Posted on 08/28/2016 2:41:41 PM PDT by Salvation
The Surprising Reason Why More Americans Are Not Going To Church
The standard narrative of American religious decline goes something like this: A few hundred years ago, European and American intellectuals began doubting the validity of God as an explanatory mechanism for natural life. As science became a more widely accepted method for investigating and understanding the physical world, religion became a less viable way of thinking—not just about medicine and mechanics, but also culture and politics and economics and every other sphere of public life. As the United States became more secular, people slowly began drifting away from faith.
Of course, this tale is not just reductive—it’s arguably inaccurate, in that it seems to capture neither the reasons nor the reality behind contemporary American belief. For one thing, the U.S. is still overwhelmingly religious, despite years of predictions about religion’s demise. A significant number of people who don’t identify with any particular faith group still say they believe in God, and roughly 40 percent pray daily or weekly. While there have been changes in this kind of private belief and practice, the most significant shift has been in the way people publicly practice their faith: Americans, and particularly young Americans, are less likely to attend services or identify with a religious group than they have at any time in recent memory.
If most people haven’t just logicked their way out of believing in God, what’s behind this shift in public religious practice, and what does the shift look like in detail? That’s a big question, one less in search of a straightforward answer than a series of data points and arguments constellated over time. Here’s one: Pew has a new survey out about the way people choose their congregations and attend services. While Americans on the whole are still going to church and other worship services less than they used to, many people are actually going more—and those who are skipping out aren’t necessarily doing it for reasons of belief.
There were at least three fascinating tidbits tucked into the results of the survey. First, people who report going to worship services less frequently now than they used to overwhelmingly say the logistics of getting there are the biggest obstacle.Second, a significant number of people who said they’re not part of any particular religion expressed mistrust of religious institutions, suggesting these organizations’ reputations have something to do with why people are dropping out of public religious participation.
Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, the country seems to be split in half in terms of how often people get to services. Roughly 51 percent of Americans say they go to church or another worship service somewhere between once a month and multiple times per week, while 49 percent said they go rarely or never. But within that 51 percent, more than half of people said they go more often than they used to—in other words, about quarter of Americans have gotten more active in their religious communities in recent years, not less.
On the other hand, fewer than half of the people who rarely or never go to church said this has been a new decline in the last few years; a greater portion of that group said they’ve always stayed home on Sundays. All of this is a way of saying that, comparatively speaking, there’s more activity happening on the devout side of the spectrum than the drop-out side; this study suggests that even in a time of religion’s public decline, some people are experiencing religious revival.
According to the survey, about one-fifth of Americans now go to religious services a few times a year, but say they used to go a lot more. Roughly half of this group stopped going as often because of what the researchers called “practical issues”: They are too busy, have a crazy work schedule, or describe themselves as “too lazy” to go. Others said they just don’t care about attending services as much as doing other things.
While it’s easy to empathize with the hassle of trying to wake up and rally kids to go sit still for several hours every Sunday morning, this explanation is interesting for a slightly different reason: It suggests that many people view religious services as optional in a way they might not have in the past. Fifty or 60 years ago, churches, in particular, were a center of social and cultural life in America. For many people, that’s still the case, but the survey suggests that many people may be creating their social lives outside of a religious context—or perhaps forgoing that kind of social connection altogether.
The experience of those who are losing their religion shouldn’t obscure those who are finding it.
The sidelining of services may connect to another factor indicated in the survey: Among people who were raised religiously and who fell away from religion in adult life, roughly one-fifth said their dislike of organized religion was the reason. Another 50 percent said they stopped believing in the particular tenets of the faith they were raised in. Insofar as the decline in U.S. religious affiliation is an intellectual or philosophical story, it seems to be this: Fewer people are willing to sign on with the rules and reputations of institutions that promote faith. That doesn’t mean people don’t care about religious ideas or questions—many of those who are unaffiliated with a particular group still consider themselves “religious” or “seeking”—but they might not be as sold on the religious institutions themselves.
The experience of those who are losing their religion shouldn’t obscure the experience of those who are finding it, though. Twenty-seven percent of people in the survey say they’re attending services more often than they did in the past, cutting against the country’s overall decline in religious practice. This was most common among evangelical Protestants, three-quarters of whom say they go to church at least once or twice a month. Half of the people who said they’re going to services more often explained the change in terms of their beliefs: They’ve become more religious; they found that they need God in their life; they’ve gotten more mature as they’ve aged. By contrast, relatively few said they started going to church more often for practical reasons. Belief brings people to worship, it seems, while logistics keep people way.
The survey offers evidence that at least some Americans find worship services less relevant than other things they could be doing with their time, or perhaps they’re too hard to make time for. But the biggest takeaway is the variety of religious experience in America. Just as some people are drifting away from religion, others are moving toward it—and no matter what they might do on Sunday mornings, many people seem to find religious thinking still relevant to their lives.
Sorry. I don't think that approach is quite right, Bro.
The Law shows us what God/Jesus isn't. eh? The moral law is meant for the criminal, not for the righteous. for if all were righteous, there would be no need for a law.
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient,
for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers,
for manslayers,
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars,
for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust" (1 Tim. 1:8-11 AV).
Meaning that assurance of the former propaganda is based upon the latter. For Rome has presumed to infallibly declare she is and will be perpetually infallible whenever she speaks in accordance with her infallibly defined (scope and subject-based) formula, which renders her declaration that she is infallible, to be infallible, as well as all else she accordingly declares.
More fitting, just because you repeat the talking points of the Catholics, doesn’t mean that you have refuted the refutations of the Catholic Church with its teachings, and supported what Scripture does not.
Simple knowledge of God's qualities tells us that of course He knew all there was to know of the Law before tine, natter, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Earth came into being. But as far as humanity is concerned, God revealed it and codified it progressively, and it was not fully known until the Law of the Spirit--of Life in Christ Jesus--became known and available to all living and hearing the Gospel of Jesus.
Going into Eternity, our attention will be consumed with the continuous fellowship in/of Christ Jesus Who is the Mercy Seat Personi8fied, not on the Law of Sin and Death.
They are literally set in stone and engraved in the hearts and minds of believers.
Is this the way you meant to write the thought? And, making allowances for grammar, this would be an important doctrine. Do you have Scripture for it?
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
The Book does NOT say...
...but whoever does not GET BAPTIZED will be condemned.
Sorry Elsie, you miss the point (again). Faith is what saves. Nobody (no Freeper I know anyway) denies that. But the Bible also says ""Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works" James 2:18. Or you can read the Master Words yourself "If you love Me keep My Commandments". While certain Freepers may emphasize they can do ANYTHING they want (or nothing at all) that is NOT what the Bible says.
Have a blessed day.
Correct: it emphasizes keeping effectual faith, which effects obedience, and thus promises salvation to those who believe, as well as those whose life and character characterize what true faith effects, in perseverance, and excludes as saved those whose life and character characterize the contrary. For what we do manifests what we truly believe.
The critical difference is that faith is what appropriates justification for the unGodly, being counted for righteousness, and while this faith effects obedience and Christian character, the effect is not the cause of justification, as if one actually possesses such perfection of character that he is fit to be with God, or his merits outweigh his sins. Yet works are the basis by which the elect are manifest as being so, and are judged and justified/vindicated as having true complete faith. Understanding this reconciles what can seem to be contradictory statements.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (Romans 4:4-6)
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (Matthew 25:34-36)
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Romans 2:13)
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:4-5)
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:13-14)
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:5)
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. (Hebrews 6:7-9)
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Hebrews 3:6)
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12)
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3:14)
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:38-39)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. The Book does NOT say... ...but whoever does not GET BAPTIZED will be condemned.
Correct: it promises salvation to those who believe with the kind of faith that effects obedience, and thus salvation is promised to those who believe, and to those who confess the Lord Jesus, and to those who obey Him.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
It is the faith that is behind baptism whereby the heart is purified, and which is counted for righteousness, versus the act of baptism itself effecting regeneration.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:7-9)
Yes. See above. There is an overeaction to Rome which effectively teaches that the act of baptism itself effects regeneration, and that one must actually become good enough to be with God, to attain perfection of character here or in purgatory, and that one merits eternal life, versus the heart being purified by faith, and which is imputed for righteousness, but which effects characteristic obedience (including repentance when convicted of the contrary), and which fruit manifests true faith, the contrary to which manifests unbelief.
Thanks, I was somewhat puzzled as to what he was referring to. One does not do anything to become good enough to be with God. In fact He is the Source of all goodness. If I have any goodness at all it is a reflection from Him. The Catholics do seem to emphasize rituals and a rigid hierarchy but I do not believe that is what God wants at all. Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice”. In other words a changed heart rather than rituals. Perhaps Elsie read something in my postings I did not intend.
What do you do on Saturdays, BB?
You're not talking about the water baptism into discipleship, are you?
(There are seven baptisms in the NT, eight if you count ritual cleansing in the mikvah for entering the sacred Temple precincts.)
It is an important doctrine. But it's really not my thought. It's the heart of the new covenant promise:
Heb 8:10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My Laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
While certain Freepers may emphasize they can do ANYTHING they want (or nothing at all) that is NOT what the Bible says.
While certain Freepers emphasize DOING things to KEEP your salvation...
This talks about the house of Israel, doesn’t it? and to whom is the book written?
The Word of God was written so that all may enjoy His knowledge and promises. However portions of this book (Hebrews) was directed to those who were fearing persecution ( a real probability) and thought of returning to Judaism to escape it. Passages were wrote to strengthen their faith to remain resolute. As far as Gods promises to believers (New Covenant) one should study John 15 and Romans 11 about the grafting of other peoples/nations onto the True Vine (Jesus).
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".
The new covenant IS and WILL only be made with the houses of Israel and Judah:
Heb 8:6 But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he said, “Behold, the days come”, says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
Heb 8:9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they didn’t continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them,” says the Lord.
Heb 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days,” says the Lord; “I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
If you are NOT a member of the house of Judah or Israel or are NOT grafted into Judah or Israel then you have no part in Christ and no part in the new covenant.
In fact, Hebrews was so vital to my being that I was led to memorize the whole book from the AV, word by word. It took 9 years, and Providentially/serendipitously at the end of the precious task I was able to recite Heb. 13:20-21 as a final doxology at my Dad's memorial service, as a blessing upon the attenders.
Dad was ordained deacon of the Methodist Episcopal denomination in 1938, and elder in 1944. I think he and Mom were awfully glad that they saw me turn (figuratively) to God and His Son from idolatrous abominations, finally at age 34. How they put up with me, I do not know, but it must have been through prayer and forgiveness all along.
In my study/worship Bible the pages of Hebrews are covered with notes and references scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments, and on the verses referred to, the linking reference back to is corresponding relationship to Hebrews.
Fellows, My impression is that if you asked a hundred professed "Christians" to cite just the Ten Commandments off the top of their heads, they would not be able to dos so, although they will aver that they obey them (without knowing what they all are). Written on their hearts? I'm not the judge, God is; but it brings their religious education into question.
And if not, how about the 50 identified commands of Christ, especially the New Commandment given in John 13:34-35. Are all "Christians" truly regenerated believer-disciples-priests and Friends (Jn. 15:8,12,14,17; 1 Jn. 3:22-24, 5:2), products of a convicted, deeply sorrowful, and repentant heart, liberated by the Cross-death and resurrected ascension of the dear Savior and Eternal High Priest?
I love you, my FRiends, and wish that you meditate on His Law, Become like the fruitful tree, and prosper, being known of Jehovah.
Written on my heart: "Jesus loves me."
This is an answer to this article titled "The Surprising Reason Why More Americans Are Not Going To Church."
The simple answer is, my FRiends, that such professons of the Christian religion have an unfeigned love neither of Jesus, nor of His Friends and Brethren.
They do not have the New Commandment written on their hearts.
Yes, as in Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:47. Rome believes water baptism - though the word means to immerse, not sprinkle - works works "ex opere operato" (by the act itself) to regeneration, even without any cognizance on the part of the baptized, and so that even an atheist baptizing a infant effects regeneration if he "intends to do what they church does," which is so loosely applied that V2 basically affirms Protestant baptisms using the Trinitarian formula to be valid.
But as we see in Acts 10:43,47; 15:9, forgiveness is promised and realized by believing, with regeneration taking place before baptism, and thus it is not the act but such faith that is expressed in baptism that results in the "washing of regeneration." (Titus 3:5)
yes they do
unless you are handicapped, get off your butt and go to Mass.
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