'Global Christianity'—August 4, 2003

First, let me say that I thoroughly like reading your publication. A friend gave me a subscription last year, and I have enjoyed the magazine tremendously.

I had to comment on the article by Marilyn Jones in the August 4 issue titled "Christianity on the move," in which she reports on her interview with author Philip Jenkins. It was the most enlightening article I have read on the subject of the future of Christianity. This article gave me so much food for thought. I have often wondered what the church of the future would be like, and this article has given me some insights.

As an American Baptist, I have noticed a significant increase in the number of minority churches that have been planted within my denomination over the past three years. Some of the churches have noted a decrease in attendance, but it appears that our "other-than-white" churches are experiencing tremendous growth. As a seminary student, I was particularly interested in what the demographics might be once I have completed seminary.

I was recently on a retreat with a group of women from Brazil. They led our retreat in worship with so much enthusiasm and love for the Lord. Their energy was extremely contagious. We felt a renewal in our commitment to Christ, which continues to this day.

Thank you for putting out a great publication. Thank you also for giving me some new perspectives on faith.

Dana Barnes
Avon, Massachusetts

I just couldn't put down the August 4 Sentinel once I started it. The entire issue was outstanding. "Sweet Liberia" by David Holmes certainly gives us a viable road map on how to pray for the world. He states, "I try to see beyond images of war, chaos, and mayhem by focusing on love, order, stability, and beauty as what are real for Liberia because they represent God's creation." We can certainly apply these ideas to all of the trouble spots worldwide.

The interview with Pastor Helio Ferreira Braga was also very impressive, showing how successful he has been with spiritual healing in Brazil. It's so encouraging to read about people all over the world, and of all religious backgrounds, taking a spiritual approach to the problems facing them.

Laurel D. Marquart
Crescent City, California

I would feel much more comfortable if I knew in greater detail what this "Christianity on the move" was teaching. A great deal of Christianity in the US, as espoused by certain of its more prominent conservative adherents, is exclusive and rejecting, holds to old beliefs of an extreme literal interpretation of the Bible, rejects Biblical scholarship, relegates women to a lesser role in church and family, rejects family planning, believes that abstinence alone can deal with the AIDS problem, and condemns nonbelievers to hell. If those beliefs are moving South, I fail to share your enthusiasm about it.

Richard J. Jamborsky
Reston, Virginia

After reading the August 4 issue, I knew I had to write this letter to express my gratitude for all the articles that were published in this issue.

While growth is taking place in South America and Africa, religion seems to be decreasing in North America and Europe. The enthusiasm that is shown in Africa for religions that are based on faith is wonderful to read about. They say their churches succeed or fail based on healings, and they are experiencing healings, and their churches are growing.

Mary Baker Eddy said Christian Science would go across the ocean, and her statement has now come true.

Virginia Huff
Fallbrook, California

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