Pentecostalizing Sound

Abstract

This is an innovative and new approach to critically study the aesthetics and politics of Pentecostal sound within the church halls of the Pentecostal Revival Church International in south-east Amsterdam. The aesthetics and politics of Pentecostal sound surround the Pentecostal religious experience of meeting and communicating with the divine entity; one that can charismatically inspire, empower and liberate them. The aim of this thesis explores and analyses the aesthetics of Pentecostal sound, the way in which sound is mediated, produced, heard and audibly perceived by Pentecostals and their charismatic response, and the politics of Pentecostal sound, the way in which Pentecostal sound shapes and reshapes power and authority upon the congregation of Pentecostals. This thesis provides an in-depth analysis on the charismatic aesthetics of Pentecostal sound and its imbued charismatic politics on-the-ground. Further, as this is a soundful thesis the research also offers audible soundscapes to be heard in the digital folder, Pentecostal soundscapes , to audibly accompany the reader.