Researchers have found that power, money and members of the Christian faith are being lost in North America and Europe, but are increasing in the Global South. As this shift progresses, the two faith groups might find they have more in common than originally thought.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Dr. Conrad Kanagy, associate professor of sociology, discusses “Global Christian Faith – Will growth in the South and declines in the West cause us to meet in the middle?” The Elizabethtown College Presidential Community Enrichment Series lecture is scheduled for noon in the Swatara Room of Myer Hall.
If we are going to understand other countries, such as (in) the Middle East, we need to understand their religious dimension.”
“Within the last 20 years, there has been an explosion of Christian growth outside North America and Europe,” said Kanagy. Christianity, known primarily for its place in North America and Europe, is now declining in these regions and showing up in Latin America, Africa and Asia. “It’s going to have profound effects on the future of the church, globally, because it means that the center of the church has shifted,” he said.
In his lecture, Kanagy plans to share his research about Global Anabaptists as it relates to what is happening with most Christian groups today. He said he believes these events will cause the churches to meet in the middle, allowing a more unified and egalitarian religion.
“I think this lecture is important because most of the students here are religiously illiterate. Meaning that their awareness of what is happening globally, in terms of religious changes, is pretty minimal,” Kanagy said. “If we are going to understand other countries, such as (in) the Middle East, we need to understand their religious dimension.”
The luncheon is scheduled for noon, followed by the lecture and questions and discussion. Cost is $10. Register by emailing iaenrichseries@etown.edu.