Christianity’s shift from the Global North to the Global South

Abstract

The most significant trend within global Christianity over the last century has been its profound demographic shift from the Global North to the Global South. Although the percentage of Christians in the world population has remained fairly constant since 1900, where those Christians are found has changed dramatically. In 1900 more than 80% lived in the Global North, but by 2010 that figure had fallen to less than 40%. Despite Christianity’s inherent linguistic and cultural translatability, however, Southern Christianity was formed with and still retains many Northern trappings, so that it often appears foreign to non-Christians (and even, at times, to Southern Christians). In addition, Southern Christians have yet to assume the leadership (in areas as diverse as international Christian organizations and articulating theology) that their global numbers would seem to suggest. Southern Christians also hold a disproportionately small share of global Christian income and wealth, which can inhibit their ability to fund ministry where Christianity is growing most rapidly. Christianity’s shift to the South is not without opportunity, however. In many ways, Southern Christians’ cultures and ways of thinking resemble those of the biblical era more closely than do Northerners’, creating the potential for vibrant new theologies and ways of being the Church. Pentecostal and Charismatic spirituality also energizes many Southern Christians, although this is not without controversy. Finally, Southern Christians tend to live in closer proximity to adherents of other religions than do Northern Christians, opening doors for dialog and mission that the North often resists or avoids.