World Christianity 2

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World Christianity 2World Christianity 2

Disciples of All NationsDisciples of All Nations


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AuthorAuthor

!! Philip JenkinsPhilip Jenkins. A native of England.. A native of England.

Distinguished Professor of History andDistinguished Professor of History andReligious Studies at Penn State University. AnReligious Studies at Penn State University. An

EpiscopalianEpiscopalian


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All too often, statements about what modernAll too often, statements about what modern

Christians accept or what Catholics todayChristians accept or what Catholics todaybelieve refer only to what that everbelieve refer only to what that ever--shrinkingshrinking

remnant of Western Christians and Catholicsremnant of Western Christians and Catholics

believe. Such assertions are outrageous today,believe. Such assertions are outrageous today,

and as time goes by they will become everand as time goes by they will become ever

further removed from realityfurther removed from reality

-- Jenkins, p. 3Jenkins, p. 3


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The era of Western Christianity has passedThe era of Western Christianity has passed

within our lifetimes, and the day of Southernwithin our lifetimes, and the day of SouthernChristianity is dawning. The fact of changeChristianity is dawning. The fact of change

itself is undeniable; it has happened, and willitself is undeniable; it has happened, and will

continue to happen.continue to happen.

-- Philip Jenkins, p. 3.Philip Jenkins, p. 3.


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Number of Christians by RegionNumber of Christians by Region

2000 versus 20252000 versus 2025

310

460

633

640

555

225

313

360

480

560

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

North America

Asian

Africa

Latin America

Europe

millions

20002025


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Percentage of Christians byPercentage of Christians by

RegionRegion20252025

12%

18%

24%

25%

21%

North America

Asia

Africa

Latin AmericaEurope


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Growth of Christianity in AfricaGrowth of Christianity in Africa

8.7

60

360

633

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Year

m

illions

Data from: Sanneh, p. 14 and Jenkins, p. 3


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!! As Christianity moves South, we areAs Christianity moves South, we are

witnessing according to Ghanaian scholarwitnessing according to Ghanaian scholarKwameKwame BediakoBediako, the renewal of a non, the renewal of a non--

Western religionWestern religion


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The Myth of Christianity as aThe Myth of Christianity as a

Western ReligionWestern Religion!! Popular Imagination and Media: Christianity isPopular Imagination and Media: Christianity is

a Western phenomenon:a Western phenomenon:!! Adopted by the Roman EmpireAdopted by the Roman Empire

!!

Grew within a European heartlandGrew within a European heartland!! Exported on an unwilling world beginning in theExported on an unwilling world beginning in the

colonial period as a thin veneer to cover Europeancolonial period as a thin veneer to cover European

ambitions for empireambitions for empire


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Western ReligionWestern Religion!! Christianity was founded in the Near EastChristianity was founded in the Near East

!! For its first thousand years, it was stronger inFor its first thousand years, it was stronger inAsia and North Africa than in EuropeAsia and North Africa than in Europe

!! During its first centuries, Syria, Egypt, andDuring its first centuries, Syria, Egypt, andMesopotamia were the primary centers ofMesopotamia were the primary centers of

ChristianityChristianity


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Western ReligionWestern Religion!! Only one of the five ancient Patriarchates ofOnly one of the five ancient Patriarchates of

the Church was in the Westthe Church was in the West!! ConstantinopleConstantinople

!!

AntiochAntioch!! JerusalemJerusalem

!! AlexandriaAlexandria

!! RomeRome


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Map courtesy of the Friesian School, Rome and Romania,

27 BC 1453 BC at www.friesian.com/romania.htm


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Western ReligionWestern Religion!! Christian missionaries fanned out from itsChristian missionaries fanned out from its

Near East heart into all the known continents:Near East heart into all the known continents:Europe, Africa, and AsiaEurope, Africa, and Asia


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Spread of ChristianitySpread of Christianity

First Five CenturiesFirst Five Centuries


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The Eastern ChurchesThe Eastern Churches


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!! Controversies over the divine and human inControversies over the divine and human in

Christ divided the churches:Christ divided the churches:!! Orthodoxy:Orthodoxy: one person with two natures, divineone person with two natures, divine

and humanand human

!! MonophysitesMonophysites:: one person, one nature (combinedone person, one nature (combined

divine and human). Accepted by most Egyptiansdivine and human). Accepted by most Egyptians

!! Declared heretical at CouncilDeclared heretical at Council ChalcedonChalcedon 451451!! NestorianismNestorianism:: two persons, divine and humantwo persons, divine and human

!! Declared heretical at Council of Ephesus 431Declared heretical at Council of Ephesus 431


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!! Western Church antagonist to many of theWestern Church antagonist to many of the

Eastern Churches because they retainedEastern Churches because they retainedheretical positions; they tended to retreat fromheretical positions; they tended to retreat fromthe Western imaginationthe Western imagination

!! Nestorian ChurchNestorian Church (modern name:(modern name: Church of theChurch of theEastEast) remained in Syria and Persia, sent) remained in Syria and Persia, sentmissionaries to China and Indiamissionaries to China and India

!! MonophysiteMonophysite position adopted by the Copticposition adopted by the Coptic(Egyptian) church, Ethiopian church, and the(Egyptian) church, Ethiopian church, and theArmenian churchArmenian church


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Armenia ChurchArmenia Church

!! First state to establish Christianity as it officialFirst state to establish Christianity as it official

faith, about 300faith, about 300!! Fifth century: adopted theFifth century: adopted the MonophysiteMonophysite

position of one person, one natureposition of one person, one nature!! Became separated from the Western traditionBecame separated from the Western tradition

!! Has survived up to this dayHas survived up to this day


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From: Muirs Historical Atlas, London, 1911


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Christianity in AfricaChristianity in Africa

Based on a graphic in Isichei, A History of Christianity in Africa, page 46

Year


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Ethiopian ChurchEthiopian Church

!! Book of Acts: Ethiopian Court Official one ofBook of Acts: Ethiopian Court Official one of

first Gentile convertsfirst Gentile converts!! 33rdrd through 5through 5thth Century: Syrian MissionariesCentury: Syrian Missionaries

arrivedarrived Kingdom ofKingdom ofAksumAksum (=Ethiopia);(=Ethiopia);remembered as the Nine Saintsremembered as the Nine Saints

!! Head of church, theHead of church, theAbunaAbuna, obtained from, obtained from

Coptic ChurchCoptic Church

!! Adopted theAdopted the MonophysiteMonophysite theologytheology


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!! Became increasingly isolated after the spreadBecame increasingly isolated after the spread

of Islam through the Middle East, Egypt andof Islam through the Middle East, Egypt andNorth AfricaNorth Africa

!! SolomonicSolomonic tradition became cornerstone oftradition became cornerstone of

Christian Ethiopia sense of national identity.Christian Ethiopia sense of national identity.First recorded inFirst recorded in The Glory of KingsThe Glory of Kings in 1300sin 1300s

!!

Queen of Sheba visited Solomon and bore hisQueen of Sheba visited Solomon and bore hischild, who becamechild, who became MenelikMenelikI ofI ofAksumAksum

!! MenelikMenelikI went to Jerusalem and took the Art ofI went to Jerusalem and took the Art of

the Covenant back to his own peoplethe Covenant back to his own people


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!! Strong monastic tradition: celibates andStrong monastic tradition: celibates and aceticsacetics

!! Ethiopia remained independent:Ethiopia remained independent:

!! location in the highlandslocation in the highlands

!! good relations with Islam because of protection it had givengood relations with Islam because of protection it had given

to Muhammads companions when they fled fromto Muhammads companions when they fled from

persecution in Meccapersecution in Mecca

!! Early 1500s:Early 1500s: Muslim jihad by Imam Ahmad (aMuslim jihad by Imam Ahmad (a

systematic campaign of cultural and nationalsystematic campaign of cultural and national

genocide) nearly wiped out stategenocide) nearly wiped out state

!! At this same time first emissaries from Europe arrivedAt this same time first emissaries from Europe arrived

!!

Portuguese helped Kingdom defeat Ahmad in 1543Portuguese helped Kingdom defeat Ahmad in 1543


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ApproximateApproximate

Area of ChristianArea of ChristianEthiopia in 1400,Ethiopia in 1400,

Superimposed onSuperimposed on

modern mapmodern map


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!! 1970: church had 61,000 priests, 12,0001970: church had 61,000 priests, 12,000

monks, 57,000 deacons, 31,000 choir leaders,monks, 57,000 deacons, 31,000 choir leaders,and 827 monasteriesand 827 monasteries

!!

Today: 25 millions membersToday: 25 millions members


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!! Name a corruption ofName a corruption ofAigyptosAigyptos = native= native

EgyptiansEgyptians!! Language: descendant from the ancientLanguage: descendant from the ancient

Egyptian of the pyramid buildersEgyptian of the pyramid builders!! Flight to Egypt important in the CopticFlight to Egypt important in the Coptic

imagination: Be glad and rejoice, O Egypt,imagination: Be glad and rejoice, O Egypt,

and her sons and all her borders, for there hathand her sons and all her borders, for there hath

come to Thee the Lord of Mancome to Thee the Lord of Man


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!! Believe an ancient tradition that St. Mark wasBelieve an ancient tradition that St. Mark was

the first apostle of Egypt and was martyred atthe first apostle of Egypt and was martyred atAlexandriaAlexandria

!! 250:250: mass turning away from the old religionmass turning away from the old religion

to Christianity began in Egypt (and Northto Christianity began in Egypt (and NorthAfrica); was nearly complete by 400Africa); was nearly complete by 400

!!

Martyrs ofMartyrs ofThebaisThebais in upper Egypt time ofin upper Egypt time ofEmperor Diocletian and laterEmperor Diocletian and later MaximinMaximin latelate311, 312311, 312


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!! Eusebius: martyrs torn to pieces by sharpEusebius: martyrs torn to pieces by sharp

shards, or dismembered, or burned alive, soshards, or dismembered, or burned alive, sonumerous that executioners exhausted andnumerous that executioners exhausted and

their axes worn outtheir axes worn out

!! Coptic Church Calendar dated from the Era ofCoptic Church Calendar dated from the Era of

the Martyrsthe Martyrs beginning at 284, whenbeginning at 284, when

Diocletian became emperorDiocletian became emperor


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!! Invented MonasticismInvented Monasticism

!! 639: Arab force invaded Byzantine Egypt639: Arab force invaded Byzantine Egypt!! Aided by collaboration of several importantAided by collaboration of several important

figures: The Patriarch of Alexandria, Byzantinefigures: The Patriarch of Alexandria, Byzantine

Governor (who surrendered fortresses) and aGovernor (who surrendered fortresses) and a

Coptic DukeCoptic Duke SanutiusSanutius, who turned over the, who turned over the

Egyptian fleetEgyptian fleet!! IshmaelitesIshmaelites initially thought by some to be a initially thought by some to be a

Christian sectChristian sect


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!! Arabs initially valued Copts as taxpayers andArabs initially valued Copts as taxpayers and

civil servantscivil servants!! Copts were majority until 900s; DeclinedCopts were majority until 900s; Declined

from waves of Arab immigrationfrom waves of Arab immigration


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!! By 900s:By 900s:

!! Had to live in special settlements (ghettos)Had to live in special settlements (ghettos)!! Wear distinctive uniformsWear distinctive uniforms

!! Evangelism prohibitedEvangelism prohibited

!! Men could only marry in community; Muslim menMen could only marry in community; Muslim mencould marry Christian women; children would becould marry Christian women; children would beMuslimMuslim

!! Taxation much heavier on ChristiansTaxation much heavier on Christians

!! 1300s periodic persecution after Mongol1300s periodic persecution after Mongol

invasioninvasion


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!! Start of Twentieth Century: 10 to 20 % ofStart of Twentieth Century: 10 to 20 % of

population of Egyptpopulation of Egypt!! Today: official figure 5% (probably anToday: official figure 5% (probably an

underestimate), 10 million membersunderestimate), 10 million members


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NubiaNubia

!! Nation converted to Christianity about 550Nation converted to Christianity about 550

!! Arabs did not conquerArabs did not conquer NubiaNubia when theywhen theyconquered Egypt: repelled byconquered Egypt: repelled by NubiasNubias brilliantbrilliant

archers in two battles atarchers in two battles at DongolaDongola!! AdoptedAdopted MonophysiteMonophysite theology because oftheology because of

Coptic influenceCoptic influence

!! Remained a thriving nations forRemained a thriving nations for centurescentures


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NubiaNubia

!! Egyptian Visitor in 969: thirty villages withEgyptian Visitor in 969: thirty villages with

beautiful buildings, churches, monasteries andbeautiful buildings, churches, monasteries andmany palm trees, vines, gardens, fields andmany palm trees, vines, gardens, fields and

large pastures. . .large pastures. . .

!! 1961:1961: FarasFaras Cathedral uncovered, with 169Cathedral uncovered, with 169

paintings of darkpaintings of dark--skinned Nubian kings,skinned Nubian kings,

queens, bishops, biblical figures and saintsqueens, bishops, biblical figures and saints


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NubiaNubia

!! 1171: rise of the1171: rise of the AbbuyidsAbbuyids began to putbegan to put

increasing pressure on kingdomincreasing pressure on kingdom!! 1315: Muslim governor imposed by Egypt1315: Muslim governor imposed by Egypt

!! 1317:1317: DongolaDongola cathedral turned into a Mosquecathedral turned into a Mosque!! 1323: last Christian King defeated1323: last Christian King defeated

!!

A splinter Christian Kingdom ofA splinter Christian Kingdom ofDotawoDotawosurvived in lowersurvived in lower NubiaNubia until about 1494until about 1494


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IndiaIndia

!! Nestorian Syrian missionaries founded nativeNestorian Syrian missionaries founded native

Christian communities in Southern India asChristian communities in Southern India asearly as the second centuryearly as the second century

!! Communities claimed to follow St. Thomas:Communities claimed to follow St. Thomas:

MarMarThomaThoma!! Retained links with Nestorian patriarch ofRetained links with Nestorian patriarch of

Babylon, who resided at BaghdadBabylon, who resided at Baghdad!! Indian State ofIndian State ofKeralaKerala today has 7 milliontoday has 7 million

Thomas ChristiansThomas Christians


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ChinaChina

!! 600s: Nestorian missionaries from Syria and600s: Nestorian missionaries from Syria and

Persia followed Silk Route and penetrated intoPersia followed Silk Route and penetrated intoCentral Asia and ChinaCentral Asia and China

!!

Chinese Imperial Court of theChinese Imperial Court of the TangTang DynastyDynastywelcomed them and their luminous doctrinewelcomed them and their luminous doctrine

!! 638: Church erected at638: Church erected at ChangChang--an, then thean, then the

largest city in the worldlargest city in the world

TangTang Dynasty 618Dynasty 618-906906


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T angT ang Dynasty, 618Dynasty, 618--906906

Map courtesy of the Friesian School, Emperors of China at

www.friesian.com/sangoku.htm#china


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NumbersNumbers

Di ib i f Ch i i iDi t ib ti f Ch i ti i


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Distribution of Christians inDistribution of Christians in

Ancient and Medieval TimesAncient and Medieval Times

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

500 700 900 1100 1300 1500

Year

millions Africa

Asia

Europe/Russia

From Jenkins, Table 2.1, page 24

Data from World Christian Encyclopedia

Mongol Invasion

Islamic Conquests

T W h d E fT W t h d E t f


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Two Watershed Events forTwo Watershed Events for

Christianity in Asia and AfricaChristianity in Asia and Africa!! Islamic Conquest of the Middle East and NorthIslamic Conquest of the Middle East and North

AfricaAfrica!! The Mongol Invasions and their defeat atThe Mongol Invasions and their defeat at AynAyn

JalutJalut


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The Islamic Conquest of theThe Islamic Conquest of theMiddle East and North AfricaMiddle East and North Africa


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Map courtesy of the Friesian School, Rome and Romania,27 BC 1453 BC at www.friesian.com/romania.htm


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Map courtesy of the Friesian School, Islam, 622 AD present,27 BC 1453 BC at www.friesian.com/islam.htm


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Mongol Invasions and TheirMongol Invasions and Their

Defeat atDefeat at AynAyn JalutJalut


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Mongol InvasionsMongol Invasions!! Early 1200s: Mongol hordes began first waveEarly 1200s: Mongol hordes began first wave

of invasions into the Middle Eastof invasions into the Middle East

!! Continued for 200 yearsContinued for 200 years

!! Destroyed most centers of civilization in theDestroyed most centers of civilization in the

Middle EastMiddle East


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From: Muirs Historical Atlas, London, 1911

R i D f t f th M l tR i D f t f th M l t


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Ruin: Defeat of the Mongols atRuin: Defeat of the Mongols at

AynAyn JalutJalut!! Christians initially saw Mongol invaders asChristians initially saw Mongol invaders as

potential liberators from the Muslimspotential liberators from the Muslims!! 1258:1258: Mongol king sacked Baghdad. His wifeMongol king sacked Baghdad. His wife

was a Christianwas a Christian

!! Nestorians converted many members of theNestorians converted many members of the

Mongol courtMongol court

!! Western crusaders allied with the MongolsWestern crusaders allied with the Mongols

R i D f t f th M l tR i D f t f th M l t


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AynAyn JalutJalut!! 1260:1260: Mongol army led by a Christian TurkishMongol army led by a Christian Turkish

warlord invaded Palestinewarlord invaded Palestine!! MamlukMamlukTurks decisively defeated theTurks decisively defeated the

invasioninvasion

!! Mongols driven outMongols driven out

!! Last of the Crusaders states perishedLast of the Crusaders states perished



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AynAyn JalutJalut!! Christians persecuted for their alliance with theChristians persecuted for their alliance with the

MongolsMongols!! 1300s:1300s: plaque swept over Asia. Muslimsplaque swept over Asia. Muslims

blamed Christians, who were subjected toblamed Christians, who were subjected to

repeated pogroms and mass forced conversionsrepeated pogroms and mass forced conversions

China: Ming Dynasty andChina: Ming Dynasty and


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China: Ming Dynasty andChina: Ming Dynasty and

Reaction Against ChristiansReaction Against Christians!! 1368:1368: Ming Dynasty rose in ChinaMing Dynasty rose in China

!! Nationalistic reaction against ChristiansNationalistic reaction against Christiansbecause of their association with the Mongolsbecause of their association with the Mongols

!!

Early 1400s:Early 1400s: TimurTimur TamerlaneTamerlane massacredmassacredChristian communities across EurasiaChristian communities across Eurasia

!! Early 1500s:Early 1500s: no Christian communitiesno Christian communities

remained in Chinaremained in China


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Map courtesy of the Friesian School, Emperors of China at

www.friesian.com/sangoku.htm#china

1616thth Century: A Dark Time forCentury: A Dark Time for


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Christianity?Christianity?!! Christianity declining in Asia since theChristianity declining in Asia since the

Mongols invasionMongols invasion!! Christianity declining in Africa fromChristianity declining in Africa from

increasing pressure from Muslims:increasing pressure from Muslims:

!! 1450s:1450s: NubiaNubia taken over by Muslimstaken over by Muslims

!! Early 1500s:Early 1500s: Muslim jihad (a systematicMuslim jihad (a systematic

campaign of cultural and national genocide)campaign of cultural and national genocide)nearly wipes out Christian state of Ethiopianearly wipes out Christian state of Ethiopia



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Christianity?Christianity?!! Muslim rule continued to expand under theMuslim rule continued to expand under the

Ottoman Turks until 1680s, pressing on theOttoman Turks until 1680s, pressing on thefrontiers of Germanyfrontiers of Germany

!! Muslim pirates regularly raided the coasts ofMuslim pirates regularly raided the coasts of

northern and western Europe, taking tens ofnorthern and western Europe, taking tens of

thousands of Christian slavesthousands of Christian slaves


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Map courtesy of the Friesian School, The Ottoman Sultans and Caliphs, 1290-1924 AD at www.friesian.com/turkia.htm


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ReferencesReferences

!! The Next Christendom. The Coming of GlobalThe Next Christendom. The Coming of GlobalChristianity.Christianity. Philip Jenkins. Oxford University Press, Oxford,Philip Jenkins. Oxford University Press, Oxford,2002. ISBN 02002. ISBN 0--1919--514616514616--66

!! A History of Christianity in Africa. From Antiquity to theA History of Christianity in Africa. From Antiquity to thePresent.Present. ElizabethElizabeth IsicheiIsichei.. EerdmansEerdmans Publishing, GrandPublishing, GrandRapids, MI, and Africa World Press, Lawrenceville NJ, 1995.Rapids, MI, and Africa World Press, Lawrenceville NJ, 1995.

ISBN 0ISBN 0--80288028--08430843--33!! A World History of ChristianityA World History of Christianity. Edited by Adrian Hastings.. Edited by Adrian Hastings.

EerdmansEerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapid MI, 1999. ISBN 0Publishing, Grand Rapid MI, 1999. ISBN 0--80288028--

48754875--33!! The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern ChristianityThe Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity, Edited, Edited

by Ken Parry, David J.by Ken Parry, David J. MellingMelling, et al. Blackwell Publishers,, et al. Blackwell Publishers,Oxford, 1999. ISBN 0Oxford, 1999. ISBN 0--631631--1896618966--11

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World Christianity 2