Netherlands Factbook
The Netherlands has been a stronghold
of Christianity for centuries.
Unfortunately, the Netherlands
is now known for an "almost anything goes" society that has turned its back on its
Christian heritage.
The Netherlands
is a low-lying area of northwestern Europe. An elaborate system of dykes keeps the seawater from
flooding large portions of the country.
Nearly 16 million people live in the Netherlands. Over 90% are native Dutch.
However, immigration has become a big political issue because of
the
growing number of foreigners.
The Netherlands enjoys a strong industrial
and agricultural economy. It is the world's third largest exporter of
agricultural products (behind the US
and France). There is a high standard of living. Taxes are also high because there
is a substantial social welfare system to maintain.
Present day Belgium
was once part of the Netherlands. Belgium
became independent in
1830 with the remainder forming today's Netherlands. The government is constitutional monarchy and
has been traditionally stable although the nation was shocked by the recent
assassination of a Prime Minister candidate. There is freedom of religion.
The Netherlands has a strong Protestant
heritage. Sadly, in one generation, the Netherlands has
largely rejected that heritage in favor of New Age
thinking. The Dutch now seem to pride
themselves on having perhaps the most permissive society on
Earth. Prostitution, drugs, abortion,
and euthanasia
are all legal. Homosexuality and other
deviant behaviors are considered normal.
The numbers tell much of the story. In 1900, 60% of the people were Protestant; today the number is near
20%. The number of evangelicals has
dropped
by half in the last 40 years. The number
of Catholics has fallen as well but not as dramatically. Those in the churches are mostly older
people. Young people show little interest.
In the face of this, there are a number
of efforts underway to reach the Netherlands with the
gospel. Pray for native Christians and
foreign missionaries as they tell others about Christ. A good foundation has been laid. Due to the work of groups like the
Netherlands Bible Society, two thirds of homes have a Bible. There are several Christian radio and TV
programs. Pray that the power of evil in this land
would be broken by a mighty moving of the Spirit. Pray that the Lord would bring in a large
harvest
of souls, bringing the Netherlands
back to the faith of its forefathers.
Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison
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