Humanism and Pentecostalism

Book Choice
Oxford University Press have been producing an imaginative series of condensed very short introductions to what can only be described as an “interesting” series of subject for several years now. Each book is pocket sized – it will fit easily into a lap top bag and weighs practically nothing – but these books really are brilliant for basic reference purposes. Two of the most recent titles in the series are Pentecostalism – by William K Kay and Humanism by Stephen Law.
Humanism, as opposed to secularism [two terms too infrequently confused in these days of perceived attacks on religion] is a pertinent topical subject. Law, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, provides us with an excellent introduction and further reading section as well as setting the debate about humanism firmly in an historical context. He looks also at arguments against the existence of God and what kind of moral code humanists are happy with. There are interesting chapters on humanist ceremonies (those awful funerals which are not funerals in a rite of passage kind of way) and a consideration of religious education and humanism.
But it is the chapter on humanism and secularism which I find the most interesting. “Secular societies developed in large measure because people recognized that there are dangers in allying states with religions.” Law believes that religious people should not seek extra favors of the state citing for example the point that when airlines ban their staff from wearing any type of jewelry, which also includes religious symbols. So this is a fascinating pocket guide packed with useful information.
Less important but still interesting for the light that it throws on Pentecostalism is William Kay’s book of the same title. Understanding how Pentecostalism was critically important to 20th century Christian expression is at the heart of this book and, as such, that contribution is only really now being appreciated.
The Chronology is fascinating. It shows that whilst events relating to the rise and rise of Pentecostalism were unfolding- their impact on other churches and society at large were broadly unappreciated at the time.
Rob Marshall