The church I was raised in was a Southern Baptist church. We used to have hay rides and sing in the choir.
I went to college, got married, moved across the country and when I visited again to my old hometown, I noticed that on Sunday, when I went back to my old church, There were hardly any people there anymore!
It went from about 300 people to about 50, in less than 20 years!
The town has grown, though, and there are a lot of kids, etc. But I noticed that the other churches in town seemed to have, largely empty parking lots.
I never noticed this before because I stopped going to church when I went to college and I just wanted to go back for "old time's" sake.
I read, recently that in England the same thing is happening... The churches are practically empty?!?
What is causing all this?
Has Christianity been disproven scientifically or something?
2007-03-14 20:11:07 · 11 answers · asked by John Galt 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"The world hate us, it has been foretold"
This was the saying because Jesus was probably a smarter guy who knows how to get away from his problems and that he is probably wiser than his followers who contradict his teachings and probably didn't even know what he was talking about.
By the way, didn't Jesus went back to Jerusalem to teach only to the Jews? why are the non Jews complaining?
2007-03-14 20:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There have been an number of explanations put forward about this trend which you have observed. One, there has been a trend in the last couple of decades for people to move away from smaller, denominationally affiliated churches for larger "megachurches" or new churches that place little emphasis on old way.
Secondly, over the last couple of decades, the term "religion" has come to have a negative connotation, while the term "spiritual" has been more used by folks. Along with this shift has been the focus on individual religious practice instead of corporate religious practice. This is why you may see the churches being less full but the religion and spirituality section at Barnes and Noble be mulled over by many people. Belief has not been disproven. It has just taken on a different form.
Finally, many traditional churches have not done a tremendous job of attracting young people and young families, which has lead to the "graying" of many churches, where members are dying before new members join.
All that being said, there are a number of studies suggesting that some traditional churches are making a comeback, mostly because there is a growing number of people who dislike the individualist tendency in current trends and seek the community that the church used to provide.
2007-03-14 20:41:50 · answer #2 · answered by Blake the Baptist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches are drying up in Germany & France as well. They are becoming more of a secular nation. A % of American believers & their churches have grown apathetic & indifferent too. But it comes as no surprise. Jesus fore told that there would be a "great falling away " before His return......
( Luke 21:21-28 )....There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in a cloud with power & great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Its exciting & such an awesome thing to look forward to........I love my jesus.<>< <><
2007-03-14 20:38:38 · answer #3 · answered by skittles 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is this about church attendance or Christianity? The two aren't always connected.
2007-03-14 20:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by gene_frequency 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People are wising up to the fact that religion is bogus and a waste of time. That is happening more in Europe than in the US, although the evidence you cite shows that it is happening here also.
2007-03-14 20:18:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The papists claiming to be... and nearly all of the international believing them... in my view, i do no longer think of Constantine ever became a genuine Christian... not one of the management of The Roman catholic are.
2016-10-18 10:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, God has been removed from schools and public life where people would normally be more exposed to Him.
The liberals have made it their lifes work to take God out of America, and American life.
But we know that Jesus is still alive and strong, don't we?
2007-03-14 20:21:16 · answer #7 · answered by C J 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
:) Check your roots to learn more, do not let Christianity die without learning about it nor fighting for it, IF your really Christian then u have an obligation to do something, I am Catholic, and if it takes my blood to not let down the Catholic Church which Jesus left us, then i would gladly offer it.
2007-03-14 20:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by mylesr77 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
kind of--homophobia, racism, and intolerance are no longer considered "family values"
2007-03-14 20:24:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
the world hates us
this is foretold.
keep a strong hold on your faith, we will be going home soon :)
blessings upon you my friend
2007-03-14 20:15:11 · answer #10 · answered by Kenneth H 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋