Posted on 12/02/2003 4:06:02 PM PST by Federalist 78
Residents of Texas and North Carolina were more likely than people in other states to have a biblical worldview. Among the states in which such a worldview was least common were Louisiana and the six states in New England. The nation's largest state - California - was average (i.e., 4% of its residents had a biblical worldview).
Standout States on Basic Attitudes and Values
Religion: States ranked by responses to questions about importance of prayer in daily life, belief that everyone will be called before God on Judgment Day, and belief in the existence of God.
Has Louisiana ranked third and California scrapping the bottom.
Social Values: States ranked by responses to questions about social beliefs and values such as homosexuality, acceptable content for school libraries, the role of women, the issue of day care, AIDS, family and marriage, and ideas about good and evil.
Has Louisiana among the Most Traditional and California dragging the bottom.
Where do you get that ?
Nowhere is it stated that the Methodist Church commisioned this study.
One can be conservative politically and still not possess a biblical worldview.
On the other hand, note that even a minority of those identifying themselves as "born-again Christians" have fidelity to the most basic doctrines of the church and faith.
This is a serious problem for the Christian Church in America, which is what this survey is about.
It is NOT about politics.
People's views on morally acceptable behavior are deeply impacted by their worldview. Upon comparing the perspectives of those who have a biblical worldview with those who do not, the former group were 31 times less likely to accept cohabitation (2% versus 62%, respectively); 18 times less likely to endorse drunkenness (2% versus 36%); 15 times less likely to condone gay sex (2% versus 31%); 12 times less likely to accept profanity 3% versus 37%); and 11 times less likely to describe adultery as morally acceptable (4% versus 44%). In addition, less than one-half of one percent of those with a biblical worldview said voluntary exposure to pornography was morally acceptable (compared to 39% of other adults), and a similarly miniscule proportion endorsed abortion (compared to 46% of adults who lack a biblical worldview).
RLK, having read your essays, I know that, although you do not affirm a faith, you have written about the important role that traditional religion plays sociologically in this country.
I thought this might interest you.
It substantiates what you have written about the decline of our culture.
Using this definition, I absolutely have a biblical worldview.
Something that's puzzled me for a while is: How is it that other Christians don't share such fundamental beliefs?
That said, I'm sure I'll still be working on thinking like Jesus 'til the day I die ...
One can be conservative politically and still not possess a biblical worldview.
That would be an exception and not the rule. One can be liberal politically and claim to possess a biblical worldview. This is a serious problem for the Christian Church in America, which is what this survey is about.
Indeed! It is NOT about politics.
Highlighted text from article in post #1 and link can be correlated with FT October 2001: America Fifty/Fifty & Conservative states and liberal states.
The Avalon Project : Washington's Farewell Address 1796
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
How is it that other Christians don't share such fundamental beliefs?
Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God (2 Tim. 2:15)
Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.Acts 17:11
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge. Romans 10:1-4
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 cf Psalm 19:7; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18,19)
My People are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge – Hosea 4:6
Jude4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
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