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Examines the origins, growth, appeal, & current situation of Protestant fundamentalism in Latin America, focusing on the emergence & influence of the fundamentalist impulse in indigenous & missionary-founded churches. Analysis of the growth of evangelism in Latin America, 1960-1990, reveals how it drew support as a reaction against communism & Catholicism, protesting the values of traditional Hispanic society & becoming an antielitist, grassroots movement. This is seen in the conflict with Catholic liberation theology & growth of the Latin American Evangelical Confraternity & associated churches & organizations, which promoted the centrality of the Bible & a complete withdrawal from direct political action. It is argued that Latin American fundamentalism is a form of North American cultural & ideological influence that alienates fundamentalists from the often poor sociopolitical condition of their fellow Latin Americans as demonstrated via the activities of US missionaries & evangelists. It is concluded that, by addressing the concerns of lower & lower-middle social classes, evangelical fundamentalists have ensured their continued success in Latin America, which could grow significantly with a theological shift toward political & social activism. 2 Tables, Bibliog. T. Arnold