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I honestly don't think the numbers have really risen at all. I think what you're seeing is an affirmation of what people have thought to themselves all along but were not able to socially say so due to very real perceived prejudices in having said one does not believe.
I've never believed but there were many times in my life where I felt as though if I were asked (even by a survey) I would have to say that I believed in something because the societal pressure to do so felt enormous.
Thankfully, in my opinion, there is a growing rise in people who are coming out and saying they don't believe and I'm glad to see that it is becoming more socially acceptable.
What has brought about this emergence for people finally throwing their hands in the air and saying "I quit!?"
Where do I begin? How about the malignant spread of megachurches that have turned Sunday's into a theatrical spectacle of belief with cheesy song and dance numbers, the Catholic church and its constant scandals with child abuse, the Ted Haggards of the megachurch world who condemn people left and right and 'sentence' them to burn in hell for being gay and then get caught smoking meth with male hookers, and, in my opinion, the massive influence those large scale churches playing in getting a complete numskull elected to office over the past eight years who used his 'faith' to drive this country so far into the ground that we're setting off volcanic eruptions in Indonesia due to disturbing the tectonic activity in that region?
Look around you. Look at the landscape you're a part of and ask yourself if it looks inviting to other people. If you were an outsider, someone who may feel as though they want to dabble in this thing called Christianity, would you look at the 'inside' and see a world full of phony people gathering together every Sunday at a mass theatrical production they payed 17% of their income for so they could sing and dance together? I'll tell you this... If ever I were to be won over it would be through humble, accepting, and genuine people not this sloppy pigsty so many call Christianity now.
If you mean a decrease in people who identify themselves as Christians, I'd probably say a little. If you mean a decrease in people who actually live out Christian lifestyles and represent Christ, I'd say we have a major problem, especially with todays generation.
The Church seriously needs re-focus off of the trivial and worldly things that they are involved in.. Somehow preaching has seeped in that makes one believe that believers have to get good first before graduating from being a baby Christian.. Well that happy day is never going to come if all they are doing is sitting at home, reading the bible-- trying to please God by improving their attitudes and behaviors, and thereby living unto themselves.
The best way to cultivate a love walk is through personal ministry to others (helping others with their spiritual life). That requires action, time, and involvement which automatically disqualifies most of the church.
At the root of this problem is poor preaching ie. preaching that does not exort the congregation into the path of discipleship--promoting the idea that they are inadequate or not ready for some reason. This has got to change.
Churches, that are not encouraging and equipping its members to disciple
other believers, should be turned away from.
Now is the day of salvation!
Now is the day of the equipping of the saints!
Now is the day of Jesus Christ!
Albert Finch
http://www.thekeys2kingdom.com
Last edited by Albert Finch; 03-15-2009 at 08:37 PM..
Reason: Extraneous typing in the post
I was watching I think the news and they featured a story about America becoming less Christian. What do you guys think are some reasons why people are being turned off by Christianity? What can we do as Christians to stop this?
The only one i saw was the same survey that has been conducted over the eyars . It found that 70% beleived in god and others believed in a supereme being of some sort. I was actaully surpised at teh n low number of those that were atheist.
I honestly don't think the numbers have really risen at all. I think what you're seeing is an affirmation of what people have thought to themselves all along but were not able to socially say so due to very real perceived prejudices in having said one does not believe.
I've never believed but there were many times in my life where I felt as though if I were asked (even by a survey) I would have to say that I believed in something because the societal pressure to do so felt enormous.
Thankfully, in my opinion, there is a growing rise in people who are coming out and saying they don't believe and I'm glad to see that it is becoming more socially acceptable.
Well that seems to be the message from the Reverend Richard Dawkins, who believes American Politicians should come out of the closet and admit they are atheists. Their cowardice for not doing so is proven by the unholy alliances they keep of their relations with religious groups for no other reason than needing votes to get elected or re-elected. Throw the religous Right , Moderate or Left a pseudo-legislative bone or two and everyone's happy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Troop
What has brought about this emergence for people finally throwing their hands in the air and saying "I quit!?"
Where do I begin? How about the malignant spread of megachurches that have turned Sunday's into a theatrical spectacle of belief with cheesy song and dance numbers, the Catholic church and its constant scandals with child abuse, the Ted Haggards of the megachurch world who condemn people left and right and 'sentence' them to burn in hell for being gay and then get caught smoking meth with male hookers, and, in my opinion, the massive influence those large scale churches playing in getting a complete numskull elected to office over the past eight years who used his 'faith' to drive this country so far into the ground that we're setting off volcanic eruptions in Indonesia due to disturbing the tectonic activity in that region?
Look around you. Look at the landscape you're a part of and ask yourself if it looks inviting to other people. If you were an outsider, someone who may feel as though they want to dabble in this thing called Christianity, would you look at the 'inside' and see a world full of phony people gathering together every Sunday at a mass theatrical production they payed 17% of their income for so they could sing and dance together? I'll tell you this... If ever I were to be won over it would be through humble, accepting, and genuine people not this sloppy pigsty so many call Christianity now.
And yet while I'll completely agree with many of those observations, would an Atheistic World Society actually bring about True Peace and Security ??? Would they alone solve mankind's environmental, social, economic problems as Mr "God Delusion" has prophecied ??? I actually found a good thought on this in an article written by this man, Dr Ted Peters. After acknowledging the criticism of usual Atheist take on Religion being the cause of violence, he then of course mentions the "historical FACTS that secular and overtly atheistic idealogies self-consciously founded on what they called "science" have been likewise responsible for the ruthless murder of millions, if not tens of millions" of innocent people as well. Then he says this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Ted Peters
Article: "Evangelical Atheism"
"Theologically, two things need to be said. First, the human propensity for violence and even genocide is just that, a human propensity. It matters not whether the society marching towards war or murder is secular or religious. In either case, whatever science or religion is culturally available will be used for destructive intentions. Believers in religion need not whitewash their own religious tradition; they can afford to be realistic about the manner in which religion like anything else can be pressed into service for justifying violence and destruction. Second, the confidence of the Evangelical Atheists that movement towards a scientifically based society will bring the rule of reason and eliminate current violence is in itself a Delusion. It commits the fallacy of false cause. By naming religion as the cause of violence, this position is looking for a scapegoat rather than looking for a deeper and broader explanation."
If there is indeed no God and a Socialist Secular Progressive Atheism takes charge of Earth's affairs after destroying religion, then I believe that everyone here will see the reality of the 1970s movie called "Solyent Green" starring Charlton Heston within our lifetime.
So all us heterosexual women are "sinners" according to your interpretation of the bible?
I wonder how many people who always quote that verse from Leviticus to condemn gays can actually quote any other passages from Leviticus without referencing their Bibles.
So all us heterosexual women are "sinners" according to your interpretation of the bible?
You are twisting the scriptures to bring confusion to a very plain issue. It says men should not have intercourse with other men....period. This applies to women as well. Besides I have already heard this whole manipulating view point so please spare me.
What's it like up on the mountain looking down (your nose) at all the disgusting sinners?
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Poor Preaching
