Post-Christian Culture

It troubles me that I’m not surprised…I never wanted to become desensitised to this sort of thing.

It troubles me that Australia is far more secular than the US, with Europe (inc the UK) being even further behind.

But at the same time I am encouraged by the way what we are seeing is what Scripture tells us to expect, and therefore gives insight into what we need to do. Doesn’t make it easy, but we knew this was the narrow road when we took it, hey.

I didn’t read the full study, but I wonder if the NW is no longer in first place because religion has increased in the NW or decreased in the NE? I’m guessing it’s the second option.

Interestingly, over the past couple of years I have attended 3 churches well outside the Pacific Northwest that all claimed to be in the “least churched ____ in the nation”. City, country, ward, state, whatever. Almost like it was a badge of courage. I’m not sure what to make of that, but it does seem odd.

Totally agree. I’m kind of past the whole thing of “this is the least churched area in the country, so everywhere around here is a mission trip.” I think that should be true everywhere.

first of all, i just have to address your example of katy perry. i think using that ex. as a way to “back-up” your statement is a poor one. perry is a pastor’s kid, true, but her rebel approach to life is like any normal pk i’ve known. unfortunate? maybe. but here’s the thing- think about this: do you really know what the song, “we are champions,” and “we will rock you” by queen are really about? do you know what queen was about? or how about madonna who’s been the “shock jock” of pop music for almost 3 decades? or what about “shook me all night long” by acdc? or brittany spears new song, “if you seek amy?” (say that 5 times fast). have you listened to some of sinatra’s lyrics? or how about john lenon’s line, “imagine no religion.”…Tyler- musicians have been doing this kind of thing for decades….blatant music about things unacceptable to the “christian right.” and in truth it’s the sterotype “christian right” that are pushing people OUT of the church.

a pastor friend of mine recently wrote that it’s apparent that the church has not done what it’s supposed to do and that is be christ in the earth. as a result, americans are dis-satisfied.

the american culture is still seeking spirituality, but they don’t want organized religion, they want answers and hope. are we going to condemn katy perry and complain about the country becoming “less christian?” or are we going to be the people of God we’re supposed to be- and be ultimately, we’re just as human as the rest of the world.

the “last days” have the days ongoing since Christ ascended to heaven…and it continues. so who are we going BE?

It was just an example Ash. Sorry you didn’t like it.

As far as the american church and people being disatisfied…I agree. I’m not trying to say we should be all up in arms over culture going against Christianity. We should expect it.

I think what troubles me the most is that the Northeast, the area from which our richest American Religious heritage is rooted has drifted to sleep.

‘Tis a warning for the “Bible Belt” to be sure.

I think what is most troubling is the fact that so many “unchurched” people actually reside within the church.

I recently moved to a city in South Carolina that is often referred to as the “Buckle of the Bible Belt.” Almost anyone you talk to in the area has grown up in church, is attending church, or used to attend church; yet most of these people have never experienced true salvation. These men and women have spent years in the church and still have not come to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ. How scary is that?

Complacency has a chokehold on the southern church. Our mission is no longer trying to convert non-believers to Christianity.. but to convert “Christians” to Christianity.

While Evangelical Christians are in agreement over the cultural slide they seem to volunteer and help in their community very, very little. Just one example is that at the last Bible study I went to I asked the ladies in a relaxed conversational way what other groups they were involved with in the area. No one was involved in their community, except for 2 women in the PTA. There was a total lack of conviction, and these women had just finished studying James! We are not salt and light in our neighborhoods and towns; we are in the dark with the flickering blue light of the television.

I understand what you are getting at. I would point out that your are putting “deeds” in James into a pretty narrow box though.