Weberian Sociology and the Study of Pentecostalism: Historical Patterns and Prospects for the Future

Abstract

This paper presents three sociological theories of Weberian origin: church-sect theory, secularization theory and what I have called the Pentecostal ethic for development. These theories are discussed with respect to the study of Pentecostalism, as it will be demonstrated that Pentecostalism has played a unique role in shaping the trajectory of Weberian sociology, and likewise the way scholars approach Pentecostalism today. By analyzing the three aforementioned Weberian theories and their interactions with the Pentecostal movement a pattern emerges in which Weber’s works are crafted into theories that depart signifi cantly from his intentions and gain widespread acceptance, only to be stymied by research on Pentecostals and subsequently fall from favor among scholars. Recognizing this pattern provokes questions about the future of Weberian sociology as well as inquiry into Pentecostalism.