God's Continent Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis [Paperback]

Is the Christian church in Europe doomed to collapse under the weight of globalization, Western secularism, and a flood of Muslim immigrants? Is Europe on the brink of becoming Eurabia ?

Though many pundits are predicting just such a scenario,God's Continentreveals the flaws in these arguments and offers a much more measured assessment of Europe's religious future. While frankly acknowledging current tensions, Philip Jenkins shows, for instance, that the overheated rhetoric about a Muslim-dominated Europe is based on politically convenient myths: that Europe is being imperiled by floods of Muslim immigrants, exploding Muslim birth-rates, and the demise of European Christianity. He points out that by no means are Muslims the only new immigrants in Europe. Christians from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe are also pouring into the Western countries, and bringing with them a vibrant and enthusiastic faith that is helping to transform the face of European Christianity. Jenkins agrees that both Christianity and Islam face real difficulties in surviving within Europe's secular culture. But instead of fading away, both have adapted, and are adapting. Yes, the churches are in decline, but there are also clear indications that Christian loyalty and devotion survive, even as institutions crumble.

The third book in an acclaimed trilogy that includesThe Next ChristendomandThe New Faces of Christianity, God's Continentoffers a realistic and historically grounded appraisal of the future of Christianity in a rapidly changing Europe.

A gem, abounding in sparkling points, telling anecdotes, observations and statistics.

--Philosophy Now

Philip Jenkins is an excellent guide as we think about Christianity, Islam, and secularism in 21st-century Eruope and in the world more generally.

--Books & Culture

God's Continentis a seminal exploration of religious Europe by a prolific lӜ