The American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) came out not to long ago and discovered various trends worth noting of Christianity in the U.S. during the last decade. The story made Newsweek cover on April 13, 2009 with the title: The End of Christian America. In the story, the author wrote about a rise in atheism in America (about 15% of those surveyed) and Christianity having less influence in American politics.However, the survey sheds light in other trends that are interesting. The principal investigators of the survey found that:
“America’s religious geography has been transformed since 1990. Religious switching along with Hispanic immigration has significantly changed the religious profile of some states and regions…”
Increase in Christians age 25 and above that are college grads
The later statement says that more and more educated people are attending our churches. This is good news because it shows that Christian youth are acknowledging the importance of higher education. Could this trend indicate that our churches should cater a little bit more to this group as far special bible studies and messages?
What are you thoughts and comments on the trends?
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This means more college level people among the congregation; adding addition value and insight to the body of Christ!
ReplyDeleteConectate...
ReplyDeleteI was looking at your website because some relatives of mine attend your churches and were going to your picnic today. I found this interesting post, which made me want to comment.
ReplyDeleteTo exactly which churches are educated people going? Is it Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal or some other church? From listening to certain theologians, I only know of people being increasingly interested in more liturgical churches.
I don't mean to be rude, but I left AIC and Pentecostalism in general, because of the irrationality, the lack of a serious and coherent theology, and the apparent leaning towards a type of theological Protestant Liberalism. I constantly heard "sermons" that seemed more like a counseling session and an increasing emphasis on prosperity teaching which was unheard of when I was a child. I saw people jump around and yell while in a service, which seemed to frighten children at times. And the ridiculous type of legalism like women not being able to have short hair or wearing make-up and pants, and men not being able to wear shorts; although it seems that some of the younger people are moving away from this legalism.
You're choosing of the word "catering" reminds of the awful mega-churches, which really do cater to people but have little emphasis on theology.
I know this post seems somewhat hostile, but it is not my goal to make you angry. I am challenging your people to reform, and this from a person who saw and experienced the kind of damage that some churches do.