THE Status of Christianity

Note that this is not about the status of Jesus.  The last time I checked, which was really recently, Jesus was doing just fine.  He has not had a cold or really any health problems since eternity past.

This is about you and me and what we believe and how that fairs with other people in this world, mainly America.  These words aren’t necessarily going to be exactly encouraging BUT, data like this doesn’t get me down.  I want to face reality bluntly–head on, but I don’t let the brutal facts get me down.   Jesus is still the King.  He is Lord of Lord and remains risen regardless of the polls and the rise of atheism, etc, etc, etc.

Two headlines in the UK’s Telegraph

Britain is No longer a Christian Nation; Claims Church of England Bishop
Christianity Could Die Out Within a Century

A leading Church of England Bishop notes a 10% decline in attendees from 1996 to 2006 and says, “The church is being hit by a double whammy.  On the one had, it confronts the challenge of institutional decline, but on the other hand it has to face the rise of cultural and religious pluralism in Britain.”

Also noted was the rise of Buddhism to 9% and that the decline of Christianity was being matched by the rise of Islam, predicted to double from one million to two million by 2035.

A Newsweek, 2009 article The End of Christian America revealed that atheists/agnostics increased four-fold from 1990-2009, from 1 million to 3.6 million.  68% of Americans say religion “is loosing its influence in American society.”  Self-identified Christians have fallen 10% since 1990.

Now 67% claim to be Christian but only 40% are born-again.  7% are evangelical.  Less than 9% of Americans have a Biblical World view.

A World Magazine 2008 article entitled Disorganized Religion quotes PEW Research saying only 29% of Americans claim that their religion is a guide for determining the absolute standards for right and wrong.  (But 68% claim there is no absolute truth).   The article goes on to say, “A majority of religious Americans, including [nominal] Christians agree that many religions can lead to eternal life.”

PEW Research in 2009 published results of research Shopping for religion is widespread stating data reveals that 28% of American adults now change their religion (not denominations), most often by the age of 24.  Other research now shows 70% of youth are leaving the church when they leave home.

Barna in 2009 published Christianity is No Longer America’s Default Faith.  In it Barna reported that 71% (compared to 26%) of adults note they are more likely to develop their own set of religious beliefs than what is taught by a particular church.  One-half of professing Christians deny Satan exists, one-third contends Jesus sinned on earth and one-fourth dismiss that the Bible is inerrant.

In a USA Today article in 2010, Millennials Do Faith and Politics Their Way reports that 63% of millennials (ages 18-29) believe homosexuality should be accepted compared to 47% of older Americans.  A USA Today 2011 article stated, “More Americans customize religion to fit their personal needs,”  and showed 37% unchurched (compared to 24% in 1991); 38% believe the Bible “totally accurate” compared to 46% in 1991; attended worship 40% compared to 49% in 1991; and attend Sunday School, 15% compared to 23% in the earlier survey.

Then we have the USA Today, 2010 article On Campus, Tolerance and Faith Collide reports that the 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that theUniversity ofCalifornia’s law school was within its rights to deny recognition of the campus ministry, the Christian Legal Society, if they would not allow homosexuals as members or officers.

Lastly, PEW Forums in their U. S. Religious Landscape in 2007 reported:

40% of Americans say there is no hell
70% say many religions lead to God
14% say God is an impersonal force (New Age theology)
50% say homosexuality should be acceptable
27% believe in reincarnation