The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South (review)

In The New Faces of Christianity Philip Jenkins draws attention to a 'nascent schism' (p. 185) that is emerging between churches of the global North and South. Jenkins explains the differences in terms of the interplay between context and text. The bulk of the book delineates how the newer churches in, especially, Africa and Asia are reading from perspectives that find affinity with the supernatural and social themes in the Bible. Throughout he argues that North Atlantic churches should appreciate the intimacy and immediacy that the Southern context brings to the text, while warning that northern culture may lead to divergence from Biblical principles.

Commending one context over another is acceptable in this case because Jenkins is a Northerner addressing North Atlantic Christians. His purpose is to reduce discord by offering his readers a sympathetic introduction to Southern churches, churches that should not be understood in terms of western fundamentalism but, again, as reading the Bible in a contextually relevant manner. He maintains that as a result the lives of many are improving and contends the newer churches can remind Northern churches of their history and awaken them to Biblical themes that they have lost.

One questions whether the churches in the global South with their many contexts truly share the same range of insights and emphasis. One also wonders if Jenkins is over optimistic about the continued growth, and impact, of churches in the global South among their cultures. No matter how these questions are answered it must be affirmed that Jenkins' generalizations are convincing and are helpful for revealing current trends.

The New Faces of Christianity was written to enlighten rather than critique. Its abundant examples, humor, and avoidance of heavy theological terminology make the book accessible to a wide readership. It is a stimulating work that invites discussion. It enables readers to understand, and appreciate, the perspective of Christians in the non-Western world.