God's transformational engagement with His chosen people for the sake of His global Mission

Abstract

A significant crisis has emerged in the current discourse on challenges facing Western culture. This crisis, often referred to as 'the mother of all crises' and Western culture's 'civilisational moment,' is also characterised by a shift from Western Christendom to Global Christianity. This marks the ‘dechristianisation of the West and the Christianization of the non-Western world’. This study addresses the incomplete understanding within Western theological circles regarding this historical transformation. Christianity has profoundly influenced Western culture by providing a moral framework and shaping education. However, through secularisation and the Enlightenment, Christianity became compromised as it adapted to cultural influences. This led to a gradual decline into what is now referred to as Christendom. The rejection of faith by intellectual elites further contributed to this crisis. The culmination of this growing confusion was evident after the World Wars, which eroded the Christian identity of Western civilisation. Missiological research during this period exposed inadequacies within Western theology that contributed to the current crisis in Western culture. This study argues that the crisis is not only due to external circumstances but also represents a providential work of God rescuing Christianity from its compromised state. A biblical perspective on religious delusion throughout history may reveal the valid reason for Christendom's dissolution. Western Christians must awaken from their complacency and engage with the evolving global Christian landscape. Only then can they actively contribute to furthering God's mission. In conclusion, this study seeks to illuminate the crisis in Western Christianity and urges theological scholars to reassess their perspectives. It emphasises understanding historical context and divine providence and encourages active participation in God's mission for a fresh beginning aligned with the foundation of the Church.