Signs and Wonders: Why Pentecostalism Is the World's Fastest Growing Faith

by Paul Alexander

Combining personal stories and sound scholarship, Paul Alexander, a young scholar with a Pentecostal background, examines the phenomenal worldwide success of Pentecostalism. While most other works on the subject are either for academics or believers, this book speaks to a broader audience. Interweaving stories of his own and his family's experiences with an account of Pentecostalism's history and tenets, Alexander provides a unique and accessible perspective on the movement.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2009

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is a very solid explanation on the growth of pentecostalism and how its character attracts people from all over the world, from different social classes and cultures.
It has some good explanations on some of the core doctrine, and is not afraid to wrestle with the problematic parts that pentecostals would rather forget.
If you want to understand more about pentecostalism and its why's, this book is worth a read.

[Peter Sprunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to Pentecostalism. Paul Alexander is the right person to write such a book not because of his degrees and faculty position, but because of his own uncertainties and criticisms surrounding he denomination. Each chapter discusses one particular aspect of Pentecostalism and dives into the history, the pros, the cons, and why the particular aspect appeals to a wide range of people. While some of the cited references were weak, it would have been easy to write a book like this without considering any other viewpoints at all. After reading this book I feel I understand the basic thinking of a Pentecostal.

[Joy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. I enjoyed reading it as it was littered with personal stories about the author and his family and friends and their experiences.
The author appears to be a very middle road Pentecostal who is skeptical about many of the doctrines that more conservative Christian sects question.
I enjoy learning more about other segments of Christianity. I grew up in a church that questioned everyone that did not believe and practice exactly as they did. It has been liberating to read about other believers who have a multitude of different worship experiences but still believe in the same God and his Son.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Direct, accessible, and inspiring. The title is misleading--the book is more of a primer on culture and beliefs than an analysis of growth per se. The content is personal and thought-provoking; it deeply stirred my emotions and reminded me of the greatness of God. Highly recommended.