Suchergebnisse

Sociological theories offer a measure of predictive power over the future of Pentecostal churches in Europe. Such theories are preferable to metaphorical descriptions which also implicitly predict likely outcomes. If Europe continues to foster liberal democracy and secular states function as neutral arbiters in countries where competing religious and irreligious groups struggle for influence, one may expect Pentecostal churches to grow and diversify while being open to periodic waves of spiritual renewal.

The life and work of the Welsh evangelist George Jeffreys resulted in the planting of two denominations in the UK between 1915 and 1962, when he died. The Elim churches continue to this day to be one of the larger classical Pentecostal denominations in the UK, while the Bible Pattern Fellowship dispersed on Jeffreys' death. The disputes that led to Jeffreys' departure from Elim were said to have arisen from his adherence to British Israel doctrine, though his supporters believed they arose from his championing of local church ownership and democracy. This paper considers sociological and other reasons for Jeffreys' remarkable success in the interwar years and his eventual departure from a denomination he founded. It concludes by reflecting on topics (such as the importance of debate and law) that have relevance for contemporary Pentecostalism.

3,228 11 – to 16- year olds completed the Francis scale of attitude towards Christianity and the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. The positive relationship between religiosity and lie scale scores is examined in light of the three theories that religious people are less
mature, more socially conforming, or simply bigger liars.