Evangelism and Apostasy : The Evolution and Impact of Evangelicals in Modern Mexico

In Evangelism and Apostasy, the first sociological survey of Evangelicals in present-day Mexico, Kurt Bowen evaluates the appeal, character, and future growth of the Evangelical community. "In this sociological assessment of the Evangelical movement in Mexico, Kurt Bowen highlights the demographic, social, and political character of the movement in the 1980s and 1990s. He pays particular attention to conversion processes, commitment mechanisms, schisms, and distinctive beliefs. Bowen also considers the controversial issues of religious persecution and American missionary influence." "Bowen reveals that Evangelicalism's appeal is so pervasive in Mexico that if Evangelical converts all remained faithful it could become Mexico's dominant religion by 2006. This projection, however, is improbable due to high drop-out rates and Bowen argues that Evangelical apostasy is rooted in the most basic beliefs and practices of its followers."--Résumé de l'éditeur Highlighting the demographic, social, and political character of the Evangelical movement in the 1980s and 1990s, Bowen pays particular attention to conversion processes, commitment mechanisms, schisms, and distinctive beliefs. He also considers the controversial issues of religious persecution and American missionary influence. Bowen reveals that Evangelicalism's appeal is so pervasive in Mexico that if Evangelical converts all remained faithful it could become Mexico's dominant religion by 2006. This projection, however, is improbable due to high drop-out rates. Bowen argues that Evangelical apostasy is rooted in the most basic beliefs and practices of its followers. Contents Tables Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 2 Historical Background 3 Gains and Losses: The Last Twenty Years 4 Conversion and Evangelism 5 The Evangelical World-View 6 Community Life 7 The Missionaries 8 Societal Links: El Mundo 9 Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W Y Z