Pentecostal Politics of Space and Power

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

June 7-8-9, 2012 – University of Padova, Italy

Pentecostalism emerged on a global scale in the twentieth century as one of the most influential religious movements and the most important recent development in Christianity.

With its new styles of religious leadership, powerful communication strategies, and widespread urban proliferation, Pentecostalism is creating new social orders and religious spaces while reshaping cities into battlegrounds of spiritual warfare.Massive Pentecostal crusades and religious events aretransforming the nature of contemporary religious experience in many parts of the world. With the power of their charisma, messages and promises of salvation, deliverance, healing, and prosperity, women and men pastors have been steadily gaining influence in social, urban, religious and political spheres and challenging the power of mainstream religions and governments.

The conference brings scholars from Europe, Africa, Latin America,  and the US together for a comparative analysis of the social, aesthetic and religious impact of Pentecostalism on global cities and societies. Plenary speakers include some of the leading thinkers in these areas.

Please submit a proposal of 300-500 words with a brief biographical note (max. 100 words) by March 10th 2012.

Notification of acceptance will be given by April 2nd, 2012.

Conference attendance is free. We will cover the cost of accommodation as well as conference meals for selected speakers. Participants will need to cover their own costs of transportation. The closest airport to Padova is Venice, with frequent and good international connections.

The conference language is English.