Losing Faith: 21 Percent Say Religion 'Not That Important'

[Tiger G]

One in five Americans say religion does not play an important role in their lives, a new NBC/WSJ journal poll shows – the highest percentage since the poll began asking participants about their focus on faith in 1997.

Twenty one percent of respondents said that religion is “not that importantâ€￾ to their lives, compared to 16 percent who said the same in 1999. In 1997, 14 percent of Americans said religion did not play an important role in their lives.

The poll showed that these less religious Americans are more likely to be men, have an income over $75,000, to live in the Northeast or West and to be under the age of 35.

More than half of Americans still place a major emphasis on their faith. Thirteen percent of respondents in the new poll said that religion is the most important aspect of their lives, and 41 percent said it is “very important.â€￾



http://www.nbcnews.com/#/politics/p...-21-percent-say-religion-not-important-n51256

 

[staggalee83]

In the age of parenting that has no boundaries, limits and make excuses for anything kids do under the banner of self expression, this is no shock. Give it 15 more years when these pre-teen and teanagers are adults, it will be even higher. These young parents that was left to "express themselves" anyway they want growing up, are just passing the same mentality down to their kids.

People today are raised on a steady diet of how bad church and religion are. You can say anything you want, anywhere you want, and live under any set of rules you want unless those rulescome from the bible. The second you say you live your life by the bible, you are labeled bigot, all kinds of "phobes", backwards, and even laughed at these days.

 

[96lioness]

In the age of parenting that has no boundaries, limits and make excuses for anything kids do under the banner of self expression, this is no shock. Give it 15 more years when these pre-teen and teanagers are adults, it will be even higher. These young parents that was left to "express themselves" anyway they want growing up, are just passing the same mentality down to their kids.

People today are raised on a steady diet of how bad church and religion are. You can say anything you want, anywhere you want, and live under any set of rules you want unless those rulescome from the bible. The second you say you live your life by the bible, you are labeled bigot, all kinds of "phobes", backwards, and even laughed at these days.

I really like your commet stagg; very truthful (part in bold).

(As far as Christianity): I honestly believe it's because a lot of folks just don't want to put forth any real effort or real commitment to have a relationship with God because they know that means true obedience and discipline and look for any and every reason to not go to church or practice their religion. There are so people aren't intrested in His Word or His truth; a lot want to get in on His promises and blessings, but don't want to worship, obey, and do what He requires. Most people try to twist His Word to fit their lives instead of aligning their lives with His Word. So, it's easier to just say "I don't believe in God" or "I don't practice Christianity" or "I don't need religion"....that way, they're free to cling to their own set of rules and their own doctrines and self determine what's right and wrong.

 

[Kendrick]

Well, I'm a believer, but lots of young people don't see a need for religion for several reasons:

They see it as being a restrictive practice or contradictory, especially when it comes to how they observe the behaviors of religious folks. We read about them every day. Intolerance as it relates to women, gays, minorities or even those who practice other religions are other turn-offs many have.

 

[Tiger G]

I really like your commet stagg; very truthful (part in bold).

(As far as Christianity): I honestly believe it's because a lot of folks just don't want to put forth any real effort or real commitment to have a relationship with God because they know that means true obedience and discipline and look for any and every reason to not go to church or practice their religion. There are so people aren't intrested in His Word or His truth; a lot want to get in on His promises and blessings, but don't want to worship, obey, and do what He requires. Most people try to twist His Word to fit their lives instead of aligning their lives with His Word. So, it's easier to just say "I don't believe in God" or "I don't practice Christianity" or "I don't need religion"....that way, they're free to cling to their own set of rules and their own doctrines and self determine what's right and wrong.

Catholicism is the oldest and largest Christian denomination in the world and they do not interpret " his word" the same as other Christian denominations. It does not appear any two denominations interpret "his word" the same.

 

[southsuburbs]

Catholicism is the oldest and largest Christian denomination in the world and they do not interpret " his word" the same as other Christian denominations. It does not appear any two denominations interpret "his word" the same.

The reasons for the different denominations are because of the different interpretations and changes to "His Word". :lol:

 

[major095]

The reasons for the different denominations are because of the different interpretations and changes to "His Word". :lol:

there are some differences but there is agreement on most of the important things. religion isn't really that important. a relationship with God is what is primary.

 

[southsuburbs]

there are some differences but there is agreement on most of the important things. religion isn't really that important. a relationship with God is what is primary.

What are the important things?

I agree...religion isn't important at all. The relationship with God is the most important. I think that's probably what more people are realizing and are losing faith in "organized religion".

 

[96lioness]

Catholicism is the oldest and largest Christian denomination in the world and they do not interpret " his word" the same as other Christian denominations. It does not appear any two denominations interpret "his word" the same.

Ok, but my point is/was as I stated, I believe people "don't practice their religion" because they don't want to do what it takes to have a relationship with God, keep that relationship with Him, and/or adhere to His Word, which is why most people feel this way. It's easier to just live by your own set of wisdom or come up with your own definitions of what's right/wrong, good/bad. A relationship with God includes going to church (assembling of fellowship with like-minded individuals) and hearing His Word, which is part of religion.

 

[Tigerpride]

Ok, but my point is/was as I stated, I believe people "don't practiced their religion" because they don't want to do what it takes to have a relationship with God, keep that relationship with Him, and/or adhere to His Word, which is why most people feel this way. It's easier to just live by your own set of wisdom or come up with your own definitions of what's right/wrong, good/bad.

TRUTH

 

[Jax]

I really like your commet stagg; very truthful (part in bold).

(As far as Christianity): I honestly believe it's because a lot of folks just don't want to put forth any real effort or real commitment to have a relationship with God because they know that means true obedience and discipline and look for any and every reason to not go to church or practice their religion. There are so people aren't intrested in His Word or His truth; a lot want to get in on His promises and blessings, but don't want to worship, obey, and do what He requires. Most people try to twist His Word to fit their lives instead of aligning their lives with His Word. So, it's easier to just say "I don't believe in God" or "I don't practice Christianity" or "I don't need religion"....that way, they're free to cling to their own set of rules and their own doctrines and self determine what's right and wrong.

THIS in bold.

 

[96lioness]

The title of the thread really explains it all; if a person doesn't feel religion is important, it speaks volumes about their sincerity and commitment in establishing and maintaining a relationship with God (if they truly do believe in Him). If religion isn't important to them, neither is hearing His Word nor having a relationship with Him. The two go hand-in-hand.



That's my $0.02

 

[J C]

In the age of parenting that has no boundaries, limits and make excuses for anything kids do under the banner of self expression, this is no shock. Give it 15 more years when these pre-teen and teanagers are adults, it will be even higher. These young parents that was left to "express themselves" anyway they want growing up, are just passing the same mentality down to their kids.

People today are raised on a steady diet of how bad church and religion are. You can say anything you want, anywhere you want, and live under any set of rules you want unless those rulescome from the bible. The second you say you live your life by the bible, you are labeled bigot, all kinds of "phobes", backwards, and even laughed at these days.

Living and growing old will change their views.

 

[Tiger G]

Ok, but my point is/was as I stated, I believe people "don't practice their religion" because they don't want to do what it takes to have a relationship with God, keep that relationship with Him, and/or adhere to His Word, which is why most people feel this way. It's easier to just live by your own set of wisdom or come up with your own definitions of what's right/wrong, good/bad. A relationship with God includes going to church (assembling of fellowship with like-minded individuals) and hearing His Word, which is part of religion.

The people whose actions you describe who say "I don't believe in god" or "I don't practice christianity" are not atheists. God doesn't really enter the equation for atheists. They do not want to "get in on his promises or blessings." Many atheists simply do not believe in god due to the existence of science and because science explains everything that christians give god credit for. Also because there is no evidence that there is an "omnipotent" all-good god. If this were the case there are too many things that cannot be explained, even with the cliched answer of free will. Natural disasters that kill thousands of innocent people including infants, for one. In addition, religion absolves people of responsibility because evil is Satan's fault. God doesn't even enter the equation for atheists. Life is random and religion helps people to deal with that and allows them to think they have some control over the universe and after death--when in fact they have no control over the random events of the universe and no evidence of an afterlife.

The people who you actually appear to be describing are the ones who call themselves christians but do not practice christian beliefs in reality with their behavior. They are the ones who try to twist "his" words to fit their life practices. They are the ones who will try to convince you that Jesus would approve of not helping those less fortunate or why it is christian to cut food stamps and simply not help others. They are the ones who say they are christians and want to be on god's good side, but use their own rules and set to determine what is right or wrong. To me you are using the word 'atheists' to describe what in reality are christian hypocrites, because if all the people who call themselves christians actually lived by the words of Jesus or practiced real faith in god, this country and the political atmosphere would be very different and probably not so hateful or intolerant. I simply do not believe that true christians would behave towards others the way many in our society behave while claiming to be christian.

 

[unknown]

Or maybe more people are just more in touch with reality now. I think it's pretty hilarious that the consensus in here is basically it's because it's something that they're doing wrong. Uh, how about the fact that the country was founded on religion and not everyone feels OBLIGATED to do so anymore? Not a single person considers that to be an option eh? It's also oddly ironic that, out of all places in this country, the blacks that clinch to this more than anywhere else live in the south....I wonder why? And ironically, the overly religious down here are the reason why the south is soooooooooooooooo behind in relation to everywhere else. Same reason why we will never see simple things like medicinal marijuana legal down here where as everyone else is becoming progressive about it. Or they'll go the Georgia route and legalize "cannabis oil" to where they can throw all kinda chemicals in it and pervert it how they see fit.

Oddly enough, it's cause technology to lack vs other places, but they have no problems making sure everyone is able to get a gun. I seriously still want to know, how on earth is it that black people are more religious in this country than any other race? It's just insane if you really think about it. Maybe because there was a time here when we had nothing else to believe in, where as others didn't have that problem?

Of all the major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, black Americans are the most likely to report a formal religious affiliation. Even among those blacks who are unaffiliated, three-in-four belong to the "religious unaffiliated" category (that is, they say that religion is either somewhat or very important in their lives), compared with slightly more than one-third of the unaffiliated population overall.

Mississippi is the most religious U.S. state, and is one of eight states where Gallup classifies at least half of the residents as "very religious." At the other end of the spectrum, Vermont and New Hampshire are the least religious states, and are two of the five states -- along with Maine, Massachusetts, and Alaska -- where less than 30% of all residents are very religious.

During the 1st-century New Testament times, slaves who converted to Christianity were regarded as freedman brothers in Christ and included in Christ's kingdom inheritance. These slaves were told to serve their masters as if they were serving Christ, with morals, faithfulness, and respectfulness (Ephesians 6:5-8 KJV). Slaves were told by Paul the Apostle in his first Corinthian Epistle that they were to seek or purchase their freedom whenever possible. (I Corinthians 7:21 KJV)

Slavery witnessed the lack of synchronization of Christian belief with folk religion of African origin. African-American slaves did not have any organized spirituality other than what they were taught. Slavery in the United States devastated traditional culture and religion among Africans. Slaves in the 18th century came from various African societies, cultures, and nations, such as the Igbo, Ashanti and Yoruba on the West African Coast. Consequently, slaves from differing ethnic groups displayed few commonalities. Africans were black, but did not experience a homogenous existence; they shared little of their traditional cultures and religions.
Ibo, Yoruba, and Ashanti religions did not survive the Middle Passage. The institution of slavery, and the influx of Christian conversions helped in eliminating traditional African religions in the United States.
While the existence of Christianity in Africa is so old that some describe it as an "indigenous, traditional and African religion,"it was a minority faith. In America, owners often resisted conversion of slaves to Christianity, fearing that if they saw themselves as spiritually equal then a movement for civil equality would follow, a fear which was not without substance. Others were persuaded by certain evangelists that allowing conversions would work to make better slaves. While this may have been the case, and southern slave owners saw no discrepancy between kidnapping and enslavement of Africans with their own Christian beliefs, yet Christian slaves and free blacks and the growing body of abolitionists realized that the religious principles practiced and believed by them conflicted with those who supported slavery.
In addition, missionaries and clergymen wrote of the indifference of masters to their own religious welfare, and some owners held that ******s did not have souls. And although some others openly encouraged religious meetings among the slaves, yet the expression of their Christian faith was typically suppressed by owners.

I could go on but... im just sayin. How does no one see this for what it is? Or is it just the fact that we're too afraid to question it? And what I find really sad about it is, most of the ones that will criticize it are the ones that claim to be so "pro black." Folks don't even know who they are, smh.

 

[Terrell_SU]

yessir~

 

[bernard]

The title of the thread really explains it all; if a person doesn't feel religion is important, it speaks volumes about their sincerity and commitment in establishing and maintaining a relationship with God (if they truly do believe in Him). If religion isn't important to them, neither is hearing His Word nor having a relationship with Him. The two go hand-in-hand.


That's my $0.02

It's the other away around. Since I don't accept the hypothesis that there is a "supreme being", why on earth would I think religion is important?

 

[chocalate_topaz]

;well I'm one of those who is about done with "organized" religion. I've been in the church my entire life and I can say, what I see on the street, I see in the church. ;Many have an idolized view of church which is not present today for the most part. The churches I see have preachers who commit blatant sins;, apologize and doesn't step down to right him/herself. I see churches run by homosexuals...and they have many followers touting the "don't hate the messenger, get the message" philosophy.

I also see a lot of people criticizing people of other faiths because their faith requires something different from the faith they worship. How many Christians say Muslims or Budhist are going to hell? Many. ;;I've been in church when they were denounced. I see many claiming Christianity and crazy practices because...they don't PRACTICE or READ the tenets of the religion they claim. They are just regular church goers with no compass of what is expected of them or from them...the preachers too! There is plenty of mimcry, backbiting, and showmanship versus true faith practice.

I was talking to a lady today and she said it was such a disgrace that her pastor got ANOTHER outside baby on the First Lady. I'm like, "You still go?" She said he apologized and all...I told her that was the blind leading the blind. I asked her who stood up and said he should be removed and what happened. She said a sister did and they told her to sit down, hush and pretty much ostracized HER for speaking out. Now, that's why folks are leaving the church--its offering the same menu as the streets. And please don't start me on the "He's just a man" line when they are caught cheating or something. ;If he is touting "just a man" he doesn't understand the station he's in and should sit on the pew next to me.

And as far as the congregating with like-minded...that's just it...they aren't like minded as I am. I know my sins, read the Bible;, understand my consequences and don't have to gloss them over...they still shellacing and silencing to continue as they wish.

And please don't ask me how many preachers have tried to pick up me....sorry, I Know God and know I'm done with churching as its done today. I get more info and enjoyment from Joel Osteen and online reading/research.

 

[J C]

CT, what's new? Man is and has always been flawed.

 

[CEE DOG]

When you atheist, nonbelievers or what ever you folks call yourself along with scientist can tell me what happens to the spirit before conception and after death then and only then will I believe you. Until then keep it moving and get your weight up.

 

[unknown]

When you atheist, nonbelievers or what ever you folks call yourself along with scientist can tell me what happens to the spirit before conception and after death then and only then will I believe you. Until then keep it moving and get your weight up.

This argument is about as dumb as acting as if you know there's a such thing as a spirit to begin with when you don't. Unlike the majority of science, religion is based solely upon what you THINK to be true. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[unknown]

Also ironic, never get responses from folks when you bring truth into the equation lol, smh

 

[CEE DOG]

You just proved my point that your view is dumb as hell. You have no proof. A fool and his mouth says anything. The fact is you are a spoiled little kid that has not experienced life yet. The little job, degree and nice materials you have got you living the good life, but don't worry one of these days life will show you what it is. As the old warriors always said "Keep on living". You ain't telling me nothing I haven't seen son. I have seen and heard the mess you spewing from many folks, but the reality of life set in on these same folks it was amazing to see them now. Keep living dude.

This argument is about as dumb as acting as if you know there's a such thing as a spirit to begin with when you don't. Unlike the majority of science, religion is based solely upon what you THINK to be true. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[JayRob]

You just proved my point that your view is dumb as hell. You have no proof. A fool and his mouth says anything. The fact is you are a spoiled little kid that has not experienced life yet. The little job, degree and nice materials you have got you living the good life, but don't worry one of these days life will show you what it is. As the old warriors always said "Keep on living". You ain't telling me nothing I haven't seen son. I have seen and heard the mess you spewing from many folks, but the reality of life set in on these same folks it was amazing to see them now. Keep living dude.

Cee Dog, it amazes me that you're so pro-Black, but when it comes to religion, you're just like the White man who gave you HIS religion in the first place.
Before slavery, Africans had no form of Christianity. It was mere fable, stolen from previous religions and FORCED on slaves.

The Jesus myth is nothing more than a White European god that was plagiarized, copied and pawned off as a real god and savior.
Jesus is simply a replication of Horus, Dionysius, Quetzecoatl, Krishna, Jupiter, Zeus and other much older gods.
The Catholic church has all but admitted this yet folks go on believing in the Jesus character as if he was real.
Even the book of Revelation is virtually a word for word copying from the Persians.

PERHAPS people are becoming more educated as to these outright copies and plagiarisms being pawned off as something real and they're now rejecting such lies and untruths for what they really are.

Many Black folks are so ingrained with Christianity and this Jesus myth that they're afraid to do simple research and they fear being ostracized by family and friends, so they go on believing in a lie as if it was truth by many Black preachers who KNOW the history of Christianity, yet go on teaching fables themselves and lying to people just to bring in an income.:smh:

 

[CEE DOG]

Why do you Atheist(yes that is what you are stop telling yourself that lie) think you are the only folks who have not read and studied religion? You non-believers are worst then the fake church folks who quote the bible and scriptures wrong. You non believers love to brag as if you are the only ones who knows history. You have a complex that generally follows a pattern. The pattern you use is to try and pick a point of entrance from a conversation you assume the folks you are trying to get to see your point. Sorry that doesn't work for me. You don't have enough good senses to try that with me. Science is an assumption that has been proving wrong many times. What one finds to day usually turns out wrong the next day. You Atheist remind me of a group Engineers giving one pin on a five pin connector to develop a product. You know that one pin you assigned to so well, but you never take into consideration what could go wrong with the other four pins when connected to the box. In other words you put no safety critical thought into your design because you think yours is flawless and it ends up burning up the black box.