Is America "Better" Because It is Predominantly Christian? (priest, morals)

[Wisteria]

I have a friend who is a Born-Again Christian, and he dislikes other religions, and feels that his religion is the only "true" religion. I realize that most Christians feel that theirs is the "true" religion, too. So, I started thinking that since the U.S.A. has the most Christians, does this mean that it is "the" country chosen by God?

Does this make America better in the whole world? And since this is a Christian nation and most of its leaders are Christians, why is there so much poverty, segregation, abused and abandoned children and why aren't the Christians, which are the majority, making this the Utopia it could possibly be under God? The state of our nation seems so awful in comparison to what people preach, that I don't understand how we can be a Christian nation, and yet have so many (seemingly) uncaring people who only preach the Word, but do not seem to walk the walk. And if so many poor and uneducated people are also Christian, what are other Christians doing to better their lives?

So, are we better than other people in the U.S., and how does one explain so many negatives in the U.S. considering it is mostly Christian?? It is confusing to me to see a huge Christian nation with so many problems, and yet filled with so many people capable of solving those problems through their religious "good works."

Thanks.

[Padgett2]

You might ask your friend why there is a drop in Church membership in the USA. You would think that if we were a Christian nation and we were doing all those things that we should, the churches would be bursting at the seams and new ones going up on every corner.

I suspect that we have the most Christians because we are bigger than most countries.

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by Padgett2

You might ask your friend why there is a drop in Church membership in the USA. You would think that if we were a Christian nation and we were doing all those things that we should, the churches would be bursting at the seams and new ones going up on every corner.

I suspect that we have the most Christians because we are bigger than most countries.

Also, some people are Christian in name only, not deed.

[Wisteria]

Padg: You might ask your friend why there is a drop in Church membership in the USA. You would think that if we were a Christian nation and we were doing all those things that we should, the churches would be bursting at the seams and new ones going up on every corner.

I don't think he has any clue as to that, and in fact, it seems Born Again Christians are increasing, not decreasing.

I'm not sure population has that much to do with it, because many countries also have large populations, but I think that proportionately, we have more Christians. That's why I'm so quizzical about it.

The U.S. really does have the largest number of Christians, and I know that there are many large pockets of Christians in various areas of the U.S. (i.e. the South), and, yet, I have trouble seeing the correlation between faith/good deeds, and the other troubling aspects of society. It would seem that with the emphasis on Christianity and its teachings that it wouldn't be like that. It's very confusing.

I'm really interested in theories as to why this is, if Christianity is the majority religion, and it teaches the good in the Bible. I just can't figure it out, and I know I must be missing something.

Thanks!

[MacAttack_]

Religion should have nothing to do with the running of this country. That is exactly as our Founding Fathers wanted it to be. This isn't a Christian country due to the majority anymore than it is a white country.

The U.S.A. would hardly be a utopia if it were turned into a Theocracy, or if Christian doctrines & morals were legislated into our laws. It would be not far removed from Afghanistan under the Taliban.

So, are we better than other people in the U.S., and how does one explain so many negatives in the U.S. considering it is mostly Christian??

Hmm. Well maybe no explanation is necessary. Perhaps it should be taken as a hint

It is confusing to me to see a huge Christian nation with so many problems, and yet filled with so many people capable of solving those problems through their religious "good works."

Problems can really be solved by anyone's good works - whether Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Atheist etc. Good works should be done because they're the human thing to do. Religion usually causes more problems than it solves.

[PhillyChief]

I have a friend who is a Born-Again Christian, and he dislikes other religions, and feels that his religion is the only "true" religion.

As long as that sentiment exists, there will always be trouble.

On 9/11, atheists saw the danger of religion.
On 9/11, christians saw the danger of the wrong religion.

[Jazzedforhim]

Originally Posted by jeffncandace

Also, some people are Christian in name only, not deed.

Exactly...that is the bigger picture Jeff. It's like they copy what their parents say or something.

[zenjenn]

I am Jewish.

I generally think it is better for this country, or any country, if people adhere to ethical, monotheistic religion and take it seriously - whether it's Christianity or anything else.

[MacAttack_]

Originally Posted by zenjenn

I am Jewish.

I generally think it is better for this country, or any country, if people adhere to ethical, monotheistic religion and take it seriously - whether it's Christianity or anything else.

"History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance, of which their political as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purpose." -Thomas Jefferson

[Jazzedforhim]

Originally Posted by MacAttack_

"History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance, of which their political as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purpose." -Thomas Jefferson

I was thinking we were talking about the PEOPLE being Christian not the GOVERNMENT?