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The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Philip Jenkins. Argument. Demographic trends indicate that by 2050, most Christians will live in the Southern Hemisphere By 2050, only 20% of Christians will be non-Hispanic whites Christianity will have to adapt
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The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity Philip Jenkins
Argument • Demographic trends indicate that by 2050, most Christians will live in the Southern Hemisphere • By 2050, only 20% of Christians will be non-Hispanic whites • Christianity will have to adapt • Northerners, both liberal and conservative, need to accept Southern Christianity on its own terms • Distinguish customs from essential beliefs • Recognize cultural prejudices
Southern Christianty • Poorer • Concern for justice • More conservative in beliefs and morals • Among Catholics, strong Marian devotion • More like pre-European ancient Christianity? • Supernatural orientation • Pentecostal churches growing in South • Customs rejected by North • Ancestors, sacrifice, FGM, etc.
African Christianity • Big missionary movements in 1800s • Colonies gained independence mid-1900s • Christians grew from 10 million to 423 million over 20th century • Today • Major denominations (Catholic, Anglican, etc.) • Pentecostal churches • African Independent Churches (AICs) • Confronted by Islam • Nigeria (50% Muslim and 40% Christian) • Somalia (Muslim) and Ethiopia (45% Muslim and 40% Christian)
Questions • What aspects of S. Christianity are most striking to you? • Which push your metaphorical buttons? • Inculturation: how do you determine essential vs. non-essential beliefs and practices? • Core beliefs vs. cultural “accidents” (North and South) • Homosexuality • Women (leadership; marriage; FGM) • Worship styles, architecture, rituals • Example: OK to use corn, not wheat bread, for eucharist? • “Adiaphora”: indifferent things • Whose voices are missing?