Global Christianity: Current Trends and Developments - Hardcover

by Vebjørn L. Horsfjord (Author), Sven Thore Kloster (Author), Gina Lende (Author)

Over the last few decades, Christianity's center of gravity has moved from the global north to the global south. While church buildings in Western Europe are being closed or sold, new megachurches are filled with believers in Africa and Latin America. Charismatic movements practice the Christian religion in new ways, challenging the established churches and society at large on all continents. This scholarly examination of contemporary World Christianity takes a fresh perspective on Christianity as a cultural, political, and social force in our time. It provides up-to-date regional surveys, gives ample attention to the fastest growing branch of Christianity, the Pentecostal movement, and focuses sharply on Catholicism, which with a wide margin is the world's largest denomination. Furthermore, it explores how the Christian religion accommodates as well as challenges political, social, economic, and cultural developments.

Author Biography

Vebjørn L. Horsfjord is professor of religious studies at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. Sven Thore Kloster is a guest researcher at the Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo, and senior advisor on public theology at the Bishops' Conference of the Church of Norway. Gina Lende is associate professor of religious studies at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society. Ole Jakob Løland is postdoctoral researcher and university librarian at the University of Oslo.