According to Peter Crossing of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, one hundred years ago, the statistical center of Christianity was in Spain, with over 80% of Christians living in Europe and Northern America. But today, broad changes in the Christian population have moved the statistical center to Western Africa. “This 100-year shift is the most dramatic in Christian history,” said Crossing, who spoke in October of last year at the Global Christian Forum in Manado, Indonesia. Other statistics noted at the forum were
• In 1910, less than 2% of Christians were in Africa. Today, 20% live there.
• While 60% of Christians now live outside of Europe and Northern America, their share of Christian income is only 17%.
• The top five languages used in churches are Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Chinese.
• 32.39% of the world’s population consider themselves Christian. The next largest group, Muslims, make up 22.9%.
• In 1960, evangelical Christians were 2.9% of the world’s population. Today they have reached 7.9%.
(Mazda Rosalya, “For 100 Years, Christians Make up One-Third of World’s Population” and “Christianity Underwent Greatest Cultural Shift in 2,000 Years, Says Scholar,” Oct. 10, 2011, The Christian Post.)
[photo: “Praying Together” by Boyznberry, used under a Creative Commons license]
Clearing Customs 