Posted on 02/07/2007 5:45:50 PM PST by Alex Murphy
A new Barna Group survey measured the type of lifestyles Americans live. Results showed they live one of sacrifice and of self-indulgence. And the story is not that much different for born-again Christians.
Among 20 lifestyle elements, the most common activity Americans engage in over the course of a typical month is recycling some used product or material. The survey showed that 74 percent of Americans have recycled in the past month. Also, nearly half said they have helped a poor or homeless person in their community in some other way than handing them money.
The differences, however, between the self-oriented behavior of born again Christians and that of national norms were small. Although born-again Christians are more likely to volunteer for their church, they are no more likely than average to help the poor or homeless, the survey found. And they are also one of the least likely groups to recycle.
When measured for other moral behaviors, born-again believers are not much different from non-born-again adults. One quarter of born-again believers are less likely to view sexually explicit movies and magazines, to use profanity in public and to buy a lottery ticket compared to roughly one third of non-born-again Christians.
Overall, 28 percent claims to have said mean things to others about someone else when that person was not present; 13 percent admits to having told someone something they knew was not true; and 10 percent of adults say they have gotten even for something someone did to hurt or offend them.
Inappropriate sexual gratification was another self-indulgent behavior measured. The survey found that 28 percent say they have read a magazine or watched a movie or video that contained explicit sexual images in the past month; 10 percent visited a website that showed explicit or uncensored sexual content; and 14 percent say they had an intimate sexual encounter during the past 30 days with someone they were not married to.
Additionally, 16 percent of adults say they have consumed enough alcohol to be intoxicated or considered legally drunk at least once during the last month. Drug use is lower with about 3 percent saying they used illegal, non-prescription drugs.
Also in the past month, 5 percent of Americans say they consulted a psychic or medium for spiritual guidance.
Age proved to be a strong factor in behavior. Adults under 40 and especially those ages 18 to 22 were more likely than average to engage in many of the morally questionable activities, including the use of profanity. The younger age group also shows lower than average levels of volunteerism to churches and other non-profits and to helping the poor. The 18-22 age group is also least likely to recycle.
What is this article trying to tell me? Is it slamming Christians, or is it slamming non-recyclers?
I realize that Recycling, Global Warming, et al are now officially a "religion" but yet, I'm still confused. ;)
You know, that was my first reaction, too :D
Why would it be "slamming" anyone? Not everything is a political issue. All it says is that "born again Christians" don't behave all that differently than non-born agains.
Just because someone says they are a christian doesn't mean they really are one. Some people think just because they believe in Jesus that means they are a christian. When a person truly believes in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as payment for sin, you will be different. Maybe not right away but Jesus does change you. Two years ago I had no interest in anything having to do with the bible or the study of it. Now, I have a hunger and passion for the truth and I am truly changed.
I guess no one sorts their trash any more. Which are you supposed to throw away, and which do you recycle?
Matt 13: 24-30 & 47-50
:)
***A new Barna Group survey measured the type of lifestyles Americans live. Results showed they live one of sacrifice and of self-indulgence. And the story is not that much different for born-again Christians. ****
Would the author feel better if we went back to walking barefoot on frozen ground, waring only two cloaks, a heavy one for winter and a light one for summer (Definitly not blue! If God wanted us to wear blue cloaks he would have made blue sheep!), eating only bread and water, and cutting off certain bodily parts to overcome the lust of the flesh.
Would God look on us with favor for such deeds?
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