Transcontinental Links, Enlarged Maps, and Polycentric Structures in the History of World Christianity

Abstract

ABSTRACT The new global situation of Christianity requires new historiographical approaches. This article presents and reflects upon the approach developed by the “Munich School of World Christianity,” which is guided by three leading principles: (1) the urgent need for new and enlarged maps of the global history of Christianity—which will enable us to describe the different denominational, regional, and cultural expressions of Christianity as part of a greater whole; (2) an awareness of “polycentric structures” throughout the history of world Christianity—not only in its most recent period but from its very beginnings; and (3) paying proper attention to transregional links and the resulting concept of a global history of Christianity as a history of multidirectional transcontinental interactions, which include early instances of South–South connections. A future history of world Christianity should pay close attention to these principles and rely on intensified interdisciplinary and cross-cultural cooperation.