Protestants and Pentecostals in Latin America (1900–Present)
The growth of evangelicalism in Latin America, largely of the Pentecostal type, is a recent phenomenon. After half a century of relative dormancy, Pentecostalism exploded during the last three decades of the twentieth century, reshaping the Latin American religious landscape that for nearly four centuries had been monopolized by the Catholic Church. This chapter explores the origins and growth of Pentecostalism in Latin America, first in its Protestant expression, then in its spread within the Catholic Church. Basic to both is the necessity of a conversion experience followed by a receptivity to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. As a movement and religious phenomenon, the impact of Pentecostalism has been enormous. Particular attention is given to theoretical models proposed to explain Pentecostal conversions.