Evangelism and Apostasy: The Evolution and Impact of Evangelicals in Modern Mexico

Ronald N. Harpelle is an assistant professor of history at Lakehead
University.

Evangelism and Apostasy presents a sociological assessment of the growth
of evangelical Protestantism in Mexico during the 1980s and 1990s. The
opening chapters offer a history of Protestantism in Mexico and set the
stage for a discussion of the depth and breadth of the evangelical
movement. The book is based on extensive field research and makes good
use of statistical data to demonstrate trends in conversion.

Focusing on the social and political dimensions of the evangelical
movement, the author investigates the mechanics of conversion, the
internal dynamics of the movement, divisions among the adherent groups,
and the distinct characteristics of this form of Christianity. Although
his findings indicate that evangelical converts could soon outnumber
Catholics, they also show that rates of disengagement are remarkably
high and that the ability of the movement to continue spreading at its
present rate is in doubt. Evangelism and Apostasy is a good starting
point for students and others interested in social trends in Latin
America.