The End of Christian America?

It seems that for the past couple years we are increasingly hearing and reading bad news about the rapid decline in both the size and influence of the Church; particulalry in Europe and North America. Europe we know is ahead of America in the free fall since they started their "post-Christian era" way ahead of us. The graph at the left shows the rise in population (blue) and the corresponding drop in Church attendence (red) in the Church of England. This trend is apparently in high gear in the USA also, and some views are that while it is not yet irreversable, if it is not arrested soon, it may be "too late" to turn things around.

In an alarming but interesting Newsweek.com article called The End of Christian America the author quotes a prominent Christian leader who says, "the historic foundation of America's religious culture is cracking." He also posts statistics that, as he says, reveal "who we are now -- and what, as a nation, we are about to become." Some of the statistics:

• the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent

• the percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 percentage points since 1990, from 86 to 76 percent

• the number of people willing to describe themselves as atheist or agnostic has increased about fourfold from 1990 to 2009, from 1 million to about 3.6 million

We also know that almost ALL major denominations in the USA are experiencing unprecented declines in membership.

And I recently learned that nearly 40% of all live births in America in 2007 were delivered by unwed mothers (from the National Center for Health Statistics), and that this marks a 25% increase in just the last 5 years! And I thought a 25% increase in ANY national statistic would take half a century! It seems to me that there is a sudden acceleration in a number of negative trends, which includes the bizarre attack on the historical understanding of "marriage," which from the beginning of time has always been known to require one male and one female!

What's happening to America? Have we completely lost our way? Are we actually becoming a nation fully disengaged from it's founding beliefs? Do you think it's "too late" to turn it around? Or are such stats as these not telling us the "rest of the story?"

 

Comments

[michael gordon]

I know this may seeem simplistic but I do not think it's "too late". I see a movement amongst the youth of the world (including North America) that rivals the great drawing in the Jesus people days. I believe this is the hand of God and though it may not result in increase in denominational church attendance I believe it will result in a huge harvest of men, women and children for the kingdom of God. I am not sure what "church" will look like in the days ahead but I believe that what is taking place is glorious and the media doesn't have a clue.

[Mark Klyne]

Here are two great articles on Divorce and restoration in the church. Thought it might relate to this blog. Also a positive note that there is something we can do about it and it's not "too late".

http://www.morningstarministries.org/Groups/1000040563/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Special_Bulletins/2009/2009.aspx

[Brandy Everts]

Hey Jeff! This blog entry has caused me to think A LOT!! But I want to encourage you by something. I don't think this is the end of Christian America! This past week I took 9 youth from our church to Lethbridge and we prayed and asked God to show us people that He wanted to minister to. We had an awesome day because Jesus showed up and we were able to minister His love, feed some people, pray for healing for people ... we did whatever the people needed. One man who was wearing a yellow shirt, that God highlighted to us, was sitting on the street corner so we went and started talking to him. The 13 yr old girl who felt that she was to go and talk to him grabbed me and we walked over, i felt Jesus tell me that this man needed financial provision, we started talking to the man and asking him how he was doing, he bluntly said "oh i thought you were going to come and be all religious" i laughed and told him that i felt he wouldn't have to worry about finances anymore ... he was overwhelmed and then was interested why i knew this ... we were then able to tell him about Jesus and he was totally open about it. I am telling you this because i find that people do not just want something "religious" they want the real thing, they want Jesus, they need His love and who He is, but they don't want religion. So as we are open and willing to share His love and be sensitive to what God is doing then we are seeing many awesome things!
I am seeing God stirring and raising up many people that are completely sold out for Christ and so sensitive to the heart beat of God ... and all they want is World Dominiation for the kingdom of God, and as this is being stired many people are being effected by the gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven is being effected even here in North America!! Its awesome and I am stoked to be apart of what God is doing in North America right now!

Since my last visit to the Philippines in February I have been challenged in many different ways and many of them came from conversations that I have had with you ... such as leadership and mentoring others into your position. Thank you for challenging me.
Be blessed and I miss you guys!