Christian Subversion And Missionary Activities - 6

[acharya]

The Place of Christianity in U.S. Culture

The influence of traditional Christianity, as reflected in the activities and practices of most Christian churches, is diminishing in our society. The survey results confirm what most churches have experienced in the last two decades. While some mega-churches and meta-churches are visible and influential in our society, overall involvement in and attendance at Christian religious services has diminished. My research shows that church attendance in the U.S. is as low as 15-20% of the entire population on any given Sunday, and in some areas of the country is likely even lower. The problem is not that Christians are transferring to another (non-Christian) religion as much as it is that traditional versions of Christianity are being rejected. A better headline than that which appears above (and on the report) may be that the “traditional version of Christianity is no longer the default religion in the U.S.” The population is increasingly unchurched as traditional versions of Christianity fall out of favor. That the population is increasingly unchurched should not, however, be identified as lack of religious fervor or interest. Many are opting for personalized or individualized religions which pick and choose beliefs and activities, and do not necessary include a shared worship experience in a public setting. Many of these unchurched persons still identify with Christianity, but not with the traditional version of Christianity.

Conclusion: the place Christianity occupies in our society is less and less identified with traditional Christian churches (based on involvement and attendance) which are being rejected in favor of individualized religious beliefs and practices chosen from a potpourri of options which often includes non-Christian religious practices or beliefs.

Excerpt from:

http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/...lt-religion.pdf