Podcast (crosstalk): Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS
“Why is Christianity growing in some countries but declining in others?” That’s the question Wes and Travis discuss in today’s Bible study. According to an article by Nilya Saiya, the answer is “political privilege.” Saiya argues that it is not governmental persecution, but rather governmental support that is one of the biggest threats to the growth of Christianity in a country. Saiya reports, “As governmental support for Christianity increases, the number of Christians declines significantly.”
In other words, when the government favors Christianity, giving special privileges and protections to Christians, one might think it would cause Christianity to grow. However, the opposite seems to be the case. Christianity almost always declines in such environments.
Saiya outlines three paradoxes: pluralism, privilege, and persecution. In this episode, part one, we discuss pluralism and privilege. In part two, we will discuss persecution. What does the Bible say about these so-called paradoxes? Does the Bible support the idea that political privilege is not something Christians should pursue? Does Christianity really grow best in environments where is it not favored?
We hope you enjoy this Bible study and discussion.
