My dissertation research centers on an exploration of the social-ethical engagement of Latin-American Pentecostals. I am endeavoring to refute stereotypical images of Pentecostals as religious adherents lacking concern for the corporeal needs of humanity. Latin-American Pentecostals in particular face incredible social, economic, and political pressures and abuses in the United States, so their lived realities are often far different than that of white Pentecostals. Ethnographic engagement as a participant observer in Latino/a Pentecostal events will provide me with first-hand opportunities to examine how Latino/a Pentecostal faith informs and motivates social-ethical engagement in the world.

This book project is a collaborative effort with Dr. Ruben Habito, Professor of World Religions and Spirituality at SMU Perkins, that explores the path toward enlightenment through an examination of the Ten Oxherding Pictures and the Ten Paramitas within the Zen-Buddhist tradition. 

“Spirited” Engagement: Latino/A Pentecostal Faith and the Construction of Social-Ethical Identity

This dissertation focuses on the ideational, the material, and the behavioral dimensions of Pentecostal religious faith and practice in order to uncover the social-ethical engagement of Latin-American Pentecostals. Data for the ideational aspects of this faith expression are drawn from sermons, public addresses, and informal talks with adherents attending Pentecostal events. Exploration of the material dimensions of this faith expression focus on Latino/a Pentecostal approaches to worship through music. It is said that “The engine of Pentecostalism is its worship,” so this project seeks to uncover ways in which this material dimension of Pentecostal faith informs the action of “Progressive Pentecostals” in the world (Miller & Yamamori). Lastly, the project focuses on the behavioral outflow that emerges from these faith practices. Time spent at community events revealed the identity-shaping forces of Pentecostalism and its influence on Latino/a public life.

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The manuscript is available for download at SMU Scholar.