Michael Wilkinson
Welcome
Understanding Religion in a Changing World
I'm a sociologist interested in how religion shapes our lives, communities, and societies—and how religion itself changes in the process.
My research explores Pentecostalism, evangelicalism, globalization, and religious change in Canada and around the world.
I'm particularly interested in how religious communities respond to social and cultural transformations, and what these changes reveal about contemporary society.
Professor of Sociology and Dean
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Trinity Western University
Books and Publications
Books are one of the ways I explore questions about religion and society. My publications examine the global development of Pentecostalism, religion in Canada, and the relationship between religious experience and social change. Many of these projects have involved collaboration with scholars from different disciplines and parts of the world.
Upcoming Lectures and Conversations
Why Politicians Court the Church (and What Both Sides Really Get)
November 18, 2026
Langley, British Columbia
Why do politicians seek the support of religious communities, and what do religious movements gain from political relationships?
In this public conversation, I'll explore the changing relationship between evangelical Christianity and political power, with particular attention to Christian nationalism, political certainty, and the ways religious and political interests can reinforce one another.
