Ncdataman
Member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
- Messages
- 1,831
In his book The Reason for God, Tim Keller reminds us one of the unique elements of Christianity is, unlike most major religions, "Christianity has been more adaptive (and maybe less destructive) of diverse cultures than secularism and many other worldviews.
"The pattern of Christian expansion differs from that of every other world religion. The center and majority of Islam's population is still in the place of its origin – the Middle East. The original lands that have been the demographic centers of Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism have remained so.
"By contrast, Christianity was first dominated by Jews and centered in Jerusalem. Later it was dominated by Hellenists and centered in the Mediterranean. Later, the faith was received by the barbarians of Northern Europe, and Christianity came to be dominated by western Europeans and then North Americans. Today, most Christians in the world live in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Christianity soon will be centered in the southern and eastern hemispheres.
"Two case studies are instructive. In 1900, Christians comprised 9 percent of the African population and were outnumbered by Muslims four to one. Today, Christians comprise 44 percent of the population, and in the 1960s surpassed Muslims in number. This explosive growth is now beginning in China. Christianity is growing not only among the peasantry, but among the social and cultural establishment, including the Communist party. At the current rate of growth, within 30 years Christians will constitute 30 percent of the Chinese population of 1.5 billion."
Why does this matter? This is evidence of two realities: First, Christianity can thrive in any culture and any setting. Second, God is accomplishing His purpose and growing His church. Around the globe, we are gaining millions of new brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's celebrate that truth and be part of reaching the next generation!
"The pattern of Christian expansion differs from that of every other world religion. The center and majority of Islam's population is still in the place of its origin – the Middle East. The original lands that have been the demographic centers of Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism have remained so.
"By contrast, Christianity was first dominated by Jews and centered in Jerusalem. Later it was dominated by Hellenists and centered in the Mediterranean. Later, the faith was received by the barbarians of Northern Europe, and Christianity came to be dominated by western Europeans and then North Americans. Today, most Christians in the world live in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Christianity soon will be centered in the southern and eastern hemispheres.
"Two case studies are instructive. In 1900, Christians comprised 9 percent of the African population and were outnumbered by Muslims four to one. Today, Christians comprise 44 percent of the population, and in the 1960s surpassed Muslims in number. This explosive growth is now beginning in China. Christianity is growing not only among the peasantry, but among the social and cultural establishment, including the Communist party. At the current rate of growth, within 30 years Christians will constitute 30 percent of the Chinese population of 1.5 billion."
Why does this matter? This is evidence of two realities: First, Christianity can thrive in any culture and any setting. Second, God is accomplishing His purpose and growing His church. Around the globe, we are gaining millions of new brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's celebrate that truth and be part of reaching the next generation!
