God's Worldwide Kingdom

[ITS]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.

[Joey]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has advanced the Kingdom of God by providing resources for the spread of the Gospel. Our nation has been blessed with the financial capital to fund missions to all six inhabited continents. America has provided educational training though its seminaries and Universities to foriegn students that have enabled the church to spead. America has touched the world by feeding its many food poor peoples thereby ministering in accord with Matthew 25. America's protection of religious practice and thought has produced an environment that has enabled advanced study of a variety of disciplines necessary for the proving of scripture.

[adamduchin]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.

In my opinion, I think even a brief study of American Christianity will show how it has helped advance God's worldwide kingdom in at least two ways: (1) by the spread of God's kingdom itself across America and (2) by the origins of the various missionary societies. As Christianity began to spread here in America we find the emergence of many different denominations. Not everything about denominations is perfect and/or good, but with their emergence came a plethora of people coming into their own faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ that maybe would not have done so otherwise (just look to the various Awakenings, revivalism, frontier churches, etc.). Along similar lines, we begin to see the emergence of various missionary societies, both foreign and domestic, and both independant and denominationally affiliated. These may not have come about without the emergence of denominationalism within American Christianity. (Just another way the Lord works in his world!)

[adamduchin]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has advanced the Kingdom of God by providing resources for the spread of the Gospel. Our nation has been blessed with the financial capital to fund missions to all six inhabited continents. America has provided educational training though its seminaries and Universities to foriegn students that have enabled the church to spead. America has touched the world by feeding its many food poor peoples thereby ministering in accord with Matthew 25. America's protection of religious practice and thought has produced an environment that has enabled advanced study of a variety of disciplines necessary for the proving of scripture.

"Two thumbs up!" to Joey! The point made about how our seminaries have provided educational training to foreign students had not yet crossed my mind, and is key to the global impact of American Christianity. While the other poins are also well made, and crucial to the spreading of the Gospel (i.e., financial capital, protection of religion, etc.), it should be noted, however, that these factors have also led to the spreading of other religions and beliefs, too! Let's not forget that America's protection of religion is just that, a protection of 'religion', and not just of Christianity. This is just godo to keep in mind, I think.

[kmeek]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has most definitely advanced God's Kingdom worldwide in a number of profound ways. There are many examples of this, but let's just look at a few. First, news of the 1st Great Awakening in the early 18th century provided encouragement and a revivalist urge and impulse to many Christians in England and Scotland, including Scottish pastors and theologians, as well as the likes of John Wesley. Secondly, the Layman's Prayer Revival of 1858 is a powerful example in that this revival spread from the U.S. to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, the European mainland, and even Australia, resulting in the conversion of millions of individuals. Third, beginning in the early 19th century with Willian Carey, as well as the Haystack Prayer Meeting of 1806, and continuing on even to today, the U.S. has been a leader in the sending and financing of missionaries around the world to advance the gospel. Lastly, as the birthplace of Pentecostalism in 1901 and 1906, this movement became a worldwide phenomenon, emerging as one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world.

[kmeek]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has advanced the Kingdom of God by providing resources for the spread of the Gospel. Our nation has been blessed with the financial capital to fund missions to all six inhabited continents. America has provided educational training though its seminaries and Universities to foriegn students that have enabled the church to spead. America has touched the world by feeding its many food poor peoples thereby ministering in accord with Matthew 25. America's protection of religious practice and thought has produced an environment that has enabled advanced study of a variety of disciplines necessary for the proving of scripture.

THIS IS MEANT TO BE A REPLY TO BOTH ADAM AND JOEY IN THE ENTRY BELOW THIS ONE, BUT THIS IS THE ONLY SPOT WHERE IT WOULD POST. Yes, I agree with both of you. The financial might and spread of the gospel through foreign missions in the world have been instrumental ways that God has used our country to significantly advance His Kingdom. It is quite possible that no other country has made as much of a contribution apart from ancient Israel itself. As Adam pointed out however, our finances and our spread of religious ideas, as well as our religion protecting pluralism, has served a two-edged sword. This seems to be a recurring theme in Christian history. For example, today's Christian school or university could be tomorrow's liberal humanistic playground (e.g., Princeton Seminary). With regard to Joey's pointing out the worldwide influence of our seminaries, I would also agree. The big tragedy however, is the exorbitant pricetag for foreign nationals, most of whom cannot afford it, to come here and study. So many potential leaders of the church the world over cannot access this education. Perhaps through more generous giving from the Body of Christ, and the use of the Internet, like this very type of forum and extension study, this problem can be eliminated. We need to do this for the glory of God and the spread of His gospel.

[gscaiano]

There is no other nation today, except perhaps the Vatican, considered as synonymous with Christianity as America by many quarters of the world. But is this association fair, and has American Christianity helped to propel God’s global kingdom forward? Here’s an attempt to highlight some of what I consider the most important contributions of American Christianity to the worldwide spread of the gospel:

1. The charismatic movement: Rooted in Wesleyan perfection, born in America, now a global phenomenon. Pentacostalism counts over 150 million adherents today (with Pentacostal estimates much higher) – with over 85% of those outside of the United States. Charismatic churches were growing by 19 million adherents a year in 1998 according to Christianity Today, and it is difficult to overestimate the influence of the movement on otherwise declining state and mainline churches worldwide.

2. The global missions effort. In 1790, according to Operation World, Evangelical Christianity was restricted to northern Europe, the east coast of America, and a handful of European colonies like South Africa and Guyana. By 2000, every continent had some evangelical witness, and countries such as India and Korean had become major sending countries. American Christianity was one of the great drivers (and senders) for this amazing spread of the gospel. American-born groups like Wycliffe/SIL have been the leaders in both Bible translation and global literacy.

3. America: A model for denominational harmony. Although this point may seem ironic in a land with hundreds of denominations, the fact is, American Evangelicalism has demonstrated inter-sectarian cooperation unlike any seen. The character of Western pluralism finds its roots in the effective cooperation and co-existence of American denominations throughout the last two centuries. The global kingdom has thus benefited from a break from the state churches that dominated Christendom until the start of the 20th century. The vitality of churches in places as diverse as Korea, Brazil and Nigeria would be impossible without the breadth of denominations present.

4. Evangelical Bible training and scholarship. In the 19th century, Germany seemed to have a monopoly on Bible scholarship. In the 20th century, American Christianity was one of the dominant forces, due in part to the Puritan-inspired emphasis on education. Pastors and leaders worldwide have read American evangelical scholars (Erickson being one of my favorites) and studied at American seminaries, or under graduates of these.

I suspect that as the 21st century advances, the relative role of American Christianity will decrease as the huge churches of China, Latin America and Africa become exporters not only of missionaries, but of ideas.

[gscaiano]

American Christianity has most definitely advanced God's Kingdom worldwide in a number of profound ways. There are many examples of this, but let's just look at a few. First, news of the 1st Great Awakening in the early 18th century provided encouragement and a revivalist urge and impulse to many Christians in England and Scotland, including Scottish pastors and theologians, as well as the likes of John Wesley. Secondly, the Layman's Prayer Revival of 1858 is a powerful example in that this revival spread from the U.S. to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, the European mainland, and even Australia, resulting in the conversion of millions of individuals. Third, beginning in the early 19th century with Willian Carey, as well as the Haystack Prayer Meeting of 1806, and continuing on even to today, the U.S. has been a leader in the sending and financing of missionaries around the world to advance the gospel. Lastly, as the birthplace of Pentecostalism in 1901 and 1906, this movement became a worldwide phenomenon, emerging as one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world.

What is really astounding is how influential America became is such a short span of time (in historic terms). For example, in kmeek's comments, prior to the Layman's Prayer Revival, the best we can say about America's global influence is that Wesley was "encouraged" by news from America. Until the Civil War era, America continued to be a backwater in global terms. Yet for the century and a half beginning in the mid-1800s, America would be the engine behind the expansion of Christianity (not to minimize British or Canadian contributions).

On the point repeated by several posters that America's financial contribution to the world evangelism effort is key: I think that living in the riches nation(s) in the history of the world, we lose sight of the fact that God doesn't need our money. He desires our faithfulness. I think that's Jesus' point in Luke 21 (the poor widow's offering). The American church has been a great contributor to the evangelization of the world not because it has sent a lot of money, but rather because it has sent a lot of faithful servants. It has done so out of a sincere desire to see people saved. As I said in my own post, I think the next century will show that poor countries can be effective missions senders. Having believers say, "Here I am, send me," is what has spread the gospel, not our checkbooks.

Gus

[gscaiano]

... As Christianity began to spread here in America we find the emergence of many different denominations. Not everything about denominations is perfect and/or good, but with their emergence came a plethora of people coming into their own faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ that maybe would not have done so otherwise (just look to the various Awakenings, revivalism, frontier churches, etc.). Along similar lines, we begin to see the emergence of various missionary societies, both foreign and domestic, and both independant and denominationally affiliated. These may not have come about without the emergence of denominationalism within American Christianity. (Just another way the Lord works in his world!)

Great point. When I was a new(ish) believer, I wondered at all of the denominations, and thought that they must displease God. Now I see that it is an essential element of the North American church's vibrancy, growth and continuous development. The separation of church/religion and state that is so central of our freedoms is a function (and is protected by) the breadth of belief across the many denominations. Just try to imagine an American "state church" - denominationalism makes it inconceiveable. Unfortunately, this is not the case is much of the world (including both Christian, Muslim, and Hindu countries). I think this is why America has been the cradle of so many spiritual movements in the last century and a half.

Gus

[GrahamG]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.

North American Christianity has helped to advance God’s worldwide Kingdom by placing a high value on Scripture. This has been manifested in a variety of ways, so my response will focus on those efforts.

On one level, the work of both ‘fundamentalists’ and neo-evangelicals to reassert the integrity of Scripture has made a clear and worldwide statement about the value of the truth therein. The Niebuhrs’ and Billy Grahams of our time have testified against liberalism and secularism that the Bible is the real Word of God.

On a practical level, groups like the Canadian Bible Society and the American Bible Society have worked hard to make Scripture available to all people. The Canadian Bible Society, for example, now just past its one-hundredth year of existence, has been able to provide Bibles in 134 languages, facilitating overseas mission work, and also the spread of the Gospel among Canadian immigrants, one of the original goals of the CBS. North American Christianity has also produced valuable English translations (RSV, MSG, NASB) which have put God’s Truth into word forms accessible to our generations, throughout the entire English-speaking world.

It seems a little colonial to end on that note, so I simply wish to reassert the value of the progress that North American Christianity has made in restoring Scripture to its place of authority and in making it accessible to all people. To close, I briefly here quote the Canadian Bible Society’s press-kit #3 from their website (biblesociety.ca):

Why does the Canadian Bible Society do this work?
Because we know that God’s Word changes hearts and lives.

And I certainly agree.

[GrahamG]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has most definitely advanced God's Kingdom worldwide in a number of profound ways. There are many examples of this, but let's just look at a few. First, news of the 1st Great Awakening in the early 18th century provided encouragement and a revivalist urge and impulse to many Christians in England and Scotland, including Scottish pastors and theologians, as well as the likes of John Wesley. Secondly, the Layman's Prayer Revival of 1858 is a powerful example in that this revival spread from the U.S. to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, the European mainland, and even Australia, resulting in the conversion of millions of individuals. Third, beginning in the early 19th century with Willian Carey, as well as the Haystack Prayer Meeting of 1806, and continuing on even to today, the U.S. has been a leader in the sending and financing of missionaries around the world to advance the gospel. Lastly, as the birthplace of Pentecostalism in 1901 and 1906, this movement became a worldwide phenomenon, emerging as one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world.

It seems to me that 'kmeek' has captured some of the high-points in American Christianity's advancement of God's worldwide Kingdom. What stands out to me though as being particularly significant here is that in each of these examples, it's not exactly an 'institutional Christianity' that is reaching out - these are individuals who are giving themselves (together with others) for God's purposes, sometimes even outside of the established church. The Prayer revival grew out of a failing church effort - one man devoted himself with others to prayer. The Haystack meeting brought together future missionaries who committed themselves to the Kingdom years before they could get the institutional church on board. It's amazing to see what God can do in His world with believers who commit themselves together to do His work.

[sjfaris]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.

I think America has contributed to the spreading of God’s kingdom in several ways.
1. Sending missionaries to other countries. American churches are constantly sending missionaries to other countries along with medical and financial aid. This is in accordance with God’s directive to “make disciples of all nations” and to care for the poor the widow and the orphan.

2. Commitment to sound interpretation and biblical education. America has many institutions that train missionaries and foreign pastors along with local pastors and church leaders. These people receive a biblical education and are better prepared to minister the gospel effectively to others.

3. Religious freedom. America has no state church and no one religion that is exclusively supported by the government and permitted to persecute others. This has allowed many denominations to spring up that reach different types of people. However, it also allows other religions the same freedom.

[sjfaris]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.
American Christianity has advanced the Kingdom of God by providing resources for the spread of the Gospel. Our nation has been blessed with the financial capital to fund missions to all six inhabited continents. America has provided educational training though its seminaries and Universities to foriegn students that have enabled the church to spead. America has touched the world by feeding its many food poor peoples thereby ministering in accord with Matthew 25. America's protection of religious practice and thought has produced an environment that has enabled advanced study of a variety of disciplines necessary for the proving of scripture.

I agree that America has been blessed financially and this has allowed them to fund missionaries to many countries and provide food to many people. American colleges and universities have also trained many missionaries and foreign pastors. However, I believe that more needs to be done to train and support local pastors and missionaries in foreign countries. Because of cultural differences I think this is one of the best ways to reach other nations for Christ.

One thing that we need to remember is that America’s protection of religious freedom has protected religions other then Christianity. Therefore, it has contributed to the spreading a many religions including Christianity.

[clergyjack]

In your opinion, how has American Christianity helped to advance God's worldwide kingdom? Give examples.


This is a simple, yet complex question that begs yet another inquiry which I will conclude with: "How has that landscape changed?".

To keep things on the simple side, American Christianity quickly jumped on the missions bandwagon shortly after William Carey made his way into Africa. Men like Adoniram Judson joined the fray, almost with the same frantic determination that led people west to fine gold. They struck while the iron was hot. These men, like Carey, Judson, David Livingstone and others began a true movement of multiplication abroad.

Additionally, Missions Societies were born for the purpose of facilitating the growth of missions worldwide. During the 'Gilded Age', some splinter denominational groups emerged also almost entirely due to the missionary eterprise, such as the Missionary Baptists, and A.B. Simpson's Missionary school in Nyack, NY which somewhat inadvertently became a denomination known as the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Further, numerous para-church organizations took up this work, such as the Salvation Army, the American Bible Society just to name a couple.

With time, the worldwide missionary enterprise became a mainstream part of church work among American evangelicals. Today, no church is looked upon as spiritual healthy here in America if they are not deeply entrenched in missions work of all varieties: short-term national, short-term international; long term national via sister church plants; and long-term international work.

In short, the American Missionary Enterprise has snowballed, gaining greater momentum with each passing year. This work has reached further into the world then any other prior missions work from any country. But the work is also far from complete. New challenges confront the Kingdom now in America.

This brings me to my concluding question: "How has the missions landscape changed?" While America is still largely responsible for worldwide missions work, America is quickly becoming a location for needed missions work itself. Post-Christianity has settled upon the culture, if not Anti-Christianity and with it the Church has been disaffected. Consumerism is evident throughout the evangelical landscape. A typical response to worldwide missions today is to dig into our very 'deep' American pockets and fund the work, but not to personally get involved with time, effort, lifestyle and commitment. Our consecration has eroded. Many are indeed saying that it is time for 'Missions in Reverse'. I echo the sentiment.