Article Summary
The presented article indicates that people in “Western Europe are going through a period of religious change” (Mortensen 21). The argument is supported using Philip Jenkins’ analysis. Jenkins indicates that the future of Christendom will have changed significantly by the year 2050. The demographic explosion experienced in the developing world will catalyze this kind of change. Jenkins also argues that Christianity is a religion that is undergoing rapid transformation (Mortensen 22).
Since the religion is not bound to space and time, it will travel to different corners of the world. After new communities get to know about the religion, the Bible is translated to local languages to ensure God’s message is shared much faster.
Secularization has become a reality as new religions emerge in various regions. For instance, many people are staying in church without caring about its progress. This means that Christianity has become a form of civil religion. The future of Christianity, therefore, depends on the choices made by believers today. This is something that will either result in a clash of religious civilizations or foster a multiethnic (or multicultural) coexistence. The author concludes by proposing a dialogue among cultures. Such a discourse will bring more people together and empower them to prepare themselves “for God’s transformative actions” (Mortensen 26). The practice will promote an authentic Christian coexistence across the globe.
The Author’s Message: Main subject
The author is trying to inform the reader about the future of Christianity. Using Jenkin’s ideas, he indicates that Christianity is a religion that is expected to travel or move southwards (Mortensen 23). This is true because most of the mainline Christian churches across Europe have declined significantly.
The current rate of diversification is characterized by tensions as the religion tries to develop a sense of uniformity (Mortensen 25). This development will result in new priorities or goals in mission. In the future, churches will be confronted with the choice between a peaceful coexistence and a class of religious developments.
Examples Used by the Author
The author uses several examples to reinforce his argument. The first one is that of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The building, that was once a monument for Christianity, is now occupied by Muslims. This kind of transition indicates that Christianity is a religion that is one the move. The second example is the Christian exodus that took place in the year 70 when the Romans conquered Jerusalem (Mortensen 21). The author argues that the situation experienced today is similar to that of the first century. The third example is that Christianity was spread to different corners of the world throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, the decline of mainline churches in Europe is a powerful example that supports the notion that Christianity is on the move.
Agreeing With the Article: Reasons
I strongly agree with the arguments and insights presented by the author. The first reason for agreeing with him is because he has offered powerful examples to support every idea. The second one is that history proves that Christianity has been transferred and embraced in many regions within the past twenty centuries. The solution suggested by the author is that Christians should embrace multiculturalism and acknowledge that change is inevitable (Mortensen 26). This perception will encourage more individuals to embrace these religious changes and support the essence of the gospel. The ultimate goal is to view God as the one in charge of the universe.
Work Cited
Mortensen, Viggo. “What is Happening to Global Christianity?” Dialog: A Journal of Theology, vol. 43, no. 1, 2004, pp. 20-27.