North American Christianity in the Caribbean

 North American Christianity in the Caribbean




The Caribbean, a region renowned for its vibrant cultural mosaic and rich religious diversity, has long been a fertile ground for the interplay of different faith traditions. Among these, North American Christian denominations have had a significant and transformative impact. From the early 19th century to the present day, churches such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church of the Nazarene, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pentecostalism, The Salvation Army, and various Evangelical denominations have established deep roots and broad followings across the Caribbean islands.  This is not an exhaustive list as there are others.

The introduction of these denominations can be traced back to missionary and evangelical activities and religious revivals emanating from North America.  These revivals and missions coming from North America, I call a second wave of religious colonization. They are driven by a zeal to spread their doctrines and practices, missionaries embarked on journeys across the Caribbean, establishing congregations, schools, and community programs.  While some of  these  efforts are altruistic  such as the building of  schools, and community  programs, others like the revivals and evangelical activities I believe are not altruistic but are there  to bring people to their doctrines and beliefs

The impact of these North American Christian denominations on the Caribbean is multifaceted. They have introduced new theological perspectives, worship styles, and organizational structures, enriching the religious diversity of the region.

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  1. ·   Jules-Rosette, Bennetta. "Perspectives on Pentecostalism: Case Studies from the Caribbean and Latin America." (1981): 291-293.

  • ·       LaMar, James L. The formation of city-wide house-to-house prayer meetings among the members of the Jamaica Seventh-day Adventist Church with a small group approach. Hartford Seminary, 2003.
  • ·       Matthews, Gelien. The Church of the Nazarene in four of the windward islands: St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, and Dominica 1978–2010. WestBow Press, 2018.
  • ·       McKenzie, David O. "A Program for Prevention and Intervention of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Among Pastors in the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists." (2010).
  • ·       Montes, Josefer. Separation of church and growth? The intersections of Seventh-day Adventism and economic development in Puerto Rico. The University of Southern Mississippi, 2010.
  • ·       Morian, Dolston L. "Family, Social Class, and Evangelism: Developing a Strategic Evangelistic Plan to Engage the Middle and Upper-Class Families in the Dennery Community of Saint Lucia." (2018).



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