The Most Revd Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales
David Martin ranks as one of the leading scholarly interpreters of world pentecostalism and its 'charismatic penumbra'. In this work he once again demonstrates his mastery of the cultural dynamics that have informed the movement's global sweep, as well as the differences that have marked sub-traditions, territories, localities and social groupings. Challenging glib secularization theories, Martin persuasively traces the functionality of pentecostal spirituality in modern society. He combines the rigor of the sociologist with the narrative skill of the historian, readily crisscrossing the boundaries that have separated those disciplines. The book is witty, elegantly written, and brimming with insights as sage as they are subtle. Grant Wacker, Duke University
[Many] questions come teeming out of Professor Martin's instructive pages as he turns his attention to other parts of the world, for which Latin America is merely a template. Times Literary Supplement
David Martin...is a doyen of British sociology of religion. It is good to have a new book from him on this important issue. His main interest has been in South America, although he shows that he is fully aware that Pentecostalism is just as strong in many parts of Africa. [He offers] a fascinating and important picture. Church Times
The textured approach to the varieties of cultures and different inculturations of Pentecostalism both enhances the quality of the study and the usefulness of the book. Jeffrey Gros, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
This work of synthesis constitutes for years to come a privileged reference point, for whoever works on Pentecostalism or Secularization. Archives de Sciences Sociales
A scholar not only of profound learning but considerable originiality. Pentecostalism: The World Their Parish sustains his reputation as one of the best sociologists of religion in the world. Reviews of Religious Research
This book demonstrates...that having been so much of a pioneer in the study of religion and globalisation, Martin remains a major authority. It represents sophisticated and thought-provoking scholarship for all those concerned to map the changing dynamics of contemporary Christianity. Modern Believing
Pentecostalism: The World Their Parish is the newest effort on the subject of contemporary Pentecostalism by one of today's leading sociologists of religion, David Martin. This book, a work of sweeping reach and comprehensive synthesis aimed at examining Pentecostalism in a global context ... Journal of Religion
A trail-blazing book, then, on a spiritual fire that has encircled the world within a century. William K. Kay, Reviews in Religion and Theology
The book offers insightful interpretations, clear conceptualizations, and a richness of empirical overview that is reminiscent of Max Weber's writing. It nicely synthesizes much of the recent literature on its theme. Perhaps most significantly, Martin demonstrates how religion, even and especially the apolitical religion of the culturally despised subaltern, is a regular feature of the global social landscape: not a remnant, not a faute de mieux, but a vital resource for getting along in this world. As such, it will be of interest to anyone who seeks a better understanding of the global society in which we all live. American Journal of Sociology
This book on Pentecostalism is a good complement to Martin's earlier exploration of contemporary evangelical growth, usefully pulling together many strands of recent research on Pentecostalism. As usual, Martin combines his sociological rigor with his attention to cultural and historical matters, giving us a broad picture of Pentecostalism within the framework of a wider sociological theory. The Journal of Religion
Well-written, informative, and full of stimulating thoughts, this book is a 'must' not only for those involved in the study of Pentecostal-charismatic churches and searching for a more encompassing perspective, but for anyone contemplating the future of religion in the twenty-first century. Journal of Contemporary Religion
Martin surverys, sympathetically but critically, the largest global shift in the religious market place over the last 40 years and relates it in both sociological and historical terms to cultural change. Choice
His discussions on the economic empowerment of Pentecostalism and the repudiation of secularization alone make this book worth reading. Missiology
