Paper short abstract:

An analysis of the disproportionate targeting of Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Independent Christians in the anti-Christian violence of contemporary India.

Paper long abstract:

If the extant statistics on violence against Christians in contemporary India are accurate, Pentecostals, Charismatics, and other independent, non-denominational Christians are disproportionately targeted. According to most Indians, both Christian and non-Christian, the reason they are disproportionately targeted is their more aggressive evangelizing. While this is surely an important factor, a deeper investigation reveals a more complicated story involving, among other things, caste, class, denominational structure, healings, distinctive Pentecostal approaches to culture, and the symbolics of dress and music. Drawing on interviews, statistical analysis, and fieldwork in India, this paper will enumerate and explore this range of factors.