A new study by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that Americans are soft on religion. Here are a few headlines:
Survey Shows US Religious Tolerance (New York Times)
On Religion, there are few absolutes (Dallas Morning News)
Study Finds Most in US Reshape Religion (SF Gate)
The study reveals many apparent contradictions that are fascinating. The numbers are higher than I would have guessed. 57 percent of evangelical Christians believe multiple religions can lead to salvation (compared with 70 percent of people affiliated with religions). On the other end of the spectrum, 21 percent of atheists say they believe in God.
Doubtless everyone has a theory to explain the results of the study. What’s yours?
It seems clear enough that religion has less of an ideological grip over Americans than most of us have assumed. Even among religiously committed people, the majority hold their key theological beliefs quite loosely. I’m surprised — only a little — and I’m sure lots of leader-types are dismayed (and feeling a bit more alone).
It reminds me of Willow Creek’s situation. Last year Willow Creek, one of the largest and most influential evangelical churches in the USA, concluded a major study. They discovered that their members were not being deeply transformed, and they declared that this failure demanded a total reevaluation of their mission. It turns out, it’s not just Willow Creek, but Christian religion in general that’s coming up short.
People within religious systems are not being deeply informed or changed. Americans believe in God (more than 92 percent of Americans according to the study) — but what does that mean? Christians have a higher divorce rate than so-called atheists… I guess what people call “belief” is a hodgepodge of head knowledge, vague assents, religious feelings, self-serving affirmations, and (in some cases) the results of real encounter with God lived out in real life.
Real encounter with God lived out in real life…that’s the only belief I know (as a follower of Jesus, if I dare say) that really changes me.
On another note, an American (a former pastor) whose blog I read asks: Should you want to be spiritual?
My opinion is that the “evangelical Christians” are simply that in name and not in action. Sort of like how a lot of people say they are Christian, but really in essence they have no true relationship with Christ. Another thought is that maybe, just maybe, the Gospel is being watered down with the likes of prosperity preaching and the like. Seriously, how often do we hear pastors preaching the Word of God. Look at Paul in the New Testament, he was quick to tell the churches where they were going wrong, but he also explained how to do things the right way. I did find it interesting that some atheists believe in a god (note: there’s no capitalization). Doesn’t that completely go against what they believe? I myself would love to see the numbers broken down by denomination, as a curiosity. That would be interesting!
I say I’m a follower of Jesus, but I rarely (if ever) call myself a Christian. The word originally meant “little Christ” (someone who is like Jesus). I’d be honored if someone called me that. But these days “Christian” means all sorts of other things: a follower of a religious system, a Republican, someone with an agenda for me, etc.
And I don’t mind seeing the religious system that’s called Christianity falling apart from the inside, because people are beginning to see the difference between the religious system and those who know the “Word of God.” God’s “Word” is Christ, not the Bible, according to the Bible writers. I love the Bible, because it points to Christ, the expression of God’s love, and invites us to journey on the Way of Love.
I agree that pastors often don’t help matters, but I’m not sure the answer is for them to change their messages. Perhaps they should suspend weekly meetings in their church clubs for three months and see what happens. I think people would come together around Jesus; in fact, I think if we could get past the burden of maintaining religious systems and fighting battles (whether with the culture, with other religions, or with each other) we would find that following Jesus is much simpler and more rewarding than our “churches” had led us to believe.
When it comes to cultural issues, I agree with standing up against perversions, etc. People who believe that they do not affect us fail to see how such agendas have worked their way in slowly which has left us ignorant to the whole thing. (Read: The Marketing Of Evil). As for a religious system, I believe that when true persecution comes, the chaff will be separated from the wheat. I’m sure some go to church because it is what they have always done. The church I attend is wonderful. There are open arms for all. Yet, the pastor is quite clear that anyone is welcome, but we are not to continue in our sins (i.e.: homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, etc). Maintaining a religious system as a means for lining pockets, etc is a disgrace. Having a body of Christ uniting to preach the Gospel to all and helping those in need is a wonderful thing. (Sidenote: There are churches in my area who do just that. Helping the homeless, feeding the hungry, restoring the homes of the poor, lending a hand where needed, and using the God-given abilities we have where we can.) I guess I’m saying that I was once jaded about “church”, but when you find a true living, breathing body of Christ, you realize that what you read in Acts does exist.
God bless you, my brother in Christ!
I actually didn’t say anything about standing up against perversions. What is perverse? I think all-you-can-eat buffets are somewhat perverse. I’m not against churches, or Christian clubs, although I don’t equate meeting in buildings with the word “church” mentioned in the Bible. I think those clubs are, at best, one expression of church. Also, I’m getting tired of the culture war and the need of Christians to always be against other people. I don’t want to tell you what to do or think, but personally I want to be defined by who I accept and what I do and say in love, which comes through my life in Christ, not by who or what I’m against.
Also, I know churches (Christian clubs) have done tremendous work now and in the past to feed the hungry, work for justice, etc. Other clubs have done, and still do, terrible harm in the name of Christ and their religion.
Wanted to contact you but I can’t access your e-mail link. Please e-mail me the contact info Thanks, Pattie