One of the premier interpreters of Pentecostalism, Walter J. Hollenweger has written what is in many ways a sequel to his magisterial The Pentecostals (1972). This volume assesses the origins of perhaps the fastest-growing religious phenomenon in this century in light of its current development. Hollenweger contends Pentecostalism is at a critical crossroads in its evolution. Focusing on the theological stories of the Pentecostal movement within the contexts of its "Black Oral Root," "Catholic Root," "Evangelical Root," "Critical Root," and "Ecumenical Root," Hollenweger calls our attention to the significance of this movement for religion, politics, and, indeed the future of the world.

Walter J. Hollenweger, a Swiss-born theologian, was professor of mission at the University of Birmingham. He currently resides in Switzerland.