The Religious Boom The world’s search for something By Louie Christensen Believe it or not, an entire religion is beginning to fade into the history books, and that religion may not be the one you expect. Atheism, yes atheism, is clearing its throat for its finally swan song. A recent study titled “Christianity in Its Global Context: 1970-2010,” shows that mankind as a whole is becoming more religious; but some numbers may surprise you. The world’s “Religious Boom” is far from a mystery – Faith is the churning waters left in the wake of the sunken Communist ship. With Communism came forced atheism, and now that the stranglehold has been lifted, people are free to believe. From Eastern Europe to China, Communism’s seemingly impenetrable seal has been broken, and the pressure building for decades can finally be released. The hearts of the oppressed have been so thirsty for hope; they can’t wait to dive headlong into faith. Are you ready to have Chinese or Nigerian missionaries visiting your church here in the United States to help your congregation or neighborhood? Or to see them visit your hospitals to pray for the sick? You better be, because the United States – the country of “God Bless America” and “In God We Trust” – already receives more missionaries than any other country in the world, and that number is likely to rise. While it is all too easy to assume that America has the whole Christian thing figured out (because you live here and see pictures from your church’s mission trips on the bulletin board), the world is becoming more Christian than the United States. In 1970, China had 95.4 million Christians, while America had an astounding 211 million. But, studies predict that in seven years China will have around 420.4 million Christians, while America will have 288 million. Indeed, there is something special happening in China. Unfortunately, that isn’t the end of the story. The absence of atheism does not directly promote Christianity. There are several other predominant religions with as much appeal – if not more – to a non-believer than Christianity. Imagine dropping a tourist off in front of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe at 11:30am and hoping he meets you in time for lunch at Café de Flore across town. There are countless distractions, wrong turns, and far too many cafes to stumble into to make your lunch partner’s arrival certain. Furthermore, he’s never been to Café de Flore before, despite the fact that he told you he likes Café De Flore…he was just saying it to sound cultured and interesting. If Café de Flore represents Truth, then the streets of Paris are the journeys everyone has to take. This is how the world seems to operate, and truth is sometimes hard to find. The sad reality is that in the foot race of religions, Christianity is losing. Baha’i, a smorgasbord of a religion, is in the slim lead for now. But – if current trends continue – its growing popularity and politically correct appeal will soon push it into a commanding lead. Baha’i is growing at a rate of 1.7 percent per year, while Islam is in close second at 1.6 percent. Both Christianity and Hinduism come in at a sluggish 1.2 percent. Why is the Christian faith – with its major cornerstone and foundation of mission work and spreading the gospel – sitting at 1.2 percent, while a religion like Islam which doesn’t use missionaries is growing faster? Are Christians not doing a good enough job? Christians aren’t doing well enough, because there is always more to do. Not enough people have heard the Gospel, and until they all have, there’s a lot of work to be done. While the world “Missionary” is synonymous with dirt roads and mosquito nets, there are first world countries like Germany and Canada that are starving for Truth; and unless you live in a Christian compound somewhere, your neighborhood needs some missionaries too. Remember, you don’t have to be an occupational missionary to do mission work. The world needs you because you have Christ. This week, pray that God will give Christian missionaries around the world the strength they need to keep fighting for the faith and the courage to preach to those who embrace other religions. And, pray that God will show you your mission field. Whether it’s your cul-de-sac or the streets of Albania, He has a place for you to reach out to others with the good news of faith in Jesus Christ. Louie Christensen is a Senior at the University of Arizona. In addition to a passion for writing, he also assists with a new church just a few blocks from campus in Tucson, Arizona.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 13:26:33 +0000
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