Presentation Transcript

1. Christianity: A Global View

   Christianity: An Introduction
2. Christianity: A Global View Christianity was once a western religion, but has grown to be global. During the Middle Ages, Christianity became a very important part of European culture and exerted much influence. Today, areas for growth and development lie in South America, Asia, and Africa. The movement is now diverse and shaped by new cultural factors
3. Africa End of 19th century – Christianity was a tiny minority in Africa Christianity was seen as a colonial religion, imposed by European powers in their quest for influence Christian leaders generally were imported from Europe. End of the 20th century – Christianity was dominant in the sub-Saharan African region
4. What About North Africa? Christianity established itself in North African in the first centuries of the Church in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, and particularly in Egypt (Alexandria). So, where did it go? In the Arab invasions, most of North Africa became Muslim; most ; Ethiopia and Egypt retained some Christianity. By the opening of the 16th century, Islam dominated the north; there was no significant Christian territory.
5. No Early Progress Portuguese settlers landed in Cape Verde Islands off of the West African coast but nothing spread to the mainland 18th Century: evangelical awakening in England; British missionary societies became active in Africa in late 18th/early 19th century. Christian missionaries were not optimistic; Islam was deeply imbedded in many parts of Africa and in tune with the soul of the people. 1897: British religious establishment leaders were saying Christianity had failed to establish in the region. 19th Century BishopJohn William Colenso
6. Native African People Convert Indigenous people native to Africa began to convert, as Christianity gradually grew. Marginalized peoples were among the first: slaves, poor, women. The indigenous people becoming catechists and pastors encouraged people to become Christian much more than Europeans
7. Trouble Ahead: Culture Clashes Tensions arose with Christianity spreading. Polygamy: African indigenous people recognized the merits of polygamy. Christians stressed a man only having one wife African Methodist Church: Roots in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1917 After World War I (1914-1918): Much transition & development 10 million African Christians in 1900 145 million in 1970 400 million in 2000
8. Christian-Muslim Relations The Islam-Christianity interface is cause of great conflict Nigeria, Sudan: split between the north and south Sudan today
9. African Heritage Churches 20th Century saw the rise of many Christian churches that focus on traditional African heritage within the context of an African faith Some attributes of these churches: charismatic in nature, focus on spiritual healing, exorcism, interpreting dreams and prophetic guidance Eternal Sacred Order of Cherbim and Seraphim (top left) – based in Nigeria, reacts to the culture of the 19th century West South African Churches – after apartheid: some racist white Churchest led to Zionist Churches that celebrate black African identity in the face of hostility; has spread throughout Africa.
10. Today, Future in Africa The western-style worship has been replaced with African-style worship led by Africans African Christian leaders seem to think Western Europe should be reconverted to Christianity McGrath: Are leaders up to the task?
11. Southeast Asia 1521 – Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered 3,141 Islands in the South Pacific Under Spanish rule, various religious orders, especially the Franciscans and Dominicans developed a program of evangelization 1898 – the Islands came under American Rule Catholicism is dominant on the Islands, though some Protestant missionaries have had an effect there
12. Southeast Asia: Japan For most of Southeast Asia, Christianity is a minority 1549 – Christianity first came to Japan when Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary traveled to Kagoshima 1550 he went to capital, Kyoto 1865 – “Doors opened to the West” – 60,000 Christians existed 1868-1912 Meiji period: gained some following 1873 – Freedom of Religion in Japan, but Christianity was seen as an import “It tastes of butter”
13. Southeast Asia: China & Korea China: 1294 Franciscan missionaries first reached China (781 – Sigan-Fu Tablet mentions missionary activity) Opium War (1840s) - open up the “Middle Kingdom” to some ideas from the West With the 19th Century came interest in commerce and therefore the west Hudson Taylor – Chinese Evangelization Society – founded the China Inland Mission in 1865 Showed awareness of cultural differences in China
14. Southeast Asia: China Christianity remained very Western in the eyes of many Chinese and did not take too great a hold 1894-1895 – Japan defeats China in war, due to the presence of foreigners in the country, or so many believed I Ho Ch’uan crusade of 1899-1900: fanatical opposition to foreign investment and religious activity Republic of China: Established in 1911, some religious tolerance existed People’s Republic of China – 1949: ejection of all western missionaries 1960s – forcible suppression of Christianity (and all religion)
15. Southeast Asia: China 1979 – Cultural revolution ended; Christianity survived. Three main strands exist in Chinese Christianity: “Three Self” Church (1951) – three principles: self-supporting, self-administering, self-propagating (a.k.a. stay away from foreign influence) Catholic Church – struggles with insistence people not depend on foreign agencies Some strands independent of the Vatican have arisen House Church Movement – 50 million followers?
16. Southeast Asia: Korea Late 18th Century: Small Catholic community established following initiatives from Beijing, China 19th Century: persecutions of this community; 8,000 of 18,000 total community killed Friendship treaty with the United States 1882: Some stability returned Protestant missionaries soon after began hospital missions In 2000, 50 million people in South Korea; 49 percent Christian, 47 percent Buddhist
17. Southeast Asia: Korea 1910: Japan annexed Korea; stayed under Japanese rule through World War II Christians played active role in Korean independence movement 1911 popular revolt: 98 of 123 people tried were Christian After World War II – Korean War 1950; North becomes communist, south democratic Surge in numbers: 1957- 800,000 Protestants in Korea, 1968 – 1,873,000; Catholics: 285,000 in 1957 to 751,000 in 1968 and then 1,144,000 in 1986.
18. Southeast Asia: Korea Today – Christian missionaries throughout Asia often come from Korea Korean Churches are networked – Sydney, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York; Christianity has made deep inroads Now growing: Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia
19. North America American Revolution – 1776 – Separation of Church and State isolated Christianity from positions of privilege, reducing possibility of being compromised Early Colonial Period: essentially Protestant; immigration from Italy and Ireland led to a significant Roman Catholic increase in population 2002 – Religious Affiliation 76.5% Christian Denominationally: 24.5% Roman Catholic 16.5% Baptist 6.8% Methodist/Wesleyan 4.6% Lutheran 2.7% Presbyterian 2.1% Pentecostal/Charismatic 1.7% Episcopalian 1.3% Latter Day Saints/Mormon 1.2% Church of Christ 0.7% Congregational/United Church of Christ 0.5% Assembly of God
20. South America Council of Trent led to the “Catholic Reformation” or “Counter-Reformation” 16th Century – Conquistadores – Spanish and Portuguese expansion in the territory Latin America was a “bastion of Roman Catholicism” and Liberation Theology Concerns with the poor; proposed programs and solutions to social realities Evangelical communities sprung up; 50 million of 450 million population of Central and South America are Protestant
21. Europe Christianity in Europe – roots we have much discussed World War I: begin of a decline? 1950-1989 – Marxist regimes suppressed Christianity Soviet political and military influence – anti-religion Poland – election of John Paul II
22. Christianity: A Survey of Contemporary Forms Christianity is very diverse, with different approaches to Church leadership, worship styles, cultural contexts, etc. The largest group is Roman Catholicism
23. Roman Catholicism Roman Catholicism is the largest denomination world-wide and in the United States Statistics show moderate growth in the U.S. French Revolution cast doubt on the future of Catholicism; Napoleonic Era once was thought to be the end of Catholicism Congress of Vienna – reshaped Europe after Napoleon Archbishop John Carroll – first Archbishop of United States (Baltimore) University of Notre Dame – helped Catholicism emerge in U.S.
24. Roman Catholicism Headquarters in Rome (Vatican City), thus “Roman Catholicism” “Most convinced” Roman Catholicism will remain dominant in the next century Second Vatican Council (1962-1965): “renewing agenda” to the Church Tensions within Catholicism: Priest abuse scandal, smaller priesthood The Papacy – will there be a non-Western pope? Here are some features of Roman Catholicism
25. Roman Catholicism Hierarchical understanding of leadership: Pope influences appointment of bishops; bishops run dioceses, ministered to by priests. Cardinal – is a special title; College of Cardinals elects the pope. “Roman Catholic” – Rome is Center of movement; Vatican City is the center of the movement, place where Councils are held. Churchseen as divine; under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Magisterium – The teaching authority of the Church. Council of Trent – interpretation of Scripture rests with them..
26. Roman Catholicism 4. Catholic clergy celibate, male priesthood. Priests do not marry in order to minister full-time. Other leadership roles are held by lay men and women; some lay orders are committed to religious life. 5. Catholicism is strongly liturgical: forms of worship follow a pattern. Latin was the language of the Church until Second Vatican Council; now vernacular. 6. Catholicism is Sacramental: seven sacraments; the mass with Eucharist is seen as central life of the Church 7. Monastic life/retreats/formation 8. Mary and the Saints can pray for people in heaven.
27. Eastern Orthodoxy Greek and Russian forms – traces liturgy and doctrines to early church; established a presence in North America and in Australia. Strong sense of historical continuity with the early Church; paradosis – “Tradition”, particularly the writings of the Greek Fathers Gregory of Nyssa, Maximus the Confessor, and “Dionysius the Areopagite” Orthodoxy recognizes seven Ecumenical Councils; nothing after the Council of Nicaea has binding authority Opposed to authority that emerged from the west; authority is dispersed among the faithful. Sobornost– universality in this sense Theological ideas: Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone (Filoque controversy); God became human in order that humans become God; divine Logos imparted to humanity through incarnation.
28. Eastern Orthodoxy 5. Orthodox use of icons – strong emphasis on the incarnation of the Son of God – consequences for prayer and spirituality; icons are “windows of perception”. 6. Monasteries – remain important role of articulation. Most bishops come from monasteries. 7. Orthodox clergy may marry; Bishops are not, generally. Only males may be ordained and the possibility of female priests is rejected on the basis of continuity with tradition.
29. Pentecostalism Charles Parham – January 1, 1901: Launching of Bethel Bible College in Topeka, KS “Speaking of tongues” described in Acts 2:1-4 He began teaching of “gift of tongues” This spread throughout the united States; included healings, prophesy, and exorcism. Sometimes called “Charismatic”, employed worship style of informal worship with “worship songs”
30. Pentecostalism This has become popular because: Direct immediate experience of God; avoids dry, cerebral forms Language and form of communication seems to bridge cultural gaps
31. Protestantism Protestantism – widely used to trade historical roots back to the European Reformation of the 15th century Early Protestant writers affirm “catholic” credentials “Denomination” is used to speak of different lines of Protestantism All Protestant denominations permit ministers to marry; most (not all) have allowed women to be ordained to full-time ministry.
32. Protestantism Differences from Catholicism: The authority of pope is rejected Recognition of two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist Some doctrine either rejected or allowed to exist as a private belief Prior to Vatican II, only Protestant denominations used vernacular language
33. Anglicans “Anglicanism” denotes features of ecclesia Anglicana – national Church of England Expanded with English influence Main features: Anglicanism is an episcopal Church: traces lines to early church demonstrating historical continuity Importance to English city of Canterbury: the Archbishop of Canterbury – spiritual head of Anglicanism (but less power than the pope); every 10 years, Anglican bishops gather in Canterbury Thirty-Nine Articles – guided theologically from the time of the Elizabethan settlement Archbishop Williams
34. Anglicans 4. Book of Common Prayer (1662) – “spirit of Anglicanism” in a fixed liturgical form 5. Trend toward decentralization: Australia and Canada wish to shake off “colonial” image 6. Predominately an English-language Church; some outside use local languages, as in Africa
35. Baptists Origins are in the more radical sections of the Reformation: believed the Church was a pure society of believers, rather than a mixed body. 17th Century – growing support for the idea that baptism should only be for those who publicly affirmed their faith as an adult Notable people: C.H. Spurgeon, William Carey, Billy Graham
36. Baptists Some attributes: Infant Baptism is regarded as unjustified; adult baptism is distinctive Baptist are theologically conservative; “the Bible Belt” refers to the insistence on high value on the role of the Bible in the southern U.S.; they are becoming increasingly evangelical Baptist Churches avoid traditional form of church architecture; the pulpit, not altar is at the center Criticism of fixed liturgies Baptist clergy are “ministers”; “priest” is avoided, as is episcopal system of church government
37. Lutherans Form of Protestantism deriving from Luther’s reformation of the German Church in the 1520s. Greatest expansion came in Scandinavia, German, and North America Luther stressed continuity with the medieval church while introducing doctrinal and other changes he felt were necessary.
38. Lutherans Some major attributes: Strongly liturgical; a means of ensuring historical continuity with the past, as well as doctrinal orthodoxy Augsburg Confession and Formula of Concord – define Lutheranism theologically Retains sacramental emphasis – baptism is “necessary and effectual to salvation”
39. Methodists Methodism – movement within the Church of England by John Wesley. “Methodist” was a nickname based on the methodical nature of the devotions and disciplines of John Wesley. Some attributes: Particular emphasis on role of the laity: office of “lay preacher” illustrates this. Personal faith integrated with social action; the gospel is personal and for social transformation Theological stance that has “an optimism of grace”
40. Presbyterianism and other Reformed Christians “Presbyters” or “elders” govern Reformed worship on the reading and preaching fo the Word of God Reformed faith – Westminster Confession Emphasis on sovereignty of God in predestination
41. After World War II, people may have developed a nostalgia for the quiet times of the past. Baby boom and housing explosion in the suburbs took place; home and family became important focuses. With anxiety from the Depression, World War II, and the “Cold War”, home became stability Secular intellectuals were prepared to listen to theologians, and many were writing Fundamentalists gave the revival leadership: National Association of Evangelicals, Youth for Christ, and others N.A.E. rejected “fundamentalist” label; preferred “Evangelical Youth for Christ: recruitment rallies The Religious Revival of the Fifties and Evangelism
42. New Evangelism brought into focus by Billy Graham, recruited by Youth for Christ to be an evangelist at rallies Graham converted a television star, an Olympic Athlete, and racketeer Mickey Cohen and rose to popularity Graham expressed a distaste for interdenominational feuds, deported “fumbling fundamentalists” who destroyed their effectiveness with intolerance His universal outreach and mounting anxiety during the Korean conflict and Red-hunt of McCarthy ear brought him to the forefront The Religious Revival of the Fifties and Evangelism Graham
43. Graham depicted the United States as “falling apart at the seams” over deficit spending, “giveaway” foreign aid programs, “immorality in high places”, the influence of “big labor” and “pinks and lavenders” in Washington Communism was “masterminded by Satan” and it was a mistake to think Satan could be defeated by “flesh and blood and guns and bullets” “If you would be a true patriot, then become Christian” Religious conservatism and anti-Communism was appealing to many. The Religious Revival of the Fifties and Evangelism Senator McCarthy:face of Cold War
44. The Globalization of Christianity Agree or disagree?: global culture displaces local culture Some find that world capitalism is leading towards secularization as one global culture is developed. Some have regained religious identity in the face of this: 1979 Iran Revolution Hindu National Party in India Enlightenment – not a global phenomenon and did not have global support Some say new interest in personal spirituality supports Eastern religions
45. The Globalization of Christianity Second approach: Religion will continue to be part of a global culture Consumerism leads to people constructing their own worldviews Amalgam – a mixture, something constructed according to taste (often used in chemistry with metals) Some feel Christian groups will converge in the face of oppression English – becoming preferred language of Christian community; it is in trade. This could be temporary as emergence of Asian Christianity keeps going
46. The Challenge of Fundamentalism Fundamentalism – generally defined as “revivalist conservative religious orthodoxy” Anthony F.C. Wallace – 1969 study – three stages of cultural or religious revitalization Social change takes place, which results in cultural tension Tension leads to attempt to accommodate change Reaffirmation of traditional cultural patterns take place Fundamentalism is reactive; much of this stems to new discoveries about the Bible as far as dating it. Anthony Wallace, Prof. ofAnthropology, UPenn
47. Tensions Between Christianity and Islam Newt Gingrich, in the New York Times 12/22/2011 “I believe Sharia is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the United States and in the world as we know it. I think it’s that straightforward and that real.” Sharia – the moral law in Islam that encompasses one’s whole being Some in the United States see this as a threat
48. Uncertain Future of Protestant Denominations “Denomination”: An expression of European culture? With regular demographic shifts, do any of these denominations with individual culture have a future at all?
49. Commodification/McDonaldization of Christianity in the West Commodity? George Ritzer – “McDonaldization”: the process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society Efficiency Calculability Predictability Control
50. Demands for De-Westernization of Christianity Interplay between religion and culture Western theology: result of assumption of the universality and modes of western thought and discourse. Cultural influence abounds Post-modernism
51. Emergence of News Ways of “Being Church” Three new ways of “being church”: Community Church – vehicle of social renewal and Christian fellowship. Community is no longer something in which you are born into; it has to be created Cell Church – “small groups” – in addition to meeting regularly for worship, smaller groups break out for Bible study and prayer As small groups get bigger, they split into two Larger churches lose sense of “belonging” and created small groups as a way of nourishing and sustaining, personal intimacy, and sharing Espresso bar at Church?
52. Emergence of News Ways of “Being Church” Seeker sensitive – try to move ecclesial barriers between the un-churched and Christian faith. Christian cultural trappings a barrier to Jesus Huge auditoriums and atriums; avoiding hymn books, prayer books, kneelers, clerical robes, and anything else that may be intimidating