Global Christianity

Christianity is not a Western religion; it originated in the Middle East.
It is a global faith, not bound by geography.
11 countries are home to 50% of the world's Christians.
Christianity is spread all over the world, with significant presence in Africa and Asia.

In 1910, two-thirds of Christians lived in Europe, and a little over a quarter lived in the Americas.
Very small percentages lived in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
By 2010, the distribution changed significantly:
- Europe decreased to a quarter of the global Christian population.
- The Americas grew to a little over a third.
- Asia Pacific nearly tripled.
- Sub-Saharan Africa grew 25 times, accounting for nearly a quarter of all Christians.
Christianity is increasingly centered in the developing world.

By 2060, almost half of the world's Christians are projected to live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Slight declines are expected in Latin America and larger declines in Europe.
Asia is projected to remain about the same, while North America sees a decline, and the Middle East/North Africa remain stable.

Experiences of Christianity vary based on cultural context.
Judgments of Christian worship and practices are often based on personal experiences.
A significant percentage of the world's Christians are from Sub-Saharan Africa, impacting the understanding of Christianity.

Theologically, the church is one body of Christ; when one part rejoices or suffers, all do.
There is an obligation to know more about different parts of the Christian body.

Unlike some religions, Christianity emphasizes contextualization.
The way Christianity is communicated shifts depending on location.
Core doctrines remain consistent, but worship practices, music, and preaching styles adjust to communicate the gospel effectively.

In Islam, the Quran can only be truly read and understood in Arabic.
Christianity is not tied to a specific cultural context.
Translations of the Bible are considered the true word of God.
Access to education and financing places an obligation on Western Christians to help provide the Bible in every language.
Wycliffe Bible Translators is a key organization in this effort.

In the West, Christianity often has power and cultural influence.
Many Western Christians are middle class or upper middle class.
Globally, Christianity is growing in countries with high rates of poverty.
Christianity is more a religion of the poor globally.
Poverty does not affect one's relationship with Christ, but it influences the understanding of church needs and practices.