Aimee Semple McPherson and the Making of Modern Pentecostalism, 1890-1926
"Blending decades of Aimee's research with his own formation among Pentecostals, religious historian Charles Barfoot has crafted an insightful and informative portrait of burgeoning Pentecostalism draped about one of its most colorful yet seriously underrrated figures." --Russ Spittler,Fuller Theological Seminary"Aimee Semple McPherson towers over the religious and cultural history of America in the early years of the twentieth century. And now since Pentecostalism after World War II has become the fastest growing segment of Christianity, her influence is even more significant than it was a half century ago. Charles Barfoot's comprehensive biography will now become the book of record on her controversial and legendary life." --Harvey Cox,Harvard University"This is an extraordinary story of an extraordinary woman. Extraordinary not only in her burning desire to evangelize the unchurched population of Los Angeles but also in her skill in using all the techniques of the Hollywood film industry to this purpose. It would have been easy for the author to use the rich material at his disposal for either a devastating scandal story or a hagiographic romance, as others have done before. Aimee's biography offers all the ingredients of a Hollywood thriller. The author avoids both temptations. Instead, he successfully tries to understand this woman in her ambiguity." --Professor Dr. Walter J. Hollenweger,Krattigen, Switzerland