Obviously you've never been to Russia where on Sunday the numerous churchs (all the old ones are being rebuilt and new ones are constantly spreading) are packed. All my friends and relatives are at least baptised if not actively praciticing and most are. There is also a shortage of priests because of the high demand. The man is just trying to suck money out of protestants, that's all. Go to Russia some time and see. Even under the communists the number of practicing (mostly in private) was much higher then 10%.
Gotta back Stavka on this one...I have many good friends involved with mission work to the Ukraine and Russia... The people there have unbelievable faith...There is no shortage of faith or Christian values in Russia...we could learn a thing or two from them...
Obviously you've never been to Russia where on Sunday the numerous churchs (all the old ones are being rebuilt and new ones are constantly spreading) are packed. All my friends and relatives are at least baptised if not actively praciticing and most are. There is also a shortage of priests because of the high demand. The man is just trying to suck money out of protestants, that's all. Go to Russia some time and see. Even under the communists the number of practicing (mostly in private) was much higher then 10%. As an American of Finnish heritage, I can conmfirm that the numbers you suggest are at least generally accurate for Georgia and Ukraina where I've visited, though I'd guess at closer to 15%-25%, as of circa 1995-96. Though I've not been to Russia proper, I'd be surprised if the numbers there were very much higher, or very much lower, though I also expect some regional differences. I guess I will find out once I'm there.
If anything, I find the people I've met to be devout believers whose religion is not the affectation or defining characteristic to them that it is to many Americans [and others] but a sincere faith in a higher power that offers comfort to some and hope to others- and both to a fortunate few.
I've noted that characteristic in Polish Catholics and Finnish Lutherans and a few Israeli Kibbutznikim as well, so I'm certain it's not limited to any one people, region or belief, but it does appear to be one that for some, fits like a glove.
-archy-/-