There is a saying that contains an important insight: “In Jerusalem, Christianity became a religion. In Greece, it became a philosophy. In Rome, it became an institution. In Britain, it became a tradition, and in America, it became an enterprise.”

         There is some truth to this, and it is not all bad or unintended. The new creation culture that was to be received by all nations was also intended to receive from all nations. This is not to imply that the basic tenets of the faith were to be modified, but that the gospel would help apply the best of all nations to a culture that would become the highway Isaiah spoke of that would be built to prepare the way for the Lord.

         However, some of the worst of these nations also entered into the fabric of Christianity and, to a degree, corrupted the application of the gospel. Each time the center of gravity for the advancing church moved, there would be some purification, but not total. In the American church, we have reflected some the best and worst of religion, philosophy, institutions, traditions, and business all mixed together.

         Many have learned to take the best and leave the rest. Some of the most remarkable expressions of Christianity through the church are now found in America, as well as probably some of the worst. Many Christians from around the world have come to learn from churches in America and have taken what they learned back to their countries. Many of these did a great job filtering out what should not be applied in their home countries and have raised up works that are truly exceptional. Now many Americans, and others, are going to them to learn. This interchange has increased dramatically during this time of easy travel and communications. For this reason, there are truly remarkable churches growing up all over the world.

         As the center of gravity of Christianity moved west from Jerusalem, (for the last century it seemed centered in America, even though some of the greatest works and revivals were elsewhere), it is about to make another major leap to the west. The center of gravity of Christianity is going to move to Asia. Then it will find its way back to Jerusalem.

         So what will be the contribution of Asia to Christianity? For one thing, it will be a filter that removes many of the impurities added to Christianity by other cultures that have influenced it. They will do an even better job of holding to the good and removing the bad. This is not all they will do, but it will be a major contribution. We can expect to start hearing two great questions from Asia:

“What is the pure gospel?”

“What is the purest expression of Christianity?” 

Then we will see a relentless pursuit of these.