World Christianity 4 Standing Alone. Author Philip Jenkins. A native of England. Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Penn State

World Christianity 4World Christianity 4

Standing AloneStanding Alone

AuthorAuthor

Philip JenkinsPhilip 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. An Religious Studies at Penn State University. An EpiscopalianEpiscopalian

IntroductionIntroduction

All too often, statements about what “modern All too often, statements about what “modern Christians accept” or what “Catholics today Christians accept” or what “Catholics today believe” refer only to what that ever-believe” refer only to what that ever-shrinking remnant of Western Christians and shrinking remnant of Western Christians and Catholics believe. Such assertions are Catholics believe. Such assertions are outrageous today, and as time goes by they outrageous today, and as time goes by they will become ever further removed from will become ever further removed from realityreality

- 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 by RegionNumber of Christians by Region2000 versus 20252000 versus 2025

310

460

633

640

555

225

313

360

480

560

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

North America

Asian

Africa

Latin America

Europe

millions

2000

2025

Percentage of Christians by Percentage of Christians by RegionRegion

20252025

12%

18%

24%

25%

21%

North America

Asia

Africa

Latin America

Europe

Growth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

8.760

360

633

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Year

mil

lio

ns

Data from: Sanneh, p. 14 and Jenkins, p. 3

As Christianity moves South, we are As Christianity moves South, we are witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar witnessing according to Ghanaian scholar Kwame Bediako, the “renewal of a non-Kwame Bediako, the “renewal of a non-Western religion”Western religion”

The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a “Western” Religion“Western” Religion

Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Church was in the Westthe Church was in the West ConstantinopleConstantinople AntiochAntioch JerusalemJerusalem AlexandriaAlexandria RomeRome

Map courtesy of the Friesian School, “Rome and Romania, 27 BC – 1453 BC” at www.friesian.com/romania.htm

The Myth of Christianity as a The Myth of Christianity as a “Western” Religion“Western” 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 ChristianitySpread of ChristianityFirst Five CenturiesFirst Five Centuries

The Great The Great Missionary Missionary

CenturyCentury

The Great CenturyThe Great Century

Prior to Prior to 1790’s1790’s, only the Catholic Church , only the Catholic Church engaged in large scale missionary effortsengaged in large scale missionary efforts

1790’s:1790’s: missions became major focus in missions became major focus in ProtestantismProtestantism 1792:1792: Baptism Missionary Society of London Baptism Missionary Society of London 17951795: London Missionary Society : London Missionary Society

(Congregationalist)(Congregationalist) 1799:1799: Church Missionary Society (Anglican) Church Missionary Society (Anglican)


1793:1793: William Carey began attempt to convert India: William Carey began attempt to convert India: “Expect great things from God, and attempt great “Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God”things for God”

1807:1807: first Protestant mission in China first Protestant mission in China Around Around 1850:1850:

all of Africa accessible to missionariesall of Africa accessible to missionaries China fully opened up by military conquestChina fully opened up by military conquest

1858:1858: David Livington’s book David Livington’s book Missionary Travels Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africaand Researches in South Africa inspires new inspires new generation of missionariesgeneration of missionaries


1870’s:1870’s: missions established about Lake Malawi and missions established about Lake Malawi and UgandaUganda

1880’s:1880’s: new missionaries to the Kongo met with new missionaries to the Kongo met with mass enthusiasmmass enthusiasm

American evangelical societies shared in the American evangelical societies shared in the missionary enthusiasm, feeling a special calling to missionary enthusiasm, feeling a special calling to ChinaChina 1893:1893: meeting in Chicago celebrated the imminent global meeting in Chicago celebrated the imminent global

triumph of a liberal American-style Protestant Christianity triumph of a liberal American-style Protestant Christianity The century to come would be the American centuryThe century to come would be the American century 1902:1902: The Christian Century magazine founded The Christian Century magazine founded

The Great CenturyThe Great CenturyCatholic EffortsCatholic Efforts

Catholic evangelism also flourishedCatholic evangelism also flourished New orders established: Holy Ghost Fathers New orders established: Holy Ghost Fathers

(Spiritans) and the White Fathers(Spiritans) and the White Fathers 1838:1838: French Catholics established a bishopric French Catholics established a bishopric

at Algiers and tried to evangelize the Muslimsat Algiers and tried to evangelize the Muslims Cardinal Charles Lavigerie (1865-92), Archbishop Cardinal Charles Lavigerie (1865-92), Archbishop

of Algiers, dreamed of of Algiers, dreamed of Christianity resuming its ancient dominance in AfricaChristianity resuming its ancient dominance in Africa A modern crusading order, an armed Christian militia to A modern crusading order, an armed Christian militia to

defend pilgrim and fight slave-tradersdefend pilgrim and fight slave-traders Pope named him Archbishop of Carthage, primate of all Pope named him Archbishop of Carthage, primate of all

AfricaAfrica


1920’s1920’s: 8,000 Western Missionaries in China: 8,000 Western Missionaries in China 1950’s:1950’s: 43,000 Protestant missionaries around 43,000 Protestant missionaries around

the world, two-thirds of them Americansthe world, two-thirds of them Americans


Dedication of most missionaries beyond Dedication of most missionaries beyond questionquestion Many considered it a ticket of martyrdomMany considered it a ticket of martyrdom


Missionaries recognized the need to present Missionaries recognized the need to present Christianity in terms of the indigenous cultureChristianity in terms of the indigenous culture Founder of the Holy Ghost Fathers: Founder of the Holy Ghost Fathers: “You are not “You are not

going to Africa in order to establish there going to Africa in order to establish there Italy or France or any such country… Make Italy or France or any such country… Make yourselves Negroes with the Negroes. . . yourselves Negroes with the Negroes. . . Our holy religion has to invariably to be Our holy religion has to invariably to be established in the soil.”established in the soil.”

Protestants aggressively translated the bible in Protestants aggressively translated the bible in local languageslocal languages


Some early missionaries envisioned the Some early missionaries envisioned the missions as a temporary phasemissions as a temporary phase Henry Venn, Anglican Church Missionary Society Henry Venn, Anglican Church Missionary Society

spoke of “euthanasia of the mission” through a spoke of “euthanasia of the mission” through a “three-self” policy of self-government, self-“three-self” policy of self-government, self-support, and self-propagation”support, and self-propagation”

1860’s:1860’s: Church of England chose Yoruba Samuel Church of England chose Yoruba Samuel Adjai Crowther its first African bishopAdjai Crowther its first African bishop

The Great CenturyThe Great CenturySuccessSuccess

AfricaAfrica 1900:1900: about 10 million Christians about 10 million Christians 1950:1950: 34 million Christians 34 million Christians

ChinaChina 1900:1900: 1.2 million Christians 1.2 million Christians 1949:1949: 5 million Christians 5 million Christians


“… “… in the twentieth century, for the first in the twentieth century, for the first time, there was in the world a universal time, there was in the world a universal religion – the Christian religion.”religion – the Christian religion.”- Stephen Neill, historian of the missionary movement- Stephen Neill, historian of the missionary movement

The Success of The Success of the Missionary the Missionary

MovementMovement

Success of Missionary EffortsSuccess of Missionary EffortsReasonsReasons

The success of missionary efforts cannot be explained The success of missionary efforts cannot be explained as mere kowtowing to civil authoritiesas mere kowtowing to civil authorities

““from the earliest days of the missionary from 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…”intoxicating…” (Jenkins) (Jenkins)

““the new convert did not keep the discovery the new convert did not keep the discovery for individual consumption but took the for individual consumption but took the message to others …”message to others …” (Sundkler & Steed) (Sundkler & Steed)

Success of Missionary EffortsSuccess of Missionary EffortsReasonsReasons

Appeal of Christianity manifested itself in:Appeal of Christianity manifested itself in: Faith and martyrdom in the face of persecutionFaith and martyrdom in the face of persecution Native prophetic movements and churchesNative prophetic movements and churches

Faith and MartyrdomFaith and Martyrdom

Martyrs of MadagascarMartyrs of Madagascar 1850’s:1850’s: 200 Christians “speared, smothered, 200 Christians “speared, smothered,

starved, or burned to death, poisoned, hurled from starved, or burned to death, poisoned, hurled from cliffs or boiled alive in rice pits.”cliffs or boiled alive in rice pits.”

Martyrs of Uganda (Kingdom of Buganda)Martyrs of Uganda (Kingdom of Buganda) King found that the Christian male courtiers in his King found that the Christian male courtiers in his

royal court refused his sexual demandsroyal court refused his sexual demands 1885-1886:1885-1886: hundreds of Christians executed in hundreds of Christians executed in

attempt to wipe out the religionattempt to wipe out the religion 1890’s1890’s: mass native conversions to Christianity: mass native conversions to Christianity

Faith and MartyrdomFaith and Martyrdom

Madagascar TodayMadagascar Today 90% Christian90% Christian

Uganda TodayUganda Today 75% Christian75% Christian

Native Prophetic MovementsNative Prophetic MovementsTaiping MovementTaiping Movement

Taiping MovementTaiping Movement in China (1850-1864) in China (1850-1864) Hailed by Chinese Communist historians as Hailed by Chinese Communist historians as

precursor to national liberationprecursor to national liberation Hong Xiuquan experienced visionary ascent to Hong Xiuquan experienced visionary ascent to

heaven, meeting Jesus, his elder brotherheaven, meeting Jesus, his elder brother Mission: to redeem China in a new Society of Mission: to redeem China in a new Society of

Worshippers of Shang-ti (God)Worshippers of Shang-ti (God) Launched rebellion to establish a perfect Launched rebellion to establish a perfect

communism (= Taiping or “Great Peace”), communism (= Taiping or “Great Peace”), capturing Nanjingcapturing Nanjing

Ultimately resulted in twenty million deathsUltimately resulted in twenty million deaths Set stage for destruction of the Qing dynastySet stage for destruction of the Qing dynasty

Native Prophetic MovementsNative Prophetic MovementsLatin AmericaLatin America

1818thth Century native revolts in Central America were Century native revolts in Central America were often apocalyptic “Virgin Movements”often apocalyptic “Virgin Movements”

1920’s:1920’s: Nicaraguan revolutionary leader Augusto Nicaraguan revolutionary leader Augusto Sandino was driven by millenarian belief that the old Sandino was driven by millenarian belief that the old world order would soon perish:world order would soon perish: ““The oppressed people will break the chains of The oppressed people will break the chains of

humiliation… The trumpets that will be heard will humiliation… The trumpets that will be heard will be the bugles of war, intoning the hymns of the be the bugles of war, intoning the hymns of the freedom of the oppressed peoples against the freedom of the oppressed peoples against the injustice of the oppressors.”injustice of the oppressors.”

Oppressed Indian, Latino, Oppressed Indian, Latino, mestizo mestizo peoples had messianic peoples had messianic role in struggle against oppressorsrole in struggle against oppressors

Native Prophetic MovementsNative Prophetic MovementsWilliam Wade HarrisWilliam Wade Harris

A Liberian, had a vision in which he was A Liberian, had a vision in which he was instructed by the Angel Gabriel and given a instructed by the Angel Gabriel and given a triune anointing by Godtriune anointing by God

Abandoned his prized European clothingAbandoned his prized European clothing Began wildly successful preaching journeys Began wildly successful preaching journeys

across West Africa, clad in white robe and across West Africa, clad in white robe and turban, with a bamboo cross, a Bible, and a turban, with a bamboo cross, a Bible, and a gourd rattlegourd rattle


Taught largely orthodox ChristianityTaught largely orthodox Christianity Unlike European missionaries:Unlike European missionaries:

Acknowledged power of ancient native cult-Acknowledged power of ancient native cult-figures or fetishes and burned themfigures or fetishes and burned them

Legends told of pagan shrines bursting into flames as he Legends told of pagan shrines bursting into flames as he approachedapproached

Acknowledged power of witchcraft, called on Acknowledged power of witchcraft, called on followers to spurn itfollowers to spurn it

Allowed polygamyAllowed polygamy


Converted some 100,000 people over two-Converted some 100,000 people over two-yearsyears

Today “Harris Churches” survive in West Today “Harris Churches” survive in West AfricaAfrica

Native Prophetic MovementsNative Prophetic MovementsSimon KimbanguSimon Kimbangu

from Belgian Congofrom Belgian Congo 1918:1918: during influenza epidemic, had vision during influenza epidemic, had vision

calling him to be a prophet and healer. Tried to calling him to be a prophet and healer. Tried to resist the callresist the call

1921:1921: finally began ministry of healing and finally began ministry of healing and preaching, attracting a vast followingpreaching, attracting a vast following Terrified Belgian authorities had him flogged and Terrified Belgian authorities had him flogged and

sentenced to executionsentenced to execution Execution comminuted; remained in prison to his Execution comminuted; remained in prison to his

death in 1951death in 1951


Taught an orthodox, puritanical Christianity, Taught an orthodox, puritanical Christianity, with:with: Uniquely African invocation for the help of Uniquely African invocation for the help of

ancestorsancestors himself as mediator between God and his peoplehimself as mediator between God and his people Preached African political message: Preached African political message: “The “The

Kingdom is ours. We have it! They, the Kingdom is ours. We have it! They, the Whites, no longer have it.”Whites, no longer have it.”


Followers considered him African Savior and Followers considered him African Savior and messiah; his home town of Nkamba a New messiah; his home town of Nkamba a New JersusalemJersusalem

Official Kimbanguist Church (Church of the Lord Official Kimbanguist Church (Church of the Lord Jesus Christ on Earth of the Prophet Simon Jesus Christ on Earth of the Prophet Simon Kiimbangu, EJCSK)Kiimbangu, EJCSK) rejects claims of Kimbangu as a messiah, but believes he rejects claims of Kimbangu as a messiah, but believes he

fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy that fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy that “one who believes in me “one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and will do greater will also do the works that I do and will do greater works than these.”works than these.”

honors key dates of his life in Church calendarhonors key dates of his life in Church calendar Some 6 to 8 million members todaySome 6 to 8 million members today

Native Prophetic MovementsNative Prophetic MovementsAladura ChurchesAladura Churches

1918:1918: influenza epidemic in Yoruba lands of influenza epidemic in Yoruba lands of Nigeria lead to formation of a faith healing Nigeria lead to formation of a faith healing church Aladura (= “Owners of Prayer”)church Aladura (= “Owners of Prayer”)

Since 1920’s has spawned many off-shoots:Since 1920’s has spawned many off-shoots: Cherubim and Seraphim SocietyCherubim and Seraphim Society Christ Apostolic ChurchChrist Apostolic Church The Church of the Lord, AladuraThe Church of the Lord, Aladura

Native ChurchesNative ChurchesAfrican Independent ChurchesAfrican Independent Churches

African Independent Churches (“AIC’s”) African Independent Churches (“AIC’s”) include:include: ““Prophetic Churches” Aladura churches, churches Prophetic Churches” Aladura churches, churches

of William Wade Harris and Simon Kimbanguof William Wade Harris and Simon Kimbangu Ethiopian ChurchesEthiopian Churches Zionist ChurchesZionist Churches


““Ethiopian” ChurchesEthiopian” Churches Several native churches adopted the “Ethiopian” Several native churches adopted the “Ethiopian”

namename Psalm 68: Psalm 68: “Let Ethiopia hasten to stretch out her “Let Ethiopia hasten to stretch out her

hands to God”hands to God” 1896:1896: Ethiopia gained further appealed by its Ethiopia gained further appealed by its

resounding defeat of Italian colonial invadersresounding defeat of Italian colonial invaders


Zionist ChurchesZionist Churches Zion City, Illinois, headquarters of an American Zion City, Illinois, headquarters of an American

Charismatic movementCharismatic movement 1910:1910: branch established in Africa; quickly branch established in Africa; quickly

became lead by natives and adopted African became lead by natives and adopted African customscustoms

PolygamyPolygamy Ritual taboosRitual taboos Native African beliefs in exorcism, witchcraft, Native African beliefs in exorcism, witchcraft,

possessionpossession


“… “… churches like the Harrists and the churches like the Harrists and the Kimbanguists, the Zionist and the Aladura Kimbanguists, the Zionist and the Aladura traditions, are significant because they suggest traditions, are significant because they suggest the real fervor that Christianity inspired outside the real fervor that Christianity inspired outside the West. They confound the standard the West. They confound the standard mythology about how Christianity was, and is, mythology about how Christianity was, and is, exported to a passive or reluctant Third World … exported to a passive or reluctant Third World … it might have been the European empires that it might have been the European empires that first kindled Christianity around the world, but first kindled Christianity around the world, but the movement soon enough turned into an the movement soon enough turned into an uncontrollable brushfire.”uncontrollable brushfire.” (Jenkins, p 53) (Jenkins, p 53)

World Christianity World Christianity Since the End of Since the End of the Colonial Erathe Colonial Era

Collapse of the Colonial EraCollapse of the Colonial Era

Weakened European Powers after World War II Weakened European Powers after World War II began slow breakup of their empires late 1950’s to began slow breakup of their empires late 1950’s to early 1960’s. Some landmarks:early 1960’s. Some landmarks: 1947:1947: British withdrew from India and Pakistan British withdrew from India and Pakistan 1949:1949: Dutch recognized independence of Indonesia Dutch recognized independence of Indonesia 1957:1957: Ghana became independent (first in Africa) Ghana became independent (first in Africa) 1960:1960: Zaire and Nigeria independent Zaire and Nigeria independent 1962:1962: Algeria independent Algeria independent 1979:1979: Zimbabwe independent Zimbabwe independent 1994:1994: White rule ended in South Africa White rule ended in South Africa

Collapse of the Colonial EraCollapse of the Colonial Era

There was fear whether the African and Asian There was fear whether the African and Asian churches (churches (“a skeleton without flesh or bulk, a “a skeleton without flesh or bulk, a mission educated minority who were leading mission educated minority who were leading nascent Christian institutions”nascent Christian institutions”) could survive ) could survive the end of colonial era:the end of colonial era: Kenya, 1950’s: Mau Mau rebels targeted the Anglican Kenya, 1950’s: Mau Mau rebels targeted the Anglican

Church as branch of the colonial regimeChurch as branch of the colonial regime Belgian Congo, 1960’s: widespread violence against Belgian Congo, 1960’s: widespread violence against

Christian believers and ClergyChristian believers and Clergy Muslim insurgency in Algeria uprooted the old Catholic Muslim insurgency in Algeria uprooted the old Catholic

missionsmissions

Collapse of the Colonial EraCollapse of the Colonial EraGrowth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

8.760

360

633

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Year

mil

lio

ns

Data from: Sanneh, p. 14 and Jenkins, p. 3

Collapse of the Colonial EraCollapse of the Colonial Era Growth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

Since Since 19651965, percent of population who are Christians , percent of population who are Christians has risen from 25% to 46%has risen from 25% to 46% 2001:2001: 8.4 million new Christians a year (23,000 a day), of 8.4 million new Christians a year (23,000 a day), of

which 1.5 million are new convertswhich 1.5 million are new converts 1960’s:1960’s: Christians began to outnumber Muslims Christians began to outnumber Muslims

““Black Africa today is totally inconceivable Black Africa today is totally inconceivable apart from the presence of Christianity”apart from the presence of Christianity”

- Adrian Hastings, historian- Adrian Hastings, historian

Christianity after the Colonial EraChristianity after the Colonial Era Growth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

“… “… just as Europe’s northern tribes turned to just as Europe’s 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.”political, social and economic chaos.”

- Kenneth Woodward- Kenneth Woodward

The Mission ChurchesThe Mission Churches

Academics and Journalists often emphasize Academics and Journalists often emphasize the native, independent churches (such as the the native, independent churches (such as the AIC’s), but the dominant churches of Southern AIC’s), but the dominant churches of Southern Christianity remain the original mission Christianity remain the original mission churches – Catholicism, Anglicanism, churches – Catholicism, Anglicanism, mainstream Protestant churchesmainstream Protestant churches AIC’s (African Independent Churches account for AIC’s (African Independent Churches account for

10% of Christians in Africa)10% of Christians in Africa)

The Mission ChurchesThe Mission ChurchesCatholicismCatholicism

Latin America has 424 million Catholics, 50 Latin America has 424 million Catholics, 50 million Protestantsmillion Protestants

Africa has 120 million Catholics, expected to Africa has 120 million Catholics, expected to grow to 230 million by 2025grow to 230 million by 2025

Countries with largest Catholic populations:Countries with largest Catholic populations: Brazil: 137 millionBrazil: 137 million Mexico: 89 millionMexico: 89 million Philippines: 61 millionPhilippines: 61 million United States: 58 million (many of Latino United States: 58 million (many of Latino

heritage)heritage)

Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by RegionRegion

20002000

Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise of Global Christianity, p. 195

44%

27%

11%

10%

7% 1%

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Asia

North America

Oceania

Percentage of Catholics by Percentage of Catholics by RegionRegion

20252025

44%

20%

17%

12%

6% 1%

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Asia

North America

Oceania

Source: Table 9.1, in Jenkins, The Next Christendom. The Rise of Global Christianity, p. 195

The Mission ChurchesThe Mission ChurchesAnglicanismAnglicanism

Anglican Communion now has 70 million Anglican Communion now has 70 million membersmembers

2050:2050: global total of Anglicans will be 150 global total of Anglicans will be 150 millionmillion Only a tiny minority will be white EuropeanOnly a tiny minority will be white European


Example of UgandaExample of Uganda Present population 23 millionPresent population 23 million One of the fastest growing countries in AfricaOne of the fastest growing countries in Africa 1920’s:1920’s: strongly evangelical revival movement strongly evangelical revival movement

swept area. Followers known as swept area. Followers known as balokolebalokole (= “the (= “the saved ones”) became major forces in the churchsaved ones”) became major forces in the church

Emphasized healing and visionary experienceEmphasized healing and visionary experience First Anglican archbishop of the Uganda Church First Anglican archbishop of the Uganda Church

after independence in 1961 was a after independence in 1961 was a balokolebalokole


Example of Uganda:Example of Uganda: 1961:1961: Uganda Anglican Church easily survived Uganda Anglican Church easily survived

the transition to Ugandan independencethe transition to Ugandan independence 1977:1977: Anglican Archbishop Janani Luwum Anglican Archbishop Janani Luwum

martyred for opposing the dictatorship of General martyred for opposing the dictatorship of General Idi AminIdi Amin

Today:Today: Anglicans are 35 to 40% of the country’s populationAnglicans are 35 to 40% of the country’s population Twenty diocesesTwenty dioceses 7000 parishes7000 parishes

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal MovementStrength Christian Denominations 2000Strength Christian Denominations 2000

26

79

215

342

386

1057

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Marginal Christians

Anglicans

Orthodox

Protestants

Independents

Roman Catholics

millions

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal Movement

Who are the Independents?Who are the Independents? A significant block of the independents are A significant block of the independents are

PentecostalsPentecostals Worldwide there is a Pentecostal boom, with their Worldwide there is a Pentecostal boom, with their

numbers increasing at a rate of 19 million / yearnumbers increasing at a rate of 19 million / year

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal Movement

Pentecostals:Pentecostals: Grew out of Methodism and the Holiness traditionGrew out of Methodism and the Holiness tradition Preaches a fundamentalist reliance on scriptural Preaches a fundamentalist reliance on scriptural

authorityauthority Also believes in direct spiritual revelations that can Also believes in direct spiritual revelations that can

supplement or even replace biblical authoritysupplement or even replace biblical authority

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal MovementLatin AmericaLatin America

First Pentecostal churches founded before First Pentecostal churches founded before World War IWorld War I

Began to grow rapidly in the 1950’sBegan to grow rapidly in the 1950’s Now accounts for 80 to 90% of non-Catholic Now accounts for 80 to 90% of non-Catholic

Christian growthChristian growth Both international and native denominationsBoth international and native denominations

U.S. based Assemblies of God: 2 million members U.S. based Assemblies of God: 2 million members in USA, 11 millions members in Brazilin USA, 11 millions members in Brazil

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal MovementLatin AmericaLatin America

Three year period in Rio de Janeiro in early Three year period in Rio de Janeiro in early 1990’s:1990’s: 700 new Pentecostal Churches700 new Pentecostal Churches 240 Spiritist temples (mostly of African Umbanda 240 Spiritist temples (mostly of African Umbanda

tradition)tradition) 1 new Roman Catholic parish1 new Roman Catholic parish

Pentecostal MovementPentecostal MovementAfricaAfrica

Pentecostals have overtaken the African Pentecostals have overtaken the African Independent Churches (AIC’s) in popularity in Independent Churches (AIC’s) in popularity in many parts of Africamany parts of Africa

Many would place the AICS into the Many would place the AICS into the “Pentecostal camp” because of their free “Pentecostal camp” because of their free wheeling, Spirit-filled worship”wheeling, Spirit-filled worship”

Catholic ResponseCatholic Response

Establishment of “base communities” Establishment of “base communities” ((comunidades eclesiales de basecomunidades eclesiales de base) emphasizing ) emphasizing heavy lay involvement in liturgy, church life, heavy lay involvement in liturgy, church life, and community organizingand community organizing

Charismatic Catholic groups and organizations Charismatic Catholic groups and organizations developeddeveloped

Catholic ResponseCatholic Response Example: El Shaddai movement in the Example: El Shaddai movement in the

PhilippinesPhilippines 1984:1984: founded by Brother Mike Velarde, who founded by Brother Mike Velarde, who

“looks and behaves like a U.S. mega-star “looks and behaves like a U.S. mega-star televangelist”televangelist”

Holds mass rallies hundreds of thousands strong Holds mass rallies hundreds of thousands strong emphasizing firm belief in God’s direct emphasizing firm belief in God’s direct intervention in everyday lifeintervention in everyday life

Some 7 million members in the Philippines; Some 7 million members in the Philippines; chapters in 25 countries todaychapters in 25 countries today

Catholic Philippine hierarchy has occasionally Catholic Philippine hierarchy has occasionally raised questions about the group’s excessesraised questions about the group’s excesses

Growth of Christianity in AsiaGrowth of Christianity in AsiaPeople’s Republic of ChinaPeople’s Republic of China

1900:1900: 1.2 million Christians in China 1.2 million Christians in China 1949:1949: 5 million Christians 5 million Christians 1951:1951: all Christian missionaries expelled as all Christian missionaries expelled as

Agents of imperialismAgents of imperialism Catholics required to join a Catholic Patriotic Catholics required to join a Catholic Patriotic

AssociationAssociation Protestants had to agree to “three-self” Protestants had to agree to “three-self”

principle: self-government, self-support, self-principle: self-government, self-support, self-propagationpropagation


Today:Today: Chinese Government: 20 million Christians who Chinese Government: 20 million Christians who

belong to government registered churches (1.6% of belong to government registered churches (1.6% of population)population)

U.S. State Department: suggests up to 100 million U.S. State Department: suggests up to 100 million Christians (8% of population)Christians (8% of population)

Would equal number of Buddhists in ChinaWould equal number of Buddhists in China


Today:Today: Jenkins suggests an intermediate figure of 50 Jenkins suggests an intermediate figure of 50

million as more realisticmillion as more realistic More Chinese Christians than the number of “nominal” More Chinese Christians than the number of “nominal”

Christians in Great Britain or FranceChristians in Great Britain or France Growth greater in some regions:Growth greater in some regions:

Henan province: 400,000 to 1 million Christians in the Henan province: 400,000 to 1 million Christians in the 1980’s1980’s


I think mainland China is poised for a major I think mainland China is poised for a major development, perhaps only years away … development, perhaps only years away … Because of reports I read of growing interest Because of reports I read of growing interest in Christianity, and of government in Christianity, and of government attentiveness to the subject. The Chinese attentiveness to the subject. The Chinese seem to reason – whether rightly or not is not seem to reason – whether rightly or not is not for us to say – that Christianity might be the for us to say – that Christianity might be the clue to the apparent success and dynamism clue to the apparent success and dynamism of the West and might offer them a similar of the West and might offer them a similar advantage if they understood it.advantage if they understood it.- Lamin Sanneh, in Whose Religion is Christianity? - Lamin Sanneh, in Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel beyond the West, page 67The Gospel beyond the West, page 67

ReferencesReferences

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 0-19-514616-6University Press, 2002. ISBN 0-19-514616-6

Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West.Beyond the West. Lamin Sanneh. Eerdmans Lamin Sanneh. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, 2003. ISBN 0-Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI, 2003. ISBN 0-8028-2164-28028-2164-2

Documents

World Christianity 4 Standing Alone. Author Philip Jenkins. A native of England. Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Penn State