When the Mountains Speak in Tongues: Protestantism and the Impact of Pentecostalized Religion on Guatemala

Abstract

The religious lives of Guatemalans were dominated by the Catholic Church for centuries, and while its presence is still felt today, an increasing number in Guatemala and across much of Central America have sought refuge and spiritual nourishment in the Protestant Church. In 2023, about 42% of the Guatemalan population identified as Protestant, up from about 5% in 1970. The majority of this increase occurred in the decade between 1976 and 1985. This paper will explain how Protestant missionaries capitalized on circumstances in Guatemala during this decade to convert large numbers of people to their faith. My research is based on primary sources from the state department and missionaries themselves, as well as secondary sources such as books and articles regarding the religious landscape of Guatemala.