The first edition of The Next Christendom has been hailed as a landmark in our understanding of modern Christianity. In this new and substantially expanded second edition; Jenkins continues to illuminate the remarkable expanion of Christianity in the global South--in Africa; Asia; and Latin America--as well as the clash betwen Islam and Christianity since September 11. Among the major topics covered are the growing schism between Northern and Southern churches over issues of gender and sexuality; immigrant and ethnic churches in North America; and a special section on the split within the Anglican Communion. The first in a three-book trilogy on the changes besetting modern Christianity; this award-winning book will be welcomed by all of those who have come to recognize Philip Jenkins as one of our leading commentators on religion and world affairs.
#915771 in Books 2007-03-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .90 x 9.20l; 1.04 #File Name: 019518307X336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good for Theology classBy Tami BarrettWould not recommend just as a reader; but was good for Theology class.23 of 25 people found the following review helpful. An Important Popular Book. It can't do everything.By B. MaroldThis is a response to the reviewers who gave the book between 1 and three stars. My primary observation is that there is no way that a book aimed at a popular audience can touch all bases; personalities; issues; and prognostications. Let us be thankful that Jenkins has made known to us something about "Christianity South" and "Christianity East."I was quite surprised; for example; at the relative growth of Christianity versus Islam in sub-Saharan Africa (by the way; that is everything in Africa south of the Sahara; down to the Cape of Good Hope.) But like some of the complaints from the one and two star reviewers; there is not much said about the explanation for this fact; except to suggest that African Christianity has found its own source of inspiration; and grows on that. It is no longer driven by European and American missionaries. But there is no citation for "Liberation Theology" in the index; which I found odd. This is a sign that the author's primary interest is demographic and social; not theological.If you order a used copy; you want to be sure you are getting the third edition. I compared the table of contents for the first and third editions; and there is much added; especially on "The Rise of the New Christianity". On a contemporary topic; you will be missing something if you don't have the latest edition.If you are interested in world Christianity; you can hardly find anything as illuminating as this 3rd Edition popular book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Required Reading to learning about the health and growth of ChristianityBy James WilsonThis is the most incredible; stunningly insightful books on worldwide Christianity in the 21st Century I have read. It should be required reading for every seminarian/church leader; foreign policy student/adviser and politician (of every party).
