WW 4/3: DEAD RELIGION

The Big Questions

1. Whether or not you place confidence in statistical studies, is it wise to dismiss them out of hand? Why or why not? State in one sentence what you think the study demonstrates.

I think this particular study suggests a possibility that is interesting to consider and discuss.

2. What does your own experience of Christianity in the United States lead you to conclude about its future here? What does your own experience of Christianity's acceptance or rejection among members of your extended family lead you to conclude about its future here? How does that affect your feelings about your faith?

I have experienced Christianity as it is expressed in several of its many institutional forms. I have also experienced faith as it is found and expressed in several of its many individual forms. I think institutional Christianity will die in America, but personal faith will not. I love Jesus; I am thankful for grace; and I trust the Holy Spirit to preserve my relationship with God. Hopefully, nothing will change these feelings.

3. What are the main reasons that many of today's young adults decide religion is not for them? What are the reasons that some young adults remain within religion or embrace it for the first time?

In my opinion, many of today’s young adults reject religion because in many churches creeds, traditions and social culture have replaced a living relationship with God and authentic spiritual unity. Dead religiosity does not touch the heart and minds of vibrant young people. The Holy Spirit does.
I believe some young adults remain within religion or embrace it for the first time because they are born of the Spirit, and they thereby enjoy being in places that offer opportunity to worship and praise God, study the Bible, pray corporately, and cooperate with others to do good works in the name of Jesus.
I also think some remain within religion because it is the tradition in their family, and they are thereby culturally and socially bound to it.

4. How does the church address the concerns of people who won't even engage in conversations about faith?

How do people address the concerns of a church who won’t even engage in conversations about faith?

5. To be non-affiliated with religion does not necessarily mean that a person does not believe in God or in Christ. But can Christianity survive without communal religious practice? Why or why not?

If you define ‘Christianity’ as the expression of a faith that is fueled by the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit, nothing can kill it. It only grows. If you define ‘Christianity’ as a collection of established religious organizations and practices, I believe it will soon perish. In a sense, it is dead already. Nonetheless, because of the relational, Trinitarian nature of God; I believe Spirit-filled Christians will always and necessarily seek out and manifest communal expressions of faith... it's called love.

John 3:
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.