Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
"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 a fascinating article by Nilya Saiya, the answer might surprise many people. He argues that it is not persecution, but rather state 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 enviroments.
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 Christianity might grow best in environments where is it not favored above other religious ideas?
"Proof That Political Privilege Is Harmful for Christianity" by Nilay Saiya was published by Christianity Today on May 6, 2021 (christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/may-web-only/christian-persecution-political-privilege-growth-decline.html).
"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 a fascinating article by Nilya Saiya, the answer might surprise many people. He argues that it is not persecution, but rather state 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 enviroments.
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 Christianity might grow best in environments where is it not favored above other religious ideas?
"Proof That Political Privilege Is Harmful for Christianity" by Nilay Saiya was published by Christianity Today on May 6, 2021 (christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/may-web-only/christian-persecution-political-privilege-growth-decline.html).
