The March of Christianity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 14, 1910

The March of Christianity

It is interesting to note, as recorded by the Christian Herald of June 1, the progress which has been made by Christianity according to Sharon Turner, a historian and statistician. He says:—

First century, 500,000 Christians; second century, 2,000,000 Christians; third century, 5,000,000 Christians; fourth century, 10,000,000 Christians; fifth century, 15,000,000 Christians; sixth century, 20,000,000 Christians; seventh century, 24,000,000 Christians; eighth century, 30,000,000 Christians; ninth century, 40,000,000 Christians; tenth century, 50,000,000 Christians; eleventh century, 70,000,000 Christians; twelfth century, 80,000,000 Christians; thirteenth century, 75,000,000 Christians; fourteenth century, 80,000,000 Christians; fifteenth century, 100,000,000 Christians; sixteenth century, 125,000,000 Christians; seventeenth century, 155,000,000 Christians; eighteenth century, 200,000,000 Christians; nineteenth century, at least 450,000,000 Christians. At the present time, according to Fournier de Flaix, the French statistician, there are between 480,000,000 and 500,000,000 Christians, or one third the total population of the world.

An interesting array of figures is presented in this comparison. It would be more encouraging, however, if we could bring ourselves to believe that all who are passed as Christians are such in reality. The editor of the Herald inclines to this view, and says:—

We believe that there is now, and has been for many years, a growing improvement in morals generally, and in true, deep religious feeling. There are probably twice the number of real, right-living Christian men and women to-day that there were twenty years ago.

In proof of this claim he cites some of the great movements in favor of missions, etc. We do not question that some of the great religious movements are accomplishing much good at the present time; yet it can not be denied by even the most casual observer that in the ranks of Christendom throughout the world, there is a sad departure from the right. Christianity to-day, with the bulk of those professing its name, is a matter of profession only. Many in the so-called Christian churches need a new conversion to the basic principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. These are the days foretold by the prophet, when men should be lovers of their own selves, covetous, world-loving, having a form of godliness, but in life and character denying the power thereof. The Christianity that is needed for to-day is one that does not manifest itself in spectacular movements, in efforts to bring about so-called civic righteousness, but in simple, gospel living, which affects the individual life and heart.