Christianity's Impact on the West

Christianity has had a significant impact on the West in terms of its cultural, intellectual, and economic development. The intersection of Christian beliefs and material conditions has played a role in shaping the Western world as we know it today. This includes ideas about progress, a sense of exploration and novelty, a theology that values work and wealth, and a unique connection between people who make things and people who think things. These factors have contributed to the emergence of the Western world, particularly during the British Industrial Revolution. However, wealth and enrichment also present challenges for the Christian faith, such as the temptation to depend on money rather than God, the idolatry of Mammon, and the decline in religious commitment as societies become more prosperous. It is important to recognize the contingency of wealth and its potential pitfalls, as well as the lessons that can be learned from our brothers and sisters around the world who trust in Jesus without the same material abundance.