Explore Christianity as a global religion. You'll examine the dramatic shift of Christianity's center from Europe to the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America), understand the persecution Christians face worldwide, and explore reconciliation efforts and ecumenism. You'll evaluate whether Christianity is growing or declining globally.
Before exploring global Christianity, let's review what we learned about mission and evangelism.
Christianity is the world's largest religion with nearly 2.4 billion adherents. But it's not evenly distributed geographically.
Historically, Christianity was centered in Europe and North America. Today, Christianity is growing fastest in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—the "Global South."
Past (1900-1950): Christianity was primarily Western European and North American.
Present (2020+): Most Christians live in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By 2050, it's estimated that only about 35% of Christians will be in Europe/North America.
Implications: Christian theology, worship styles, and priorities are being shaped by these growing communities.
Christianity is growing rapidly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Reasons: Missionary work, grassroots conversion, cultural adaptation, addressing local spiritual needs.
Impact: New forms of worship, theology from liberation and contextual perspectives.
Millions of Christians face persecution globally.
Impact: Millions live in fear; some face martyrdom.
Open Doors International: Advocates for persecuted Christians and ranks countries by persecution severity.
Persecution Facts: Annually, over 300 million Christians face discrimination or violence. 4,000+ are killed for their faith.
Nigeria has Africa's largest Christian population (around 90 million). But it's also a country of religious complexity, where Christian-Muslim tensions are significant.
Growth: Pentecostalism has exploded, with megachurches in Lagos attracting thousands.
Persecution: In the north, Christians face violence from extremist groups like Boko Haram. Church bombings have killed hundreds.
Theological response: Nigerian theology emphasizes spiritual warfare, healing, and prosperity—reflecting local contexts.
Christianity is growing despite government restrictions. Official estimates: 100+ million Christians (including both state-approved and underground churches).
Government control: Churches must register with state; Bible study groups are monitored; evangelism is restricted.
Underground churches: House churches operate secretly, risking imprisonment.
Theological shift: Chinese Christianity is developing its own theology, less dependent on Western missionaries.
The Challenge: Christianity is divided into thousands of denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal, etc.). This fragmentation can weaken witness.
Ecumenical Movement: Efforts to promote unity and understanding among denominations.
World Council of Churches: Founded 1948, brings together 380+ churches from 120 countries to dialogue and collaborate.
Practical cooperation: Joint charities, interfaith dialogue, shared advocacy on social issues.
Coventry Cathedral (England): Bombed in WWII; rebuilt as a symbol of reconciliation. Its ministry focuses on peace and healing from conflict.
Corrymeela Community (Northern Ireland): Christian community working on reconciliation during and after the Troubles. Brings Protestants and Catholics together for dialogue.
Christian witness: These communities embody Jesus's teaching on forgiveness and peace-making, showing Christianity's potential to heal even deep communal wounds.
Write a detailed response to this question:
Is Christianity growing or declining globally? Evaluate.
Consider:
Aim for 12-mark essay level (approximately 400-500 words).
Essay question (12 marks): "Christianity is a dying religion." Evaluate this statement.
What to include:
Structure: Introduction → Point 1 + evidence → Point 2 + evidence → Counterargument → Conclusion
Test yourself on the key concepts from this lesson.