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“Not only is religion growing overall, but Christian specifically is growing. With a 1.17 percent growth rate, almost 2.56 billion people will identify as a Christian by the middle of 2022. By 2050, that number will top 3.33 billion.” - C.Index

Discussion

Tue, 02/08/22

The most important question: What kind of “Christian”? The article notes that the two fastest growing groups are evangelicals and charismatics. “Evangelical” is so broad that it’s almost meaningless. Charismatic, however, is significant. The article mentions that Africa has the most significant growth. I have been to Africa twice. Charismatics are a big and growing group in Africa, emphasizing healing, tongues, VERY loud music, and female pastors/preachers. I wouldn’t be that encouraged by this article.

Wally Morris
Huntington, IN

Tue, 02/08/22

[WallyMorris]

The most important question: What kind of “Christian”? The article notes that the two fastest growing groups are evangelicals and charismatics. “Evangelical” is so broad that it’s almost meaningless. Charismatic, however, is significant. The article mentions that Africa has the most significant growth. I have been to Africa twice. Charismatics are a big and growing group in Africa, emphasizing healing, tongues, VERY loud music, and female pastors/preachers. I wouldn’t be that encouraged by this article.

Are you saying that charismatics, people who believe in healing and tongues, use VERY loud music, and have female pastors/preachers couldn’t be Christians?

"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan

Tue, 02/08/22

I’m saying there are many reasons to doubt the genuineness of the salvation and motivations of many of them. In Africa, charismatic theology and prosperity gospel theology often blend into something very strange.

Wally Morris
Huntington, IN

Sat, 02/12/22

[WallyMorris]

I’m saying there are many reasons to doubt the genuineness of the salvation and motivations of many of them. In Africa, charismatic theology and prosperity gospel theology often blend into something very strange.

Yes. Conrad Mbewe has been speaking to this kind of pagan-Christian hybrid in Zambia for years. I suspect this is not limited to that country or continent. It’s certainly found among charismatics in the US.