西方的信仰(2)
3. Presbyterian – The set up of the Presbyterian Church is very complex and difficult to define. This denomination has its origins in Calvinism. Elders sitting as a 'Kirk session' are responsible for the discipline of the Church. Presbyterians are known for their belief in simplicity, such as singing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.
3. 长老会教徒——长老会的构成极为复杂，难以明晰。这一教派源自加尔文教。教会的戒律由主持“教会会议”的长老来负责。长老会教徒以其崇尚简朴而闻名，例如唱诗时就不用乐器来伴奏。
4. Baptists – Baptists have no central governing authority so their beliefs may differ slightly from place to place. All Baptists believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority, that local churches should be autonomous and in the separation of Church and State. There are 43 million Baptists worldwide with 33 million in the US alone.
4. 浸信会教徒——浸信会教徒没有核心的管理权威，所以他们的信仰会因地域差异而稍显不同。所有浸信会教徒都认为《圣经》才具有最高权威，地方教会应该自治，政教要分离。全世界有4300万浸信会教徒，而仅在美国就有3300万。
Christianity in Modern Society 现代社会中的基督教
In the 20th century Christianity （and other religions） underwent dramatic changes in the West. In Europe, there has been a massive decline in the popularity of religion. This is reflected in the fast diminishing recruitment for priesthood as well as rapidly decreasing church attendances. This phenomenon is a result of an increased sense of disillusionment in Europe after the Second World War and the influence of scientific teachings, Socialism and Humanism. Abhorrence at the fanatical behaviour and corrupt nature of some religious organisations is also to blame. This decline is apparently ②in parallel with an increase in prosperity and social well-being.
在20世纪的西方世界，基督教（以及其它宗教）经历了重大的变革。在欧洲，宗教的普及度已经大幅下降。这反映在神职人员招聘数量的骤减以及礼拜出勤率的急剧下滑上。造成这种现象的原因是，觉醒意识在二战后的欧洲日益增强，科学教育、社会主义和人道主义发挥了影响力。而对于一些宗教组织的狂热行径以及腐朽本质的憎恨也难辞其咎。这一下降趋势显然是与繁荣程度和社会福利的提升同步进行的。
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