In Chapter 54, Jenkins discusses some key points about the globalization of Christianity. There is a preconceived notion about Christianity and its implications for society. For many years Christianity has been viewed as the religion of the Western, privileged, white population. Although this may have once been true, Jenkins argues that this stereotype no longer exists. Now there is a growing secularization of the West and Christianity is shifting to Africa, Latin America, and Asia. It is projected that by 2050, about one fifth of the world’s Christian population will be non-Hispanic whites. Jenkins tears apart this stereotype of Christianity. Through his dissection a few interesting points emerge. First of all, there is a separation between the Christianity of the North and that of the South. The sects of Christianity that are spreading to the Global South are fundamental and traditionalist: the Roman Catholic Church and radical Protestant denominations. There is now a more fundamental religious presence founded on biblical authority in the South (areas of greater poverty) than in the North. Part of the reason for the church’s separation in this instance is due to the distinct experiences of the two regions. In areas where Christians are persecuted by governments and local vigilantes, Christians obviously face much more suffering than they would in the North where they can practice their religion freely. In these persecuted areas, Biblical passages are used to support the violence, and the persecutions are incorporated into the liturgy. The distinct experiences also call for different interpretations of the Bible. For instance, Books such as the Book of Revelations preach of a harsher reality for Christianity. In the North this Book is not taken as seriously or read as carefully as it is in the South. The Christians experiencing persecution are able to directly relate and apply the words of Revelations.
Although Jenkins does not answer this question explicitly, his explanations and information ask it indirectly. What caused/causes the spread of Christianity to these poorer areas? Why is Christianity moving from the North to the South, especially when so much violence is directed at these areas?
