the role of the first missionaries in China, India, and Africa, Pentecostalism's incredible diversity due to its deep local roots, and the central role of women in the movement. He describes more recent developments such as the creation of new independent churches, megachurches, and the "health and wealth" gospel, and he explores the increasing involvement of pentecostals in public and political affairs across the globe.

Why is this movement so popular? Anderson points to such features as the emphasis on the Spirit, the "born-again" experience, incessant evangelism, healing and deliverance, cultural flexibility, a place-to-feel-at-home, religious continuity, an egalitarian community, and meeting material needs - all of which contribute to Pentecostalism's remarkable appeal.

Exploring more than a century of history and ranging across most of the globe, Anderson illuminates the spectacular rise of global Pentecostalism and shows how it changed the face of Christianity worldwide.

©2013 Oxford University Press (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Will change the way you see Christianity

This gave me such a new perspective on Pentecostalism AND Christianity even though I consider myself pretty well informed on both. Extremely well done and listening rather than reading made it move along though I might buy the book to take a closer look at a number of issues.

Great work!

This is one of the best books I've experienced. It was balanced in the way of being both historical and entertaining. The narration was great, and the author was true to his bias,yet objective at the same time.

A must read for any missions minded Christian

I lived in Cambodia and worked in Thailand as well in Christian missions and engaged with people from Pentecostal churches and movements and have been increasingly frustrated after moving back to the U.S. and seeing unqualified stereotypes of Pentecostalism which were worlds away from what I saw in Asia. I also come from a Charismatic background. This book is a must read for any Christian but especially those in the West who desire to do missions in the Global South. You will not get a better and more accurately researched understanding of the world of Christianity outside your local cultural setting. This book is wonderful and helpful. Give it a read!