World Religions

Name:

Course:

Lecturer:

Date:

World Religions

Contemporary Trends

Christian practices are largely being adopted in previous communist societies, with traditional Christianity only being held by activist societies; for instance, Patriarch Bartholomew noted for his ecological lobbying as well as efforts to create a joint religion comprising of various sects. Egyptian Coptic followers have been subjugated by Islam yet recent periods have evidenced a revival of at least sixteen million individuals following the headship of a Pope (Fischer 360). In contrast to this unification, Catholics are noting high dissensions as noted by conventional and liberal views. The same division has also been advanced by the Catholics to other Christian sects with the former arguing that they are the only true faith. The present Pope Benedict XVI aligns to the conventional perspective and prompts Christians to overcome challenges infused by technology as an avenue of spiritual detriment.

This has accorded negative responses from the populace to the Pope’s stand but the most outstanding is that directed to his position regarding celibacy. Catholic priests have been noted as top sexual offenders and the Pope’s position will only aggravate the issue. Rebellious groups have therefore arisen in challenging such concerns, for instance family planning, divorce and same-sex relations amongst others. Reformist priests for example the Columbian Fathers believe that such stringent stands should be modified, to which the Vatican has disagreed. In protestant movements, the same partition in terms of modern and conventional perspectives has also been noted in the US and Europe. Many Christians actually prefer the modern churches as opposed to the traditional ones. Open-minded Anglicans support gay and lesbian practices together with women leadership as opposed to their counterparts (Fischer 363).

Evangelicalism

This Christian practice positions salvation as a significant faith aspect. It comprises of Bible dependence (Biblicism), Christ’s atonement (crucicentrism), convictions (conversionism) and word sharing (activism). Such views were instituted in the past and are still presently used in Christian sects like evangelicals, ordinary churches, and Pentecostals. In the eighteenth century, churches followed Calvinism that disallowed interactions between ‘sinners’ and believers. This flawed view was dissolved by the fundamentalism noted in the nineteenth century that emphasized basic Christian practices like autonomy (Fischer 365). In the twentieth century, the same was modified into political aspects.

In the twenty-first century, charismatic practices have been noted as they stress on spiritual gifts and physical encounters with deity that is largely a product of John Wesley’s views. The first churches to uphold this practice were the Pentecostals who also permitted women in preaching as noted by Joseph Seymour and Aimee McPherson. Presently, charismatic practices have been largely embraced especially in America, Asia and Africa. Mainstream sects accord pre-eminence on devout observances as opposed to charismatic ones. Twenty-five percent of Christians within the world conform to the charismatic practices (Fischer 368).

The Great Reversal

Modern Christianity was initially noted in the US and Europe yet today it is highly evident in Latin America, Asia and Africa. In 1970, Christians from the latter regions comprised of forty-three percent while presently, this has increased by twenty-two percent. The given increase is attributable to Africans and the Chinese, and minor fractions of Koreans, Indians, and Brazilians. Religious scholars believe that this form of inversion has been effected by secularism especially in Europe where church structures are never occupied. In fact, present missionaries now have to be acquired from non-Western regions to Europe for faith restoration.

In the US, the situation has minimal influences owing to the presence of charismatic sects and a large inflow of Christian missionaries; distinguish this to the fact that individuals relocating to Europe are Islamic practitioners (Fischer 369). African scholars believe that the maintenance and extension of Christianity in the upcoming regions is because of upheld conservative communal ideals. Poverty also noted within the identified regions perhaps indicates a necessary function for the growth of Christianity. In Asia, Christianity institutes a sense of equity, in South America the faith is chiefly accepted because of the liberation doctrine with the residents bent on overcoming prejudicial conduct, while in Africa the sect is helpful in addressing political quandaries.

Liberation Theology

A theology employs Christian qualities in initiating collective and political liberty to the underprivileged as noted through individuals like Martin Luther. The Catholic Church is a very notable conformist to this theology as noted since the 1960s. The issue is however perceived differently within the church with the Pope condemning the practice as materially instigated in contrast to instituting spiritual liberation (Fischer 372). The theology has been used by various communities in underdeveloped economies like Ethiopia and Congo to overcome health and political issues.

Feminist Theology

This seeks to enhance women involvement in the churches in terms of preaching, missionary work, and other forms of services. In the Bible, women like Deborah in the Old Testament and Mary, Salome and Hannah amongst others were well integrated in the ministry. Debatable issues like women’s dressing are also addressed by applying communal practices. The theology also stresses the need to create female icons and God’s identity in a female manner to Christians for impartiality within the populace (Fischer 374).

Creation-Centered Christianity

This theology is environmentally sensitive in accordance to God’s charges to humanity as noted in the Edenic garden. Conventional Christians refute this standpoint by arguing that the world is just but a material element that will ultimately waste off and therefore the need to focus on souls as the immaterial aspects (Fischer 375). However, global warming evidences the need for the given issue.

Ecumenical Movement

The ecumenical movement seeks to create a concession between all Christian sects and other factions. For instance, the World Council of Churches has created a platform that unites three hundred social organizations (Fischer 376).

Works Cited

Fischer, Mary. Living Religions. New York, NY: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.