Hierarchies of Power: Evangelical Christianity and Adat Transformation in Indonesian Borneo

This book explores how the Pentecostal-Evangelical (P/e) mode of religious authority and organization adapts to pre-existing hierarchical traditional institutions and modern egalitarian social forms in a Kenyah community in central Borneo. It argues that the P/e church's adaptive structural characteristics have enabled it to expand rapidly and play a dominant position in contemporary social life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 153 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the vibrant Pentecostal-Evangelical Kenyah community nestled in the heart of central Borneo, a region that straddles the border between Malaysia and Indonesia. It argues that the Pentecostal-Evangelical (P/e) mode of religious authority and organization possesses an incredible adaptability, capable of seamlessly merging with both the pre-existing hierarchical traditional institutions like Adat and the modern egalitarian social structures. This adaptability has proven crucial in the context of Kenyah's religious transformation, as it has enabled individuals from diverse social backgrounds to gain and perceive religious authority within a specific local and regional political-religious context, while simultaneously promoting their identity as egalitarian and autonomous modern subjects.

In contrast to other studies that highlight the egalitarian spirit of the P/e church as a driving force behind its remarkable growth, this book takes a different approach. It emphasizes the adaptive structural characteristics of the P/e church as the key factor behind its rapid expansion and dominant position in contemporary social life across various parts of the world. By enriching the discussion of historical transformation in Southeast Asia and analyzing the intricate interplay between global and regional Christian movements, the book offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of religious change in the region.

Furthermore, it delves into the socio-political characteristics of Bornean society, shedding light on how the P/e church has adapted and integrated itself into the fabric of local culture. The book's findings contribute significantly to the study of religious change in Southeast Asia, broadening our understanding of the region's rich historical and cultural tapestry. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of religion, society, and global dynamics.

Weight: 233g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811901737
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022