The Next Christendom

We are living through one of the greatest transformations in the history of religion worldwide. Over the last century, Christianity has enjoyed explosive growth in the global South - in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Within a few decades, Christianity will be overwhelmingly a non-European, non-white religion. Philip Jenkins argues that what we are seeing is no less than the creation of a new Christendom, which for better or worse will play a major role in world affairs. Thisbook...
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We are living through one of the greatest transformations in the history of religion worldwide. Over the last century, Christianity has enjoyed explosive growth in the global South - in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Within a few decades, Christianity will be overwhelmingly a non-European, non-white religion. Philip Jenkins argues that what we are seeing is no less than the creation of a new Christendom, which for better or worse will play a major role in world affairs. Thisbook offers the first in-depth examination of the globalization of Christianity and discusses the implications for Christian worship, liturgy, culture, and political life. In addition, the denominations that are triumphing all over the global south are strongly traditional and even reactionary by thestandards of economically advanced nations. Their message tends to be charismatic, visionary, and apocalyptic. This newly militant Christianity may give rise to renewed religious rivalry, especially since Islam is expanding in the same areas as Christianity. The resulting confrontations have already given rise to deadly conflicts in places like Nigeria, Malaysia, and Indonesia. An unprecedented and potentially dangerous global change is underway. This intelligent and incisive book is animportant first step toward understanding its challenges and its threats.