Drew University



FINAL DRAFT (3/6/06)

Drew University

The Theological School

Division IV: Church & Society

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CHSOC 404 – RELIGION AND SOCIAL CONFLICTS:

Pentecostalism as Religious Resistance

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Spring 2006 – Thursdays 7:00-9:30 pm – Feb. 2nd to May 4th – SEM 205

webpage:

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Instructor: Otto Maduro E-mail: omaduro@drew.edu

Phone: 973-408-3041 Office: 12 Campus Dr. # 206

Office hours: Tue. & Thu. 9:30-11am & 1:30-3:00pm. (other days and times available by appointment)

Teaching Assistant: Elaine Padilla epadilla@drew.edu 973-408-3752

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DESCRIPTION:

Assuming that the major social tensions and conflicts marking our lives deeply shape our religious choices, interpretations and behavior – and vice-versa: our religious heritage is a key resource in our dealing with the tensions and conflicts of our social environment – this course seeks to enhance our capacity for grasping, analyzing, and dealing with the interplay of religion and social conflicts in today’s society from the perspective of the social sciences of religion, while bearing in mind key theological and pastoral concerns involved therein.

The specific focus of this course this year will be Pentecostalism as Religious Resistance.

As the fastest growing Christian movement worldwide, Pentecostalism is now home to over 400 million people -- besides the other 400-odd million involved in Charismatic groups within non-Pentecostal churches. From the outside, Pentecostalism is often cast as being exclusively a "conservative," pie-in-the-sky movement, concerned only with individual salvation in the hereafter, and/or with a gospel of prosperity, with some going as far as seeing it as a religious opiate, fruit of a conspiracy to contain and domesticate the masses of the poor.

Taking seriously the intricate ways in which the Pentecostal movement has been historically interacting with Christian Zionism, fundamentalism, evangelicalism, the “prosperity gospel,” and other contemporary religious movements, this course tries to take a deeper, broader, more complex and critical look both at the Pentecostal movement itself (searching for the myriad ways in which Pentecostalism is -- among other things -- a movement of spiritual resistance, social protest, church reformation and political change), as well as at its negative perceptions “from the outside in” (probing the hypothesis that classism, racism, sexism, clericalism, and colonialism are often part and parcel of many of the dismissive perceptions of Pentecostalism).

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Through lectures, guest speakers, readings, films, internet resources, discussions, and -- hopefully -- a guided visit to Newark, this course intends to be an introduction to the multifaceted ways in which Pentecostalism often represents, among others, an effort by impoverished, marginalized, displaced, and/or otherwise oppressed peoples, of spiritually and religiously resist and try to overcome their negative predicament.

At the end of this course, it is expected that students will be (a) Cognizant of the origins, main traits and crucial developments of Pentecostalism worldwide; (b) Familiar with the central qualities, commonalities and disparities of Pentecostal groups in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Latin America; (c) Knowledgeable of the major social-scientific studies and theories regarding this religious phenomenon; and (d) Able to understand, discuss, and expound key hypotheses pointing toward Pentecostalism as, among other things, a contemporary form of resistance to religious, cultural, social, economic, and political oppression.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected – besides punctual, full attendance at all sessions – to participate in a cooperative way in class and Blackboard discussion board; to prepare every class meeting by doing in advance all the assigned readings and being therefore prepared to discuss such readings; and, finally, by delivering a monthly paper on the due dates (instructions further below). Note: Students, even more so PhD candidates, are expected to read well beyond the texts assigned – including further than the readings recommended by the instructor or this syllabus. The students’ written work, as well as their participation in the class, should reflect that outstanding level of engagement with the subject-matter of the course.

As per the catalog of our Theological School (p. 16), “It is Drew’s policy to require in term papers and doctoral theses the fair use of inclusive language in reference to human gender and divinity. Any theological or cultural objection to the use of inclusive language related to divinity must be justified by the author in text or footnote.”

DISCLAIMER:

The professor reserves the right to change the assignments and due dates if necessary – students are responsible for information given out in class even if they miss a class. Students are also expected to read our Blackboard page and their Drew e-mail so that the professor can communicate all necessary, last minute information to the entire class using the “email class” function in CampusWeb and/or Blackboard.

POLICIES FOR GRADING:

Students taking this course for credit will be graded between AH (A+) and D- (or F) according to the quality and degree of satisfaction of the previous requirements. Bear in mind that at Drew a grade of A means "work of unusual excellence"; B means "work of superior quality"; C means a "work of satisfactory quality," and D “work of less than satisfactory quality, but passing,” – and that we all have an interest in fighting grade inflation!. Most students are expected to perform above a C level.

The grading for this course will be done on the basis of AH=4.33=100%. These are the maximum percentages that each one of the criteria will contribute to the final grade: Papers: 20% each; attendance 10% (approximately one percentage point per week); participation in class and/or Blackboard: 10% (approximately one percentage point per week); and demonstration of having done the assigned readings in advance: 20% (approximately TWO percentage points per week); for a total maximum of 100%=4.33=A+. Doing only the minimum required, even very well, will rarely earn a student more than a C+/B-.

Papers will be graded according to several criteria including (a) the degree in which the instructions (below) were followed or neglected; (b) punctuality; (c) carefulness in the form and content of its writing, presentation, organization, reasoning, and documentation; (c) demonstration of mastery of the pertinent literature including – but beyond – the required readings of the course; and (d) originality and depth of the approach to the topic.

Papers are due at the latest at 07:00 pm on the Thursday deadline. The deadlines are as follows: Thursday 3/2/06 1st paper; Thursday 3/30/06 2nd paper; and Thursday 4/27/06 the 3rd paper. No incompletes are admitted in this course.

Attendance policy: You start the course with 10 percentage points for attendance. Each class missed lowers that sum by 3 points, 15’ late arrivals or worse, as well as 15’ (or more) early departures take off 1 point each. Each three (3) late arrivals/early departures will be considered as one class missed; three classes missed may entail the failure of the course (except, in some cases, when a grave established cause is involved, but only if the performance of the student is otherwise superior or excellent).

As per our School catalog, “Grade averages in the Theological School are computed on the following basis: 0 grade points are assigned for each credit-hour graded U, .67 point for each credit-hour graded D-, 1.00 point for each credit-hour graded D, 1.33 points for each credit-hour graded D+, 1.67 points for each credit-hour graded C-, 2.00 points for each credit-hour graded C, 2.33 points for each credit-hour graded C+, 2.67 points for each credit-hour graded B-, 3.00 points for each credit-hour graded B, 3.33 points for each credit-hour graded B+, 3.67 points for each credit-hour graded A-, 4.00 points for each credit-hour graded A, and 4.33 points for each credit-hour graded A+.” Your total of percentage points in the course will be multiplied by 0.0433 to determine your final grade (viz., 77 percentage points times 0.0433 = 3.3341 = B+).

CANCELLATION PROCEDURES:

If a class has to be cancelled for reasons known in advance by the instructor, students will be informed by Drew e-mail only at least 4 hours in advance (3:00 pm on the same Thursday or earlier). If you leave far from campus and fear that the class will be cancelled and have not received a cancellation notice by e-mail before leaving home, call the Drew University School Closing line at (973) 408-DUSC (973-408-3872). A recorded message will inform you if classes are cancelled or not. The instructor cannot be responsible for individual cancellation notices by phone.

WORKING ROUTINE:

Our meetings will usually start with a 50' to 75’ presentation by the instructor or a guest lecturer on a topic previously announced for the session and related to the weekly readings. After a very short "stretch break," the second half of the class will be usually devoted to a discussion of the day's theme – all within a spirit of a humble, participatory and very open inquiry and dialogue. Every student should carefully study beforehand a previously assigned, common set of readings for the session, as well as individually assigned readings, and should demonstrate such study throughout the class’ discussions.

MONTHLY RESEARCH PAPERS:

Students should present each month, by the dates listed, one of three research & reflection papers (minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 pages of text written by the student). Papers are expected to be printed, double spaced, with all pages numbered, and divided into at least seven parts: (1) title page, (2) outline, (3) introduction, (4) main body, (5) conclusions, (6) endnotes, and (7) bibliography. The main body of the essay (and only this main body) should be further subdivided (in at least three sections, each with its own pertinent, explicit heading and specific focus); introduction & conclusions should NOT be longer than ONE page each; endnotes, bibliography, and appendices can be as long as warranted by the paper’s topic and do not count toward the minimum or the maximum page length, nor does the title page, either. Pages should be between 24-25 lines long, with 70-80 characters per line (12 point fonts), and one-inch margins on all four sides. The topic of your paper(s) should be clearly circumscribed to ONE SINGLE denomination, locale, historical period, author, and/or movement specifically related to the history of Pentecostalism in relation to some form of social conflict – and should preferably be cleared beforehand with the instructor.

You are encouraged to present your written work in recycled paper, preferably using both sides of the pages, or else using the blank side of paper already used on the other side. Inclusive language is expected in all work in accordance with the practice of the Caspersen and Theological Schools. Paraphrasing too closely the work of others, or using an author's words as your own, is considered plagiarism and will have serious consequences for your grade. You must always put in quotations, with the appropriate reference, any phrase that is taken from the work of someone else (including from the internet, lectures, and class dialogues). Do not overuse quotations, however: try to write most of your paper in your own words. In an effort to standardize practice, the University has adopted an academic honesty policy, which this course will follow as defined in and in pp.52-56 of (the 2003-2005 Theological School Catalog). Practicing respect for the intellectual property of others is mandatory, not optional.

LANGUAGES:

You may write your essays in the language that is easiest for you, provided the instructor is able to understand it (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, and Galician are as acceptable as English). You are also encouraged to take advantage of certain reading materials on Pentecostalism in other languages, especially if that makes it easier for you (and/or helps you prepare for Ph.D. language exams, comprehensive exams or dissertation). If SPANISH is one of your languages, you might want to consult with the professor to find primary works on Pentecostalism in Latin America that might serve BOTH to enhance your work in this course and to develop your skills in that language.

ORAL PRESENTATION:

An oral presentation on a theme clearly within the purview of this course might supplement one of the three papers. However, you have to prepare such presentation by (1) clearing its focus, bibliography & date with the instructor at least 3 weeks in advance, and (2) distributing to the class a printed, detailed, one-page outline of your presentation, and a printed, organized, one-page bibliography on the theme of your presentation. Your presentation (neither shorter than 20', nor longer than 40') should have a very precise focus, fall within the topic of one of our classes, and be very clearly organized (with at least an introduction, not less than three key points, and a conclusion), well prepared, and carefully documented.

BOOKS REQUIRED (all are also in reserve in the library)

Anderson, Allan. 2004. An Introduction to Pentecostalism : Global Charismatic Christianity. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-53280-9.

Boudewijnse, Barbara, André Droogers, and Frans Kamsteeg (eds.). 1998. More than Opium: An Anthropological Approach to Latin American and Caribbean Pentecostal Praxis. Lanham, MD & London: The Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0-810-83390-5 (Instructor will provide xerox copies of required chapters to read).

Corten, André, and Ruth Marshall-Fratani (eds.). 2001. Between Babel and Pentecost: Transnational Pentecostalism in Africa and Latin America. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-21378-9.

Martin, David. 2001. Pentecostalism: the world their parish. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers. ISBN 0-631-23121-8.

SOME RECOMMENDED READINGS:

Anderson, Robert M. 1992. Vision of the Disinherited: The Making of American Pentecostalism. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Burgess, Stanley (ed.). 2002. International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Cleary, Edward, and Hannah Stewart-Gambino (eds.). 1997. Power, Politics and Pentecostals in Latin America. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

Cox, Harvey. 1995. Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the Twenty-First Century. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

Dayton, Donald. 1987. The Theological Roots of Pentecostalism. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press.

Deck, Allan Figueroa. 1994. “The Challenge of Evangelical-Pentecostal Christianity to Hispanic Catholicism.” In Hispanic Catholic Culture in the United States: Issues and Concerns (ed. Jay P. Dolan and Allan F. Deck). Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press.

De León, Victor. 1979. The Silent Pentecostals. Taylors, SC: Faith Printing Co.

Espinosa, Gaston. 1999. “El Azteca: Francisco Olazábal and Latino Pentecostal Charisma, Power, and Faith Healing in the Borderlands.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion Sept., 67, 3: 597-616.

Glazier, Stephen (ed.). 1980. Perspectives on Pentecostalism. Case Studies from the Caribbean and Latin America. Washington, DC: University Press of America.

Hollenweger, J. Walter. 1997. Pentecostalism: Origins and Development Worldwide. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Lalive d’ Epinay, Christian. 1969. Haven of the Masses. A Study of the Pentecostal Movement in Chile. London: Lutterworth.

Maduro, Otto (ed.). 1999. Journal of the American Academy of Religion Sept., 67, 3 (articles on “Latino Religion”): 539-636.

Martin, David. 1990. Tongues of Fire. Oxford: Blackwell.

Ramírez, Daniel. 1999. “Borderland Praxis: The Immigrant Experience in Latino Pentecostal Churches.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion Sept., 67, 3: 573-596.

Steigenga, Timothy J. 2001. The Politics of the Spirit: The Political Implications of Pentecostalized Religion in Costa Rica and Guatemala. Lanham, MD: Lexington.

Wacker, Grant. 2001. Heaven Below: Early Pentecostals and American Culture. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Wright, Pablo. 1992. “Toba Pentecostalism revisited,” in Social Compass 39, 3.

CLASS CALENDAR:

Week 01 - Thu. 02 Feb.: An introduction to Pentecostalism.

Required readings in advance (read fully any TWO groups of these 3 below):

1) Corten: Introduction and 1st 2 chapters from Part I (up to p.61).

2) Anderson: Preface and chapters 1 & 2 (up to page 38).

3) Martin: Preface, “Proposed Argument,” and Chapter 1 (up to p. 27).

Week 02 - Thu. 09 Feb.: Histories and Stories of U.S. Pentecostalism.

Required readings in advance (read BOTH plus something else):

1) Anderson: chapter 3 (pp.39-62).

2) Martin: chapter 2 (pp.28-70).

3) A reading on U.S. Pentecostalism researched & found by you.

Week 03 - Thu. 16 Feb.: Pentecostalism in Latin America.

Required readings in advance (read at least 4 of these 9 chapters):

1) Boudewijnse: chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 (pp.1-96).

2) Anderson: chapter 4 (pp.62-82).

3) Martin: chapters 3 & 4 (pp.71-118).

4) Corten: 2 chapters; from Part I (pp.106-123) and from Part II (pp.163-180).

Hand in your first paper at the latest in week 05 – Thursday, March 2nd!!!

Week 04 - Thu. 23 Feb.: Pentecostalism in the Caribbean.

Required readings in advance (read ALL 3 chapters):

1) Boudewijnse: chapter 5 (pp.97-118).

2) Corten: 2 chapters from Part II (pp.124-162).

● First Paper due at the latest Thu., March 2nd, 7 pm!

Week 05 - Thu. 02 Mar.: class cancelled for snow.

Week 06 - Thu. 09 Mar.: Pentecostalism in Africa.

Required readings in advance (read at least 4 of these 9 chapters):

1) Martin: chapter 6 (pp.132-152).

2) Anderson: chapter 6 (pp.103-122).

3) Corten: 7 chapters; from Part I (pp.62-105) and all of Part III (pp.216-308).

SPRING BREAK: 11-19 MARCH (work on your 2nd paper!!!)

Hand in second paper at the latest in week 08 – Thu., March 30th!!!

Week 07 – Thu. 23 Mar.: Pentecostalism in Asia.

Required readings in advance (read BOTH chapters):

1) Martin: chapter 7 (pp.153-166).

2) Anderson: chapter 7 (pp.123-143).

MID-TERM EVALUATION OF COURSE TODAY, TOO!

Week 08 - Thu. 30 Mar.: Pentecostalism in Europe.

Required readings in advance (read this one plus something else):

1) Anderson: chapter 5 (pp.83-102).

2) A reading on European Pentecostalism researched & found by you.

● Second paper due at the latest Thu., March 30th, 7 pm!

Week 09 - Thu. 06 Apr.: The Unique Case of Brazil.

Required readings in advance (read at least 3 of these 5 chapters):

1) Corten: 2 chapters from Part II (pp.181-215).

2) Boudewijnse: chapters 6, 7 & 9 (pp.119-167 & 203-223).

EASTER RECESS: 8-16 APRIL (work on 3rd and last paper!!!)

Hand in third paper at the latest on week 11 – Thu., April 27th!!!

Week 10 - Thu. 20 Apr.: Charismatics in non-Pentecostal Churches.

Required readings in advance (read ALL 3 chapters)::

1) Boudewijnse: chapters 8 & 10 (pp.169-202 & 225-248).

2) Anderson: chapters 8 & 14 (pp.144-165 & ).

● Third paper due at the latest Thu., April 27th at 7 pm!!

Week 11 - Thu. 27 Apr.: Neo-Pentecostalism & Indigenous Pentecostalism.

Required readings in advance (read the first plus TWO more):

1) Martin: chapter 5 (pp.119-131).

2) A reading on Neo-Pentecostalism researched & found by you.

3) A reading on indigenous Pentecostalism researched & found by you.

Week 12 - Thu. 04 May: Pentecostalism and the Future of the Churches.

Required readings in advance (read BOTH chapters):

1) Anderson: chapter 15 (pp.279-286).

2) Martin: chapter 8 (pp.167-176).

Brief oral presentation of each of the participants’ research.

CLOSING EVALUATION OF THE COURSE TODAY, TOO!

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