'...excellent contribution...for a truly original application of social theories to some of the most disconcerting aspects of a most important phenomenon.' - David Lehmann, Journal of Latin American Studies 'No one has studied this powerful sect better than Andre Corten, Professor of Political Science at the Universite du Quebec a Montreal. He defines this sect as 'an Utopia of love, equality and emotion' staged in the worship service, which nonetheless presents authoritarian features.' - Nancy Dolhem, Le Monde Diplomatique 'Andre Corten... provides a fascinating book on Pentecostalism, with an exploration of theological questions, necessary for a more encompassing perspective on a religious phenomenon of such proportions.' - Waldo Cesar, Jornal do Brasil 'This book contributes the perspective of a Political Scientist to the discussion on Brazilian Pentecostalism. Andre Corten carries out his work without prejudices, and joins other authors in pointing out and demonstrating the possible avenues reserved for Pentecostalism - a social group with greater penetration among the 'poor' - in its potential participation in Brazilian democracy.' - Alexandre Brasil Fonseca, Religiao e Sociedade 'Andre Corten's interesting book...analyzes the phenomenon of Pentecostalism as a 'theological Romanticism', that is as a religious movement founded on emotion...The author clearly shows the effective operation of Pentecostalism as a staging of the emotions of simple people. He does not conceal the authoritarian, intolerant (notably towards Afro-Brazilian Religions) and populist character of the movement, its despotism of custom, and the 'marketing of faith' methods used by its leaders...' - Michael Low, Archives de Sciences Sociales des religions
