The Catholic Reformation originated in Germany in the 16th century, giving rise to Protestant reform movements. These developed further in Britain, producing the Puritans, the branch with the strongest reformist spirit. The Puritans helped ignite the British Industrial Revolution, and later carried Puritanism to the Americas, where it flourished in the United States and went on to lead global trends for four to five centuries.

In today’s world, among dozens of developed countries, the majority are Christian. Besides the United States, major powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all belong to the Christian world. Russian Orthodoxy is also part of Christianity. Japan’s Shinto tradition developed under the influence of Christian civilization. India rose under the influence of British civilization. China, influenced by Soviet communism, took a wrong path and is now struggling in a dead end.

Several centuries of global development show that among the world’s major religions, Catholicism and Protestantism possess the greatest vitality, and their religious spirit is the most compatible with the course of civilization. Christianity teaches that humans are born with original sin, and that one must remain humble before God, constantly hold a repentant heart, in order to receive God’s forgiveness, salvation, and grace. Faith in God brings hope of blessing. Puritanism further believes that God bestows a mission—to build a “city upon a hill.” Such doctrines encourage people to both abide by rules and strive forward with initiative and ambition, pioneering and working hard for a better life.

Looking ahead to the 21st century, in the foreseeable decades, the development of the United States and the world is likely to continue along the path of the past 400 years. Whether America wishes it or not, as the leading power it will inevitably continue to serve as the lead sheep, a responsibility it cannot shirk. Xi Jinping’s China overestimates its own strength in trying to assume that role, supported only by a few minor followers bought with money.

Traditional Chinese civilization has much in common with Christian civilization: belief in the Mandate of Heaven corresponds to belief in God; Confucian benevolence parallels Jesus’ universal love; Confucius’ daily self-examination parallels Christian repentance. Once China abandons Mao Zedong and breaks free from the communist framework, Confucian civilization will inevitably merge with American and global Christian civilization, setting China on the true path of national rejuvenation.