Don't underestimate the value of a proper perspective. Our ability to see the Truth and facts clearly, which exist independent of our comprehension or acceptance of them, often is heavily influenced by the combination of our own point of view, and our awareness/acceptance that other views exist. With that in mind, the chart above offers us 18 categories where statistics regarding the global Christian population can be applied. Before offering some general thoughts, let me look at whether or not I am in the majority or minority for each.
1. Language: Minority. I speak English, only 10/100 Christians speak English
2. Continent: Minority. I live in NA, only 11/100 Christians live in NA.
3. Tradition: Minority. I'm a Protestant, only 22/100 Christian are Protestants
4. Gender Inequality: Majority. 55/100 Christians live in nations with low inequality.
5. Age: Majority. 64/100 Christians are between 15-64
6. Urbanization: Minority. Only 35/100 Christians live in rural communities
7. Internet: Majority. 53/100 have access to the internet, but its almost an even split.
8. Water: Majority. 86/100 have access to clean water.
9. Malaria: Majority. 95/100 do not have Maleria.
10. HIV: Majority. 99/100 do not have HIV.
11. Life Expectancy: Majority. 55/100 have expectancy of 75+ (It is currently 78 in USA)
12. Infant: Majority. 98/100 children born to Christians survive infancy.
13. Physicians: Majority 66/100 have access to doctors.
14. Development: Minority. Only 19/100 Christians live in highly developed countries/regions.
15. Corruption: Minority. Only 21/100 live in countries with low levels of corruption.
16. Income: Minority. Only 19/100 live on >$100 per day.
17. Literacy: Majority. 89/100 are literate.
18. Education: Majority. 65/100 have secondary education.
Looking at the list, that places me in the minority 7 times, with the majority 11 times, but the ones where I am in the minority (and so are you if you're reading this as a Protestant in the USA) are very significant: Language, Continent, Tradition, Urbanization, Development, Corruption, and Income. The conclusion is inescapable: When compared to the bulk of Christians living in the world today, I have tremendous privileges and advantages. {And yes, this doesn't take into account the additional benefits of being a white male as well, placing me ahead of others here in America that must contend with racism or sexism.}
1. The Church in America is a small piece of God's Kingdom around the globe.
Given the cultural hegemony enjoyed by America, as well as the out-sized role played by the United States on the world stage since WWII, it is natural for American Christians to assume that we are the rudder that steers the Christian vessel; that what happens here will determine the future of the Church. The explosive growth of Christianity in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres in recent generations has made that assumption less and less true with each passing year. This was, of course, the dream of the Modern Missions movement, establishing the Church in new nations around the globe. Our responses? Humility and hallelujahs. Whether or not the Church in America grows or declines in coming decades, the global Church is moving forward, the kingdom of God is expanding rapidly, and souls are being saved.
2. Most of the worlds Christians do not speak our language, enjoy our rights/freedoms, or have nearly as many resources and opportunities in life.
As Christians, we ought to be familiar with God's grace. It is part of the foundation of our theology that we don't deserve the loving kindness of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. We need to also remember that many of the other blessings we enjoy in life are 'accidents of birth', not products of our hard work, and thus once again acts of God's grace. Thank God for your blessings, support organizations that work to help alleviate poverty and injustice, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ for whom the simple act of living life is not so simple.
3. Our hopes, fears, concerns as rural American Protestant Christians may be out of touch with the hopes, fears, and concerns of most of the world's Christians.
Have you ever been involved in a social media squabble among Christians about an issue that would seem trivial to Christians living under an oppressive regime or trying to raise a family on less than $10 per day? Have you ever been to a church committee meeting where people were upset about a decision made, not because we have no choices, but too many? Perhaps some of what consumes our time and energy is not as important as we think it is. We have Bibles in abundance, access to numerous excellent seminaries, the freedom to worship where, when, and how we choose. The controversies that consume us, the fears that keep us up at night, are not the same as those facing the majority of our brothers and sisters around the globe.
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