Christianity is a complex and contested religion, with origins stretching back to ancient Palestine and a shared history, in different forms, across the world. While it is often perceived to be a Western religion, this is far from an accurately held view; Christianity has existed within, and been practiced across, the world for more than two millennia.
Today, Christianity remains the world’s largest religion. According to The Pew Research Center, as of 2020, there are 2.4 billion people who identify as Christians – just under a third of the world’s population. In addition, within nations with high Christian populations, the majority of Christians are non-Western or non-European, with Africa accounting for 16% of the global Christian population. Latin America, for example, accounts for 24%.
Prof D. Blair, an expert in theology and religious studies, notes that the perception of Christianity as a Western religion began with the Age of Imperialism: “The spread of the faith brought it into contact with the non-Western parts of the world, but it inherited a great deal of cultural baggage. This included the view that Christianity was basically a white, European faith.”
In fact, many of the earliest Christian communities were based in the Middle East and included Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Anatolia. These communities were spreading Christianity far beyond Europe in the first century, and it continued to spread to Northern and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as throughout the rest of the Middle East.
Despite this, the ‘Westernization’ of Christianity has been twofold in modern times, as Prof. Blair highlights: “One factor is that Christian churches have been heavily impacted by the culture of their immediate surroundings. In the modern world, this often means taking on Western cultural traits. Many denominations also make active efforts to promote a ‘westernised’ version of the faith, focused on the cultural values and norms of Europe or the United States.”
For many, then, the perception of Christianity as a Western religion is wrong. D. Blair concludes: “Christianity is a global religion, with adherents spread across the world. To label it as a ‘Western’ religion is not only inaccurate, but can be damaging, as it implies a hierarchy of beliefs that can be seen as oppressive. It certainly goes against the teachings of Jesus and the other early Church Fathers.”
European and American Evangelicalism
European and American Evangelicalism has had an incredible effect in shaping how Christianity is perceived and practiced around the world. Evangelicalism, which emerged in the 1700s, is an offshoot of Protestantism and emphasizes a personal relationship with God, through a conversion experience, as well as a personal moral and spiritual transformation.
Today, it is estimated that there are over 600 million people who identify as Evangelical Christians and it is one of the fastest-growing Christian traditions. While the majority of Evangelicals are from the Global South, this movement has been heavily reliant on support from the Western world and its influence has shaped – and continues to shape – how Christianity is perceived and practiced around the world.
Crucially, the ideals of Evangelicalism have been embraced even by Christians from other denominations, contributing to this view of Christianity as a Western religion. In certain Christian countries, in particular, conservative evangelical values have become blurred with regional cultural norms, leading to the dominance of a Western-style of Christianity.
Issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ rights, human rights, and social justice have been greatly affected by Evangelicalism. As Dr. G. L. Clark, a leading religion expert, notes: “This has had a huge effect on the way Christianity is understood and practiced in the Global South, particularly in countries where gender roles and rights are particularly contentious.”
Modern Representations of Christianity
In light of the modern trends in Christianity today, it is clear then that its representation as a Western religion has had a profound influence on its global perception. In recent years, however, there has been an effort to push back against this perception.
This has been done on many levels. In the media, there has been an effort to represent Christianity more accurately by bringing attention to the role of non-Western Christians in the faith and showing how Christianity is practiced in different parts of the world. This includes television shows and movies that showcase the life of Christians in different countries, as well as digital campaigns that focus on non-Western Christian perspectives.
In academia, biblical scholars such as D. Blair have focused on exploring the historical roots of Christianity and the diverse ways in which it has been interpreted and practiced around the world. In addition, there is an increasing focus on topics such as Christian ecumenism, which seeks to unite different Christian churches and denominations, and Global Christianity, which highlights the importance of non-Western perspectives in the faith.
Religious Profiling
Religious profiling is a phenomenon which plays a role in the mis-categorization of Christianity as a Western religion. It is often used as a tool to target certain demographics, under the assumption that people of certain faith-groups will behave or think the same way. This means that those of the Christian faith can be profiled and seen as bearing the same values of Western Christians, regardless of their nation of origin, culture, or background.
This form of profiling has been used to marginalize non-Western Christians in different regions, including Asia and Africa. By denying individuals their agency and the right to be seen as diverse and individual, religious profiling leads to the discrimination of non-Western Christians and reinforces the idea of Christianity as a Western religion.
Clearly, then, the narrative of Christianity as a Western religion is pervasive, but it is far from accurate. While this perception persists, there have also been steps towards combatting it, from traditional and social media representations to educational initiatives. While this may have a long way to go, it is crucial to continue in the fight against religious profiling, in order to create a more accurate and fair vision of Christianity around the world.
Post Colonialism and the Emerging Global Christian Identities
Post-colonialism has been a major factor contributing to the rise of a global Christian identity and has had a significant impact on the way Christianity is practiced and perceived worldwide. Post-colonialism is defined as the cultural imprint of former colonial empires on cultures and societies, as they struggle to come to terms with their past and forge a new identity.
In the context of Christianity, post-colonialism has created a heightened awareness among non-Western and minority Christian communities of the effects and impact of Western imperial powers on their faith. In particular, Christianity was often used as a tool to evangelize and oppress non-Western populations and these actions have left an enduring mark that is still felt today.
This has resulted in a new, global Christian identity that is separate from Western religious ideologies. This identity sees non-Western Christians reclaiming their faith from the hands of Western imperialism, reflecting the diversity and plurality of cultures from around the world. This new identity stands in contrast to the traditional view of Christianity as being a largely Western religion and is a testament to its global ramifications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christianity is a diverse and multifaceted religion, and while it is often defined in Western terms, it has deep historical and spiritual roots within non-Western countries. Today, there are many movements, both within and outside of Christianity, that are pushing back against the perception of Christianity as a Western religion. From bringing attention to non-Western Christian communities in the media, to educating and challenging religious profiling, it is important to take active steps towards ensuring an accurate representation of Christianity across the globe.
