CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE RELIGIOUS ECONOMY: OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

My research and educational travels in Guatemala and Ethiopia have exposed me to the market and theological logic driving the (trans)formation of charismatic Christian communities. Pentecostalism with its diversity, vitality and malleability is, undoubtedly, destabilizing monopoly in the religious marketplace and ushering in a pluralist spiritual economy. Longstanding institutions such as the Catholic Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church must now contend with groups that have responded to modernity and departed from theological orthodoxy. Not only do these ecclesiastical institutions compete for consumer bases, but they contend for dominion in the public political square as well. In an attempt to maintain some prominence in public life, traditional churches have been forced to adopt charismatic characteristics. Failure to do so results in the ‘breaking away’ of congregants and the creation of more independent Pentecostal churches. Independent Pentecostal churches now offer an alluring religious ‘product’ because it is unregulated and highly experiential.


Unfortunately, the expanding diversity of local variations of Christianity is producing a climate of tension and division within Christendom—or, what I like to call ‘church wars’. Emerging sectarian theologies, hyper-commodification of the spirit and the increase of ‘retail religion’ limit efforts to promote justice and provide services to the poor. I suppose that if we do not have a radical shift in climate conditions, particularly in Ethiopia’s competitive religious market, we will compromise the cross and cause of Christ.

Across the world, we need a new, inclusive paradigm--a renovated theological architecture that provides space for and peace in religious competition. More importantly, we need spiritual unity that will result in greater transdenominational collaboration. If we are to maintain what distinguished womanist scholar-preacher Cheryl Townsend Gilkes calls the "collective therapeutic experience" that accompanies the global presence of Pentecostalism, we will need to prune that which creates division and nurture unity, which is the essence of our faith.

Peace & Change (in)Deed,
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