Interesting articles here, here, here, and here.
The membership figures for the Lutheran World Federation came out recently, and, as per usual, we show declines in Europe and North America, but substantial growth in Africa and Asia. As Martin Marty pointed out a few years ago, "Within the past 24 hours, there are 7,000 fewer Christians in Europe, and 35,000 more Christians in Africa.
Why the decline? (1) Europe has had lots of religious conflict in its history, and it's sick of it. (2) The response of the church, both Catholic and protestant, during World War II didn't inspire. (3) European theology has a tendency to be a bit "cerebral." (4) It's the post-modern era now, and people don't like religious dogma.
On the other hand, there is a mechanism for people to opt out of paying the "church tax" but relatively few people take advantage of it. Most children are baptized and confirmed, and churches are full for major holidays. (A pastor friend of mine from Germany says that her parents don't go to church, but would have a fit if she married a Catholic.)
Pope Benedict is promoting a "re-evangelization" of Europe--a fine idea, but one that will meet with abysmal failure if means buying into papal infallibility and doctrinaire teachings on various contentious social issues.
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