Spontaneous Combustion: Grass Roots Christianity, Latin American Style.

Pierson, Paul E.

This important book by two veteran missionaries of the Latin America Mission describes the new family of churches emerging in Latin America, which are now a worldwide phenomenon. Such churches constitute the most rapidly growing Christian communities in most parts of the world. While classification cannot be precise, the authors suggest the following: those that have no history of being a product of a missionary organization or an established foreign denomination, those that have become decidedly free of foreign influence and have adopted authentic national characteristics, and those planted by missionaries from another Latin American country.

They range from churches among the very poor, meeting in warehouses, to those among middle-class professionals. Most flourish in growing urban centers. Their styles of leadership and worship are different from typical Protestant churches. Most affirm all the biblical gifts of the Spirit but differ from traditional Pentecostals. Some relate positively to the broader Protestant movement, and some are extremely sectarian and exploitative.

There are both positive lessons and dangers in these movements. The book raises many issues that require more study. One is the question of spirits in a continent where various forms of spiritism constitute the most widely practiced religion. At what point does contextualization become syncretism? A second is that of leadership. As the founding, often authoritarian leaders pass from the scene, who will take their places? How will they be selected and trained? Third, will those churches move into the mainstream of evangelical Christianity and a deeper understanding of discipleship, or will they become increasingly cultic? Finally, will older Christian movements be able to move into positive relationships with such churches in order that each might learn from the other?

This book is significant and should be studied by all who long to see churches on every continent reach those outside their traditional boundaries.

- Paul E. Pierson

Paul E. Pierson, Dean Emeritus and Professor of History and Mission and Latin American Studies at the School of World Mission of Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, served as a missionary in Brazil (1956-70) and in Portugal (1971-73).