However, when you dig down a little bit, you’ll find this good news isn’t so good after all. According to a new book by George Barna entitled Futurecast, America is filled with people who are do-it-yourselfers when it comes to religion - either making up God as they go along or dropping traditional beliefs and practices, like going to church. Barna tells USA Today, “People say, ‘I believe in God. I believe the Bible is a good book. And then I believe whatever I want.’”
Indeed, Barna says only seven percent of those he surveyed say they believe in seven essential Christian doctrines, as listed in the National Association of Evangelicals’ Statement of Faith.
Barna’s Futurecast tracks changes from 1991 to 2011. It finds that those who say they haven’t been to church in the past six months, except for special occasions like weddings or funerals, jumped from 24 percent two decades ago to 37 percent today. That’s an increase of over 50 percent in the nation’s “unchurched.”
No wonder that Lifeway Research, in a new survey of 900 Protestant pastors, found that 62 percent say that the importance of being identified with a denomination will decline among believers over the next decade.
This buffet-style religion isn’t confined to the church. USA Today quotes Nadine Epstein of the Jewish magazine Moment as saying, that most Jewish people when asked if there can be Judaism without God say yes! Epstein adds, “You pick and choose the part of the religion that makes sense to you.”
Okay, folks, we are experiencing a religious smorgasbord. Indeed, Barna says with just a hint of hyperbole that America may become a nation of “310 million people with 310 million religions.”
Friends, if we believe in the Truth - not to mention in the future of the Church - this can’t go on. We Christians must get back to biblical basics, to “the faith delivered once for all to the saints.”...to read more, click HERE
This really isn't a surprise or shock. Nothing seems to be anymore.
ReplyDeleteAmerica seemed to have decided long ago that they no longer need God, they can do fine without Him, thanks.
And now look at them, and most godless western nations. They are pathetic. Yet, they don't seem to know it.
If God does not draw us back to Himself, we are doomed.
Just got another laptop today because of as household accident with a cup of coffee. Anyway, I am back on and thanks for the comment. You, as usual hit the nail on the head and if we take God's sovereignty into account,then none of this is a surprise.
ReplyDelete