Dragoljub B. Đorđević

Belgrade

GLOBALIZATION OF RELIGION: EVANGELISTIC PENTECOSTALISM

(SOOTING PROCESS OF EVANGELICAL PENTECOSTALISTS IN THE STATE UNION OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)

Summary

Opposite to widely present fear from destructive features of globalization, sociologists of religion claim that the globalization has good influence on religion. Globalization, by allowing de-secularization, not only repressed secularization but also brought about unique religious boom in the world. One of the products of globalization of religion certainly is spectacular spread of evangelistic Pentecostalism. It is, in accordance with tendency of de-territoryzation of religion, after success in kin-state, and after even bigger missionary successes of conversion and proselytism in Latin America, Africa and Balkan countries, on its way to become respectable protestant stream and religious community. It has started growing roots in Serbia, Macedonia and Bulgaria, especially among groups which form so called ethnic and religious minorities. This article will then, apart from talking about theological background, also discuss key sociological reasons for "popularity" of evangelistic Pentecostalism in Serbia.

Key words: globalization of religion, evangelistic Pentecostalism, de-territoryzation of religion, ethnic and religious minorities, Serbia