World Christianity The Christian Revolution

To view this page ensure that Adobe Flash Player version 9.0.124 or greater is installed.

Please login or register to make a comment!

World Christianity World Christianity The Christian Revolution The Christian Revolution References References - - Authors Authors ! ! Philip Jenkins Philip Jenkins .

A native of England. . A native of England.

Distinguished Professor of History and Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Penn State University Religious Studies at Penn State University ! ! Lamin Lamin Sanneh Sanneh .

. A native of Gambia. D.

Willis A native of Gambia. D. Willis James Professor of Missions and World James Professor of Missions and World Christianity and Professor of History at Yale Christianity and Professor of History at Yale Divinity School Divinity School CD CD - - R disc R disc !

! This PowerPoint presentation This PowerPoint presentation ! !

PowerPoint native format PowerPoint native format ! ! Adobe Acrobat PDF file Adobe Acrobat PDF file !

! Three other PowerPoint presentations focusing Three other PowerPoint presentations focusing on the History of World Christianity on the History of World Christianity ! !

Acrobat PDF files of articles by Dr. Jenkins in Acrobat PDF files of articles by Dr. Jenkins in the Atlantic Monthly summarizing points in the Atlantic Monthly summarizing points in his book his book !

! MP3 audio file of interview with Dr. Jenkins MP3 ... more. less.

audio file of interview with Dr. Jenkins on public radio Jan. 2003 on public radio Jan. 2003 All too often, statements about what All too often, statements about what cmodern Christians accept d or what cmodern Christians accept d or what cCatholics today believe d refer only to what cCatholics today believe d refer only to what that ever that ever - - shrinking remnant of Western shrinking remnant of Western Christians and Catholics believe. Such Christians and Catholics believe. Such assertions are outrageous today, and as time assertions are outrageous today, and as time goes by they will become ever further goes by they will become ever further removed from reality removed from reality - - Jenkins, p. 3 Jenkins, p. 3 The era of Western Christianity has The era of Western Christianity has passed within our lifetimes, and the day passed within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern Christianity is dawning. of Southern Christianity is dawning. The fact of change itself is undeniable; The fact of change itself is undeniable; it has happened, and will continue to it has happened, and will continue to happen. happen. - - Philip Jenkins, p. 3. Philip Jenkins, p. 3. Number of Christians in the Number of Christians in the World World 2 2.6 3 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 billions 2000 2025 2050 Number of Christians by Region Number of Christians by Region 2000 versus 2025 2000 versus 2025 225 313 360 480 560 310 460 633 640 555 0100200300400500600700 North America Asia Africa Latin America Europe millions 2025 2000 From: Jenkins, p. 2-3 Percentage of Christians by Percentage of Christians by Region Region 2000 2000 19% 25% 16% 12% 28% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe From: Jenkins, p. 2-3 Percentage of Christians by Percentage of Christians by Region Region 2025 2025 24% 25% 18% 12% 21% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe From: Jenkins, p. 2-3 Strength Christian Strength Christian Denominations 2000 Denominations 2000 26 79 215 342 386 1057 020040060080010001200 Marginal Christians Anglicans Orthodox Protestants Independents Roman Catholics millions From: Jenkins, Table 4.1, p. 61 Number of Catholics by Region Number of Catholics by Region 2000 versus 2025 2000 versus 2025 461 286 120 110 71 8 606 276 228 160 81 11 0100200300400500600700 Latin America Europe Africa Asia North America Oceania millions 2025 2000 Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 195 Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by Region Region 2000 2000 Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 195 11% 44% 10% 7% 27% 1% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe Oceania Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by Region Region 2025 2025 17% 44% 12% 6% 20% 1% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe Oceania Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 195 Percentage of Christians Percentage of Christians 2050 2050 ! ! By 2050, only about one By 2050, only about one - - fifth of Christians fifth of Christians will be non will be non - - Hispanic whites Hispanic whites ! ! 8Soon, the phrase ca White Christian d may 8Soon, the phrase ca White Christian d may sound like a curious oxymoron, as mildly sound like a curious oxymoron, as mildly surprising as ca Swedish Buddhist d 9 surprising as ca Swedish Buddhist d 9 (Jenkins) (Jenkins) Decline of Christianity in Europe Decline of Christianity in Europe ! ! The Church of England claims 25 million The Church of England claims 25 million members members ! ! Less than 1.2 million (5%) of them attend services Less than 1.2 million (5%) of them attend services ! ! 5% of the French go to church regularly 5% of the French go to church regularly ! ! 15% of Italians go to church regularly 15% of Italians go to church regularly Decline of Christianity in Europe Decline of Christianity in Europe cAbout the decline, the statistics are cAbout the decline, the statistics are unequivocal. But beneath and beyond that unequivocal. But beneath and beyond that has been a strategic retreat into isolation has been a strategic retreat into isolation where the spirit seems to be wilting. It has where the spirit seems to be wilting. It has taken the form of a mood swing in which taken the form of a mood swing in which people have been preoccupied with taking people have been preoccupied with taking stock, with the setting sun and lengthening stock, with the setting sun and lengthening shadows, with memorial armbands, with shadows, with memorial armbands, with shades of gray, with requiem. As Sir Edward shades of gray, with requiem. As Sir Edward Grey declared, brooding over the dark clouds Grey declared, brooding over the dark clouds of his time, the lamps have gone out all over of his time, the lamps have gone out all over Europe. Europe. The religious imagination seems The religious imagination seems Decline of Christianity in Europe Decline of Christianity in Europe to have been hit with a bout of melancholy as to have been hit with a bout of melancholy as it labors with strains of cAbide with me, fast it labors with strains of cAbide with me, fast falls the eventide d and cThe Day Thou falls the eventide d and cThe Day Thou gavest gavest , , Lord, is ended, / The darkness falls at Thy Lord, is ended, / The darkness falls at Thy behest. d It 9s the solemn vespers without the behest. d It 9s the solemn vespers without the Gloria, and is a far cry from the confident, Gloria, and is a far cry from the confident, robust tones of cOnward, Christian robust tones of cOnward, Christian Soldiers, d cThe Son of God goes forth to Soldiers, d cThe Son of God goes forth to war, d or cStand up, stand up for Jesus! d. . . war, d or cStand up, stand up for Jesus! d. . . Maybe too much history is a bad thing d Maybe too much history is a bad thing d - - Lamin Lamin Sanneh Sanneh , p. 30 , p. 30 Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa 8.7 60 360 633 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 190019251950197520002025 Year millions Data from: Sanneh, p. 14 and Jenkins, p. 3 Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa ! ! Percent of Total Population who are Percent of Total Population who are Christians: Christians: ! ! 1900: 1900: 10% of population 10% of population ! ! 1965: 1965: 25% of population 25% of population ! ! 2003: 2003: 47% of population 47% of population Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa ! ! 1960 9s: 1960 9s: Christians began to outnumber Christians began to outnumber Muslims Muslims ! ! 1985 1985 , there were 16,500 new Christians a day, , there were 16,500 new Christians a day, an annual rate of over 6 million an annual rate of over 6 million ! ! In the same period in Europe and North America: In the same period in Europe and North America: 4,300 people were leaving the church each day 4,300 people were leaving the church each day ! ! 2001: 2001: there were 23,000 new Christians a day, there were 23,000 new Christians a day, an annual rate of 8.4 million, of which 1.5 an annual rate of 8.4 million, of which 1.5 million are new converts million are new converts Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period c& just as Europe 9s northern tribes turned to c& just as Europe 9s northern tribes turned to the church after the decay of the Roman the church after the decay of the Roman Empire, so Africans are embracing Empire, so Africans are embracing Christianity in the face of the massive Christianity in the face of the massive political, social and economic chaos. d political, social and economic chaos. d - - Kenneth Woodward Kenneth Woodward Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period cAfrica has become, or is becoming, a cAfrica has become, or is becoming, a Christian continent in cultural as well Christian continent in cultural as well as numerical terms, while on the same as numerical terms, while on the same scale the West has become, or is scale the West has become, or is rapidly becoming, a post rapidly becoming, a post - - Christian Christian society. d society. d - - Sanneh Sanneh , p. 36 , p. 36 Growth of Christianity in Africa Growth of Christianity in Africa Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period Christianity in Africa After the Colonial Period cBlack Africa today is totally cBlack Africa today is totally inconceivable apart from the presence inconceivable apart from the presence of Christianity d of Christianity d - - Adrian Hastings, historian Adrian Hastings, historian The Renewal of a non The Renewal of a non - - Western Religion Western Religion As Christianity moves South, we are As Christianity moves South, we are witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar Kwame Kwame Bediako Bediako , the , the crenewal of a non crenewal of a non - - Western religion d Western religion d The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a cWestern d Religion cWestern d Religion ! ! Popular Imagination and Media: Christianity is Popular Imagination and Media: Christianity is a Western phenomenon: a Western phenomenon: ! ! Adopted by the Roman Empire Adopted by the Roman Empire ! ! Grew within a European heartland Grew within a European heartland ! ! Exported on an unwilling world beginning in the Exported on an unwilling world beginning in the colonial period as a thin veneer to cover European colonial period as a thin veneer to cover European ambitions for empire ambitions for empire The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a cWestern d Religion cWestern d Religion ! ! Christianity began in the Near East Christianity began in the Near East ! ! For its first thousand years, it was stronger in For its first thousand years, it was stronger in Asia and North Africa than in Europe Asia and North Africa than in Europe ! ! During its first centuries, its heartland was During its first centuries, its heartland was Syria, Egypt, and Mesopotamia Syria, Egypt, and Mesopotamia The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a cWestern d Religion cWestern d Religion ! ! Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Church was in the West the Church was in the West ! ! Constantinople Constantinople ! ! Antioch Antioch ! ! Jerusalem Jerusalem ! ! Alexandria Alexandria ! ! Rome Rome Map courtesy of the Friesian School, cRome and Romania, 27 BC 31453 BC d at www.friesian.com/romania.htm The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a cWestern d Religion cWestern d Religion ! ! Christian missionaries fanned out from its Christian missionaries fanned out from its Near East heart into all the known continents: Near East heart into all the known continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia Europe, Africa, and Asia Spread of Christianity Spread of Christianity First Five Centuries First Five Centuries Distribution of Christians in Distribution of Christians in Ancient and Medieval Times Ancient and Medieval Times 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 500700900110013001500 Year millions Africa Asia Europe/Russia From Jenkins, Table 2.1, page 24 Data from World Christian Encyclopedia Mongol Invasion Islamic Conquests Reasons for the Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Growth of Christianity in the Global South in the Global South Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity ! ! 1. High general population growth in the 1. High general population growth in the Global South Global South ! ! 2. The continuing high rate of conversions to 2. The continuing high rate of conversions to Christianity Christianity Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity ! ! 1. High general population growth in the 1. High general population growth in the Global South Global South ! ! 2. The continuing high rate of conversions to 2. The continuing high rate of conversions to Christianity Christianity Population Growth Population Growth ! ! 1950 9s 1950 9s : : only only four four countries had populations countries had populations greater than 100 million: greater than 100 million: ! ! United States, Soviet Union, China, India United States, Soviet Union, China, India ! ! 2000: 2000: eight eight countries have populations greater countries have populations greater than 100 million than 100 million ! ! 2050: 2050: seventeen seventeen countries are projected to countries are projected to have populations greater than 100 million have populations greater than 100 million Population Growth Population Growth ! ! Most of the population growth is occurring in Most of the population growth is occurring in the Africa, South America, and Asia the Africa, South America, and Asia ! ! Population of many European countries is Population of many European countries is declining because of low birth rates declining because of low birth rates Ten Most Populous Countries in Ten Most Populous Countries in the World, 2050 the World, 2050 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 1975200020252050 year millions India China United States Indonesia Nigeria Pakistan Brazil Bangladesh Ethiopia Dem. R Congo Source: Table 5.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 84 Most Populous Countries of the Most Populous Countries of the World, 2050 World, 2050 (#3 through #10) (#3 through #10) 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 1975200020252050 year millions United States Indonesia Nigeria Pakistan Brazil Bangladesh Ethiopia Dem. R Congo Source: Table 5.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 84 Most Populous Countries of the Most Populous Countries of the World, 2050 World, 2050 (#11 through #20) (#11 through #20) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 1975200020252050 year millions Philippines Mexico Vietnam Russia Egypt Japan Iran Saudi Arabia Tanzania Turkey Source: Table 5.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 84 25 Most Populous Countries in the 25 Most Populous Countries in the World, 2050 World, 2050 1620 1471 404 338 304 268 206 205 188 182 154 153 119 118 113 101 100 91 84 87 84 84 80 71 70 020040060080010001200140016001800 India China United States Indonesia Nigeria Pakistan Brazil Bangladesh Ethiopia DR Congo Philippines Mexico Vietnam Russia Egypt Japan Iran Saudi Arabia Tanzania Turkey Sudan Uganda Germany Yemen Thailand millions Source: Table 5.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 84 Ten Largest Christian Ten Largest Christian Communities, 2025 and 2050 Communities, 2025 and 2050 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 200020252050 year millions United States Brazil Mexico Philippines Nigeria Zaire/D. R. Congo Ethiopia Russia China Germany Source: Table 5.2, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 90 Ten Largest Christian Ten Largest Christian Communities, 2050 Communities, 2050 330 195 145 145 123 121 79 80 60 57 050100150200250300350 United States Brazil Mexico Philippines Nigeria Zaire/D. R. Congo Ethiopia Russia China Germany millions Source: Table 5.2, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 90 Largest Urban Populations, 2015 Largest Urban Populations, 2015 18.8 19 19.4 20.6 20.8 21.2 23.4 24.4 27.4 28.7 05101520253035 Mexico City Dhaka, Bangladesh Beijing, China Karachi, Pakistan Sao Paulo, Brazil Jakarta, Indonesia Shanghai, China Lagos, Nigeria Bombay/Mumbai, India Tokyo, Japan millions Source: Table 5.3, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 93 #1. Tokyo, Japan, 28.7 million #1. Tokyo, Japan, 28.7 million #2. Bombay / Mumbai, India, 27.4 million #2. Bombay / Mumbai, India, 27.4 million #3 Lagos, Nigeria, 24.4 million #3 Lagos, Nigeria, 24.4 million #4. Shanghai, China, 23.4 million #4. Shanghai, China, 23.4 million #5. Jakarta, Indonesia, 21.2 million #5. Jakarta, Indonesia, 21.2 million #6. Sao Paulo, Brazil, 20.8 million #6. Sao Paulo, Brazil, 20.8 million #7. Karachi, Pakistan, 20.6 million #7. Karachi, Pakistan, 20.6 million #8. #8. Beijing, Beijing, China, China, 19.4 19.4 million million #9. Dhaka, Bangladesh, 19.0 million #9. Dhaka, Bangladesh, 19.0 million #10. Mexico, Mexico, 18.8 million #10. Mexico, Mexico, 18.8 million Urban Centers of Christianity Urban Centers of Christianity &the centers of the church 9s &the centers of the church 9s universality [are] no longer in Geneva, universality [are] no longer in Geneva, Rome, Athens, Paris, London, New Rome, Athens, Paris, London, New York, but Kinshasa (Democratic York, but Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Buenos Aires Republic of the Congo), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and (Argentina), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Manila (Philippines) Manila (Philippines) - - John John Mbiti Mbiti , Christianity in Africa, p. 154 , Christianity in Africa, p. 154 Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Buenos Aires, Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Manila, Philippines Manila, Philippines Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity ! ! High general population growth in the Global High general population growth in the Global South South ! ! The continuing high rate of conversions to The continuing high rate of conversions to Christianity Christianity Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity ! ! High general population growth in the Global High general population growth in the Global South South ! ! The continuing high rate of conversions to The continuing high rate of conversions to Christianity Christianity Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity ! ! The success of missionary efforts cannot be explained The success of missionary efforts cannot be explained as mere kowtowing to civil authorities as mere kowtowing to civil authorities ! ! cfrom the earliest days of the missionary cfrom the earliest days of the missionary enterprise, indigenous peoples found enterprise, indigenous peoples found aspects of Christianity exciting, even aspects of Christianity exciting, even intoxicating& d intoxicating& d (Jenkins) (Jenkins) ! ! cthe new convert did not keep the discovery cthe new convert did not keep the discovery for individual consumption but took the for individual consumption but took the message to others & d message to others & d ( ( Sundkler Sundkler & Steed) & Steed) Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity cWe can suggest all sorts of reasons why cWe can suggest all sorts of reasons why Africans and Asians adopted Christianity, Africans and Asians adopted Christianity, whether political, social, or cultural; but one whether political, social, or cultural; but one all all - - too too - - obvious explanation is that obvious explanation is that individuals came to believe the message individuals came to believe the message offered, and found this the best means of offered, and found this the best means of explaining the world around them. d explaining the world around them. d - - Jenkins, p. 44 Jenkins, p. 44 Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity cAfricans embraced Christianity because it cAfricans embraced Christianity because it resonated so well with the values of the old resonated so well with the values of the old religions. . . People sensed in their hearts religions. . . People sensed in their hearts that Jesus did not mock their respect for the that Jesus did not mock their respect for the sacred or their clamor for an invincible sacred or their clamor for an invincible Savior, so they beat their sacred drums for Savior, so they beat their sacred drums for him until the stars skipped and danced in the him until the stars skipped and danced in the skies. After that dance the stars weren 9t little skies. After that dance the stars weren 9t little anymore. Christianity helped Africans to anymore. Christianity helped Africans to become renewed Africans, not remade become renewed Africans, not remade Europeans. d Europeans. d - - Sanneh Sanneh , p. 43 , p. 43 Reasons for the Growth of Reasons for the Growth of Christianity Christianity cIt was not the mad logic of the Trinity that cIt was not the mad logic of the Trinity that captivated him. He did not understand it. It captivated him. He did not understand it. It was the poetry of the new religion, was the poetry of the new religion, something felt in the marrow& He felt relief something felt in the marrow& He felt relief within as the hymn poured into his parched within as the hymn poured into his parched soul. The words of the hymn were like drops soul. The words of the hymn were like drops of frozen rain melting on the dry palate of the of frozen rain melting on the dry palate of the panting earth. d panting earth. d - - novelist novelist Chinua Chinua Achebe Achebe (describing the impact of a sermon (describing the impact of a sermon on a young Igbo man) on a young Igbo man) Significance of World Significance of World Christianity for the Christianity for the West West Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West ! ! 1. New ways of thinking about God, of 1. New ways of thinking about God, of worshiping God worshiping God ! ! 2. Potential for Renewal of Western 2. Potential for Renewal of Western Christianity Christianity ! ! 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! 4. Conflict with Islam 4. Conflict with Islam Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West ! ! 1. New ways of thinking about God, of 1. New ways of thinking about God, of worshiping God worshiping God ! ! 2. Potential for Renewal of Western 2. Potential for Renewal of Western Christianity Christianity ! ! 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! 4. Conflict with Islam 4. Conflict with Islam Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West New Ways of Thinking About God New Ways of Thinking About God ! ! Taking in of the gospel message by a new Taking in of the gospel message by a new culture may bring new insights, new ways of culture may bring new insights, new ways of thinking about God thinking about God ! ! Just as new insights to the gospel grew from the Just as new insights to the gospel grew from the taking in of the gospel by the Greek and Roman taking in of the gospel by the Greek and Roman culture of New Testament times culture of New Testament times ! ! The West can find a gospel embraced by a society The West can find a gospel embraced by a society not shaped by the Enlightenment not shaped by the Enlightenment c c African Creed d of the African Creed d of the Maasai Maasai ! ! Life is a journey of faith in a God who created Life is a journey of faith in a God who created the world and us out of love the world and us out of love ! ! They once knew this High God in darkness, They once knew this High God in darkness, but now know this God in the light but now know this God in the light ! ! Jesus was: ca man in the flesh, a Jew by tribe, Jesus was: ca man in the flesh, a Jew by tribe, born poor in a little village, who left his home born poor in a little village, who left his home and was always on safari doing good, curing and was always on safari doing good, curing people by the power of God. d until, people by the power of God. d until, c c African Creed d of the African Creed d of the Maasai Maasai ! ! He was rejected by his people, tortured, and He was rejected by his people, tortured, and nailed, hands and feet, to a cross, and died. nailed, hands and feet, to a cross, and died. ! ! cHe lay buried in the grave, but the hyenas did cHe lay buried in the grave, but the hyenas did not touch him, and on the third day he rose not touch him, and on the third day he rose from the grave. d from the grave. d ! ! cWe are waiting for Him. He is alive. He lives. cWe are waiting for Him. He is alive. He lives. This we believe, Amen. d This we believe, Amen. d Catholic Eucharistic Prayer Catholic Eucharistic Prayer (Africa Rite) (Africa Rite) O Father, Great Ancestor, we lack adequate O Father, Great Ancestor, we lack adequate words to thank you& words to thank you& O Great Ancestor, who lives on the brilliant O Great Ancestor, who lives on the brilliant mountain& mountain& Our Father, father of our ancestors, we are Our Father, father of our ancestors, we are gathered to praise you and to thank you with gathered to praise you and to thank you with our sacrifice our sacrifice Confession of Faith of the Confession of Faith of the Pygmies of the Congo Pygmies of the Congo In the beginning was God, In the beginning was God, Today is God, Today is God, Tomorrow will be God. Tomorrow will be God. Who can make an image of God? Who can make an image of God? He has no body. He has no body. He is a word that comes out of your mouth. He is a word that comes out of your mouth. That word! It is no more, That word! It is no more, It is past, and still it lives! It is past, and still it lives! So is God. So is God. Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West ! ! 1. New ways of thinking about God, of 1. New ways of thinking about God, of worshiping God worshiping God ! ! 2. Potential for Renewal of Western 2. Potential for Renewal of Western Christianity Christianity ! ! 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! 4. Conflict with Islam 4. Conflict with Islam Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Renewal of Western Christianity Renewal of Western Christianity cBe nice to whites, they need you to cBe nice to whites, they need you to rediscover their humanity d rediscover their humanity d - - Archbishop Desmond Tutu Archbishop Desmond Tutu Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Renewal of Western Christianity Renewal of Western Christianity ! ! One One - - sixth of priests in American Catholic sixth of priests in American Catholic Church come from other countries, often from Church come from other countries, often from the Global South the Global South ! ! There are currently 1500 missionaries in There are currently 1500 missionaries in Britain from fifty nations, many expressing Britain from fifty nations, many expressing 8disbelief at the spiritual desert they encounter 8disbelief at the spiritual desert they encounter in this cgreen and pagan land. d 9 in this cgreen and pagan land. d 9 Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Renewal of Western Christianity Renewal of Western Christianity cIt was so depressing when I first arrived to cIt was so depressing when I first arrived to find churches empty, and being sold, when find churches empty, and being sold, when in Uganda there is not enough room in our in Uganda there is not enough room in our churches for the people. There is a great churches for the people. There is a great need for revival in Britain need for revival in Britain 3 3 it has become so it has become so secular and people so inward looking and secular and people so inward looking and individualistic. The country needs individualistic. The country needs reconverting. d reconverting. d - - Stephen Stephen Tirwomwe Tirwomwe , Ugandan missionary in the , Ugandan missionary in the rustbelt of Northern England rustbelt of Northern England Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West ! ! 1. New ways of thinking about God, of 1. New ways of thinking about God, of worshiping God worshiping God ! ! 2. Potential for Renewal of Western 2. Potential for Renewal of Western Christianity Christianity ! ! 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! 4. Conflict with Islam 4. Conflict with Islam Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Western Liberal Thought Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! Christianity in the Global South tends to be Christianity in the Global South tends to be very conservative and orthodox very conservative and orthodox Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Western Liberal Thought Conflict with Western Liberal Thought cThe most successful Southern Churches cThe most successful Southern Churches preach a deep personal faith, communal preach a deep personal faith, communal orthodoxy, mysticism, and orthodoxy, mysticism, and puritanism puritanism , all , all founded on obedience to spiritual authority. . founded on obedience to spiritual authority. . . Whereas Americans imagine a Church freed . Whereas Americans imagine a Church freed from hierarchy, superstition, and dogma, from hierarchy, superstition, and dogma, Southerners look back to one filled with Southerners look back to one filled with spiritual power and able to exorcise the spiritual power and able to exorcise the demonic forces that cause sickness and demonic forces that cause sickness and poverty. d poverty. d (Jenkins) (Jenkins) Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Western Liberal Thought Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! American Catholics who think the only barrier American Catholics who think the only barrier to a more progressive church (married priests, to a more progressive church (married priests, women priests, acceptance of birth control and women priests, acceptance of birth control and abortion) is an out abortion) is an out - - of of - - touch, stodgy, touch, stodgy, conservative pope and Vatican hierarchy, are conservative pope and Vatican hierarchy, are engaging in a typically Western, very engaging in a typically Western, very parochial conceit. parochial conceit. Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by Region Region 2000 2000 Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 195 11% 44% 10% 7% 27% 1% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe Oceania Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by Region Region 2025 2025 17% 44% 12% 6% 20% 1% Africa Latin America Asia North America Europe Oceania Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise ofGlobal Christianity, p. 195 Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Western Liberal Thought Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! At the 1998 At the 1998 Lambeth Lambeth Conference Conference , Liberal , Liberal Anglicans from Western Churches found themselves Anglicans from Western Churches found themselves consistently outvoted by Anglicans from the larger, consistently outvoted by Anglicans from the larger, more conservative Churches of Global South. more conservative Churches of Global South. ! ! The more liberal Episcopal Church USA was free to The more liberal Episcopal Church USA was free to defy the nonbinding decrees of the defy the nonbinding decrees of the Lambeth Lambeth Conference Conference , and consecrated the openly gay Bishop , and consecrated the openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson on Nov. 2, 2003 in New Hampshire. Gene Robinson on Nov. 2, 2003 in New Hampshire. cWe, Primates of the Global South, greet you cWe, Primates of the Global South, greet you in the name of our Triune God, Father, Son in the name of our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The actions of the Episcopal and Holy Spirit. The actions of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) in the election, confirmation, and (ECUSA) in the election, confirmation, and consecration of Canon Gene Robinson have consecration of Canon Gene Robinson have created a situation of grave concern for the created a situation of grave concern for the entire Anglican Communion and beyond. . . entire Anglican Communion and beyond. . . By their actions, ECUSA has separated itself By their actions, ECUSA has separated itself from the remainder of the Anglican from the remainder of the Anglican Communion and the wider Christian family. d Communion and the wider Christian family. d - - Statement of the Anglican Primates of Nigeria, West Indies, Sou Statement of the Anglican Primates of Nigeria, West Indies, Sou thern thern Cone, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Central Africa, Sou Cone, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Central Africa, Sou th th India, Pakistan, South East Asia, Philippines, February 9, 2004 India, Pakistan, South East Asia, Philippines, February 9, 2004 Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West ! ! 1. New ways of thinking about God, of 1. New ways of thinking about God, of worshiping God worshiping God ! ! 2. Potential for Renewal of Western 2. Potential for Renewal of Western Christianity Christianity ! ! 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought 3. Conflict with Western Liberal Thought ! ! 4. Conflict with Islam 4. Conflict with Islam Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Islam Conflict with Islam ! ! Both Christianity and Islam are strongly missionary religions Both Christianity and Islam are strongly missionary religions ! ! Both are growing in the Global South where populations are Both are growing in the Global South where populations are rapidly expanding rapidly expanding ! ! A resurgent Muslim cfundamentalism d favors establishment of A resurgent Muslim cfundamentalism d favors establishment of religious states and religious states and sharia sharia law in Muslim majority areas law in Muslim majority areas ! ! Christian evangelism prohibited Christian evangelism prohibited ! ! Islam a cone Islam a cone - - way d door; apostasy punishable by death way d door; apostasy punishable by death ! ! Some writers have suggested a new age of Christian Some writers have suggested a new age of Christian ccrusades d from the Christian Global South may compete with ccrusades d from the Christian Global South may compete with Muslim Muslim jihads jihads and plunge the world into chronic conflict and plunge the world into chronic conflict Distribution of Muslims Distribution of Muslims Source: CIA Distribution Distribution of Muslims of Muslims Most Populous Countries in the World, Most Populous Countries in the World, 2050 2050 1620 1471 119 101 70 268 205 91 87 100 71 338 113 84 404 206 153 118 182 154 84 80 304 188 84 020040060080010001200140016001800 India China Vietnam Japan Thailand Pakistan Bangladesh Saudi Arabia Turkey Iran Yemen Indonesia Egypt Sudan United States Brazil Mexico Russia DR Congo Philippines Uganda Germany Nigeria Ethiopia Tanzania millions Overwhelmingly Muslim Overwhelmingly Muslim Mainly Muslim; Mainly Muslim; signif signif . Christian Minorities . Christian Minorities Overwhelmingly Christian Overwhelmingly Christian Mainly Christian; Mainly Christian; signif signif . Muslim Minorities . Muslim Minorities Christian and Muslim, neither with majority Christian and Muslim, neither with majority Source: Jenkins, Table 8.1, p. 167, and Table 5.1, page 84 Significance of the Growth of Significance of the Growth of World Christianity for the West World Christianity for the West Conflict with Islam Conflict with Islam ! ! The concentration of oil wealth in Muslim The concentration of oil wealth in Muslim majority countries may bode ill for Christianity majority countries may bode ill for Christianity in the Global South in the Global South ! ! Western nations will likely deplete their own Western nations will likely deplete their own oil reserves in the next 50 years, and hence oil reserves in the next 50 years, and hence may find it in their economic interests to side may find it in their economic interests to side with Muslim countries with Muslim countries cAs the media have striven in recent years to cAs the media have striven in recent years to present Islam in a more sympathetic light, present Islam in a more sympathetic light, they have tended to suggest that Islam, not they have tended to suggest that Islam, not Christianity, is the rising faith of Africa and Christianity, is the rising faith of Africa and Asia, the authentic or default religion of the Asia, the authentic or default religion of the world 9s huddled masses. But Christianity is world 9s huddled masses. But Christianity is not only surviving in the global South, it is not only surviving in the global South, it is enjoying a radical revival, a return to enjoying a radical revival, a return to scriptural roots. We are living in scriptural roots. We are living in revolutionary times. d revolutionary times. d - - Philip Jenkins Philip Jenkins The era of Western Christianity has The era of Western Christianity has passed within our lifetimes, and the day passed within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern Christianity is dawning. of Southern Christianity is dawning. The fact of change itself is undeniable; The fact of change itself is undeniable; it has happened, and will continue to it has happened, and will continue to happen. happen. - - Philip Jenkins, p. 3. Philip Jenkins, p. 3. References References ! ! The Next Christendom. The Coming of The Next Christendom. The Coming of Global Christianity. Global Christianity. Philip Jenkins. Oxford Philip Jenkins. Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 0 University Press, 2002. ISBN 0 - - 19 19 - - 514616 514616 - - 6 6 ! ! Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West. Beyond the West. Lamin Lamin Sanneh Sanneh . . Eerdmans Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, 2003. ISBN 0 Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, 2003. ISBN 0 - - 8028 8028 - - 2164 2164 - - 2 2

less