Gender, social change and spiritual power : : charismatic Christianity in Ghana / / by Jane E. Soothill.

• Superior document: Studies of religion in Africa, 30
• Author: Soothill, Jane E.
• Year of Publication: 2007
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Studies on religion in Africa ; 30.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (276 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

Charismatic Christianity is the most recent and fastest growing expression of Pentecostal religion in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana's capital, Accra, the charismatic churches dominate the religious scene. This book focuses on the gender discourses of Ghana's new churches, and considers charismatic perspectives on womanhood, manhood, marriage and family life. Offering a fresh perspective on the organisational structures of the charismatic churches, this study looks at the leadership roles of female pastors and pastors' wives, and draws attention to the links between female leaders and spiritual power. By highlighting the importance of spiritual power in interpreting gendered social change, the book sheds new light on the socio-cultural role of Ghana's new churches.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Materials -- Introduction -- Chapter One. Religion And Gender In Africa -- Chapter Two. Charismatic Christianity -- Chapter Three. Gender Politics In Ghana -- Chapter Four. Defining Womanhood -- Chapter Five. Big Women, Small Girls -- Chapter Six. Men, Marriage And Modernity -- Chapter Seven. Christianity, Gender And Cultural Authenticity -- Select Bibliography -- Index.