Several years ago the Gallup poll noted that for the first time only 47% of persons belonged to either a church, synagogue, or mosque, amazing fall from 70% in 1999. Over the past 20 years or so various sociologists and pastors have tried to explain what they consider a precipitous fall.
Last night two of the latest analysts discussed this “dechurching” of America. Jim Davis and Michael Graham, pastors, the latter also a professor, commented that although some people left for political or theological reasons, many left for changes in life, such as the woman was caring for her other or the family that moved to a new community.
However, the reason that struck me the most was the fact that people wanted to only be with others who shared their particular political beliefs or attitudes. They didn’t want to hear pastors who had views different than their own, especially on social issues. As one writer put it years ago, the aisle has become a chasm. But we should take heart. Jesus never said it would be easy to follow him.
Prayer for the Day
In this Advent season as we anticipate God breaking into our world,
We feel that the world is not ready for the Child grown up;
You know, O God, that what we want is a nice sweet baby ina manger,
But the Child will not stay there for long but move into the world.
May we accept the call the Man makes for justice and mercy,
Rather than ignoring what we say Christmas is all about.
In the name of the One who did not remain a baby,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
More people have left the church in the last 25 years than all the new people who became Christians from the First Great Awakening, Second Great Awakening, and Billy Graham crusades combined,
Jim Davis and Michael Graham, from The Great Dechurching
[I] was bat mitzvahed at a Conservative Jewish synagogue and was involved in Hillel at my university but became disillusioned when I could not find a rabbi who would conduct an interfaith marriage ceremony for me and my husband, who is Catholic.
Jill Fioravanti, in an interview by Jessica Grose, writer, The New York Times
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but fools pour out folly
Proverbs 15: 1-2