Charismatics and Postmodernity
Modernism, Postmodernism, and Premodernism in the Church of England's Charismatic Movement
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Is charismatic renewal a bit too much like postmodernism? With its multiple ways of knowing what is "true," touchy-feely and pragmatic, with an emphasis on personal story and community, why does it look like something dreamt up by postmoderns longing for a church befitting their ideals? This book explores these questions by investigating an example of charismatic renewal, the Charismatic Movement in the Church of England, leading to some surprising results. Appearances can be deceiving, and what seems postmodern about charismatic renewal is a complex mix of modernism, reactions to modernism, and a longing to go back to a time before modernism reared its head. Jitesh Patel helps show how renewal's ongoing life has much still to contribute to the wider church's life once it recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of how it has formed in the context of modernism, and the chapters herein illuminate what its future could look like as a result.
Endorsements (3)
“Well-structured and systematic, Patel’s work offers a careful analysis of charismatic renewal within the Church of England. This book offers valuable insights to anyone interested in the origins and nature of this highly influential movement.”
“This significant scholarly book digs into the relationship between the Charismatic Movement and contemporary postmodern culture, going deeper than the simplistic assumptions often made. It is thorough in its historical insights and alive with testimony from today’s leaders, stimulating those interested in postmodernism and charismatic and practical theology. It suggests fruitful ways forward for Christian communities through nuanced conversations between culture, history, theology, and life in the Spirit. Read to be inspired and challenged!”
“Before this groundbreaking, systematic analysis, there has been very little reflection on the relationship between postmodernity and Pentecostalism, here specifically the Anglican Charismatic Movement. This book makes a significant and original contribution to this discussion and, more broadly, to the study of Pentecostalism.”
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