Respectfully, I object to your characterization that I am somehow attempting to "lie" with statistics. I provided you with a link that estimated the number of mainline Protestants in France, and there are others that you can Google for yourself. Further, it is not "outrageous" at all to state that some mainline Protestant denominations are 'liberal' - which really means heretical on issues regarding doctrine and the foundation of Christian belief (I gave you examples of denominations that fall into that category).
Here is another link for you, just so I will not be accused of "lying" again:
https://impactfrance.org/evangelical-france/
See the heading titled "Evangelical France (Challenges)"
In fact, French people have been ‘disgusted’ by Roman Catholic dominance for centuries and democracy was seen as liberation from the Roman Catholic church. So religion is tolerated, but evangelicals live in a secular society where religion is considered to be a ‘private’ affair (the principle of laïcité) and evangelism is therefore frowned upon by local authorities. The occult, however, is rampant in France. Statistics show that mediums, faith healers and fortune-tellers earn as much money as medical doctors. There are more registered occult workers in France than pastors (over 30,000 registered Mediums and Spiritual Healers).
Couple that with a Protestant/Evangelical population in the low single digits, and my original statements regarding the need for real missionaries in France to spread the Gospel of Christ is true. That courageous young couple are going to France to fulfill the Great Commission:
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
As to your objection that Catholics are not Bible believing (or Evangelical) Christians - that is true. I don't mean to make this thread a Catholic vs. Evangelical issue, but I speak as a former Catholic who accepted Christ and now I am saved. I am an Evangelical Christian. The Catholic church, through its own doctrine and teaching, does not recognize the Bible as God's ultimate Authority. The Vatican teaches a "3 legged stool" of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium - which is un-Biblical.
Are there saved Catholics who stand firm for Christ. Absolutely! I recently read about Hollywood actress Patricia Heaton.
‘My Allegiance Is Not To Any Man Or Institution, But Only To Christ’
God bless her.
Lastly, I said I respect your opinion, because you said you lived in France for 3 decades. I am NOT condemning the French people. We are all sinners. France needs to hear the true Gospel, just as we all do.
You missed my point entirely and I most certainly did not accuse you of lying. My reference to lying with statistics refers to the constant publishing of statistics by groups or organizations who use them to further their own agendas. Too many people consider statistics as the final authority. I can make statistics prove whatever I want them to, therefore I ignore them in any serious discussion.
You ignore the history of France. You have effectively no knowledge of the French people and their beliefs, nor do the “researchers” who compiled their statistics. Suffice it to say that they are a complex people and a very wonderful people, but greatly misunderstood.
You talk about issues regarding doctrine and the foundation of Christian belief. You criticize mainline Protestant denominations as well as Catholics calling them heretics. Frankly, I am happy for you that you believe and are saved. I do not however, believe that your choice of “evangelism” is the only road to heaven.