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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Catholics keep saying that there are 20,000 Protestant denominations. That's just not true!


As of 2007, there are 39000!  And it is projected there will be 55000 by 2025.

Here is the current total number of "Christian denominations" as of 2007 according to the "Global Christianity" pages at Gordon-Conwell, and projected for 2025 if present trends continue:

MEMBERSHIP BY 6 ECCLESIASTICAL MEGABLOCS
19001970mid-2000mid-20072025 projected
Roman Catholics
106,430,000
665,484,000
1,055,498,000
1,142,968,000
1,353,674,000
Independents
96,926,000
377,830,000
437,673,000
602,190,000
Protestants
103,025,000
211,054,000
346,889,000
385,815,000
497,703,000
Orthodox
115,844,000
139,646,000
214,091,000
220,488,000
236,364,000
Anglicans
30,571,000
47,409,000
75,335,000
82,632,000
109,690,000
Marginal Christians
928,000
11,100,000
29,500,000
35,133,000
49,775,000
CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS
Denominations
1,900
18,800
33,800
39,000
55,000
Congregations (worship centers)
400,000
1,450,000
3,448,000
3,826,000
5,000,000


The vast majority of this projected "growth" in denominations are due to Protestants (another 500+ denominations added from 2000 to 2025) and Independents (another 20,000+ denominations added from 2000 to 2025). See Barrett's Encyclopedia, Table 1-5, pages 16-18.

Pretty sad state of affairs.  It certainly isn't what Jesus wanted:

John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

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