The Spirit of Late Capitalism

http://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/10/pentecostal-religion-late-capitalism-protestant-ethic
Date Written:  2017-10-05
Publisher:  Jacobin
Year Published:  2017
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX21571

A look at Pentecostalism, one of the world's fastest growing religious movements, which preaches a seductive message to the marginalized: that religious prayer, not political action, is a solution to their earthly woes.

Abstract: 
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Excerpt: "Misery, poverty, unemployment. You know - everything is dreadful! But these problems aren't caused by things out there. They’re caused by spirits."

So says Bishop Formigioni. He has come far, flying from Sao Paulo to minister a service of four thousand followers at a Pentecostal church in North London. His ecstatic sermon rises from didactic preaching to hands-on healing. Then he brings the congregation to a climax.