Paul V.M. Flesher from the University of Wyoming’s Religious Studies Program explains that personal evangelisim is only one route (and perhaps not the best route) to gain new adherents. The other way? Why government support of course.

“The Protestant emphasis on the personal evangelistic activities of individuals, whether one-on-one or in larger revival meetings, causes us to overlook the other way Christianity has grown, namely, through government support of the church…The British conquerors were always accompanied by the Church of England…While missionary labors are important, the most effective missionary work is to convert a political leader, such as a king.”

Christianity’s reliance on government support dates back to Emperor Constantine, and while overt government enforcement of religion is now (mostly) passe, Christian organizations still see world leaders as an effective manner in which to grow and maintain statistical dominance. I’m wondering if smaller faiths without some history of government support will eventually fade away? Most of the “world” faiths can trace some history of patronage amongst world leaders. Would modern Paganism need such patronage to survive in the long term? Would we want it if it happened?

Tags: Paganism