Pentecostalism, Secularism, and Post Christendom

""If only we were a Christian country again!"" Christians, particularly those in the West, often lament their loss of influence in modern politics and culture. It seems that everywhere one turns, Christendom in the West is dealt another blow, with Christian reactions ranging from withdrawal and entrenchment, to cries of persecution and talks of organized resistance. Pentecostalism, Secularism, and Post Christendom seeks to address these concerns via an examination of Classical North American Pentecostalism as it wrestles with the very real challenges posed by the increasing post-Christian ethos of Western culture. In addition to providing a number of concrete steps, Pentecostals may take in their efforts to better understand and connect with modern culture, this work will argue that counter-intuitively, the death of Christendom (if properly addressed), may in fact herald the arrival of the Church's finest hour. ""The North American religious landscape has been changing significantly, and, like Western Europe, is becoming secular, post-Christian, and religiously diverse. Noel's well researched, culturally engaging, and theologically informed book will be a valuable guide for ministers, leaders, and theological educators who seek to assist Pentecostalism in its endeavors to navigate an increasingly post-Christian cultural landscape. Noel serves as a seasoned native guide who believes that the best years for Pentecostal mission are now."" --Kenneth J. Archer, Professor of Theology and Pentecostal Studies, Southeastern University Bradley Truman Noel is the Director of Pentecostal Studies and Associate Professor of Christian Ministries at Tyndale University College and Seminary (Toronto). He is ordained with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the author of Pentecostal and Postmodern Hermeneutics (2010).