Days of Fire and Glory by Julia Duin

Just in time for Pentecost, a new book on the rise & fall of the ecstatic movement, reviewed here by Rev. George Conger

Gin was the “quickest way out of Manchester,” the Marxist historian
Eric Hobsbawn observed in “The Age of Revolution.” Flight from the
difficult and dreary often found its wings in alcohol or narcotics,
while ecstatic religion could also provide the opiate that relieved the
pains of life.

It has been ever thus. Religious movements that release the believer
from his trials through connection with the divine can be found in most
faiths: Sufism in Islam, the Hasidic movement in Judaism and
Pentecostalism in modern Christianity are but a few examples. Some
ecstatic movements flower under the guidance of a charismatic leader
then fade upon his passing.

But from its roots in working-class Los Angeles 100 years ago,
Pentecostalism has flourished in Africa, South America and in parts of
Asia. It has become the fastest-growing segment of American religious
life – even moving into the political spotlight with Sarah Palin and the
2008 presidential race.

I had the good pleasure of meeting Ms. Duin briefly during her coverage of the elevation of Archbishop Duncan last June and was impressed with some of her unique perspectives on the event.  I look forward to getting a copy of her book.