Global Christianity & American religious history

To the Ends of the Earth: Pentecostalism and the Trans­formation of World Christianity, by Allan Heaton Anderson. Given the importance of Pentecostal and charismatic forms of faith in Christian expansion worldwide, Anderson’s book is valuable and timely. He integrates historical and theological discussion into a remarkably concise account with an impressive global sweep and is properly critical of his subject where appropriate.

The Missionary’s Curse and Other Tales from a Chinese Catholic Village, by Henrietta Harrison. Harrison’s splendid book traces the history of Catholicism in one Chinese village over three centuries, a story of survival despite all the assaults of successive imperial and atheist regimes. It’s fascinating to see how Catholic Christianity became fully integrated into the life of the village, in a friendly acculturation that often led to trouble with European authorities. The book also offers memorable biographical sketches of key individuals.

Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asia’s Underground Railroad, by Melanie Kirkpatrick. Journalist Kirkpatrick gives an inspiring account of the Christian-led efforts to help North Koreans escape from what may well be the world’s worst country. It’s hard to say whether the reader will be struck more by the heroism of the rescuers or the determination of ordinary Koreans to live and worship freely, whatever the risk. The book is a stirring evocation of faith in action.