Religious Attitudes Poll
Since we've been on the topic of polls lately I have another one for you. This one was brought to my attention by Jake Lee. The poll suggests that religious attitudes of citizens in the United States are stronger than religious attitudes of their Western European counterparts. You can view the poll here, and I especially recommend you consider the second tab - "How important would you say religion is in your own life?"
It's interesting to note that Americans are so deeply "religious," and yet, as this American observes, the average religious beliefs are a far cry from orthodox Christianity (not "O"rthodox). Maybe this poll is the natural compliment to the one Ron posted last week. I guess that while Americans are "religious" their religion seems to be that of a "Moralistic Therapeutic Deistic" persuasion.
Interesting.
-Thanks, Jake, for the link.
It's interesting to note that Americans are so deeply "religious," and yet, as this American observes, the average religious beliefs are a far cry from orthodox Christianity (not "O"rthodox). Maybe this poll is the natural compliment to the one Ron posted last week. I guess that while Americans are "religious" their religion seems to be that of a "Moralistic Therapeutic Deistic" persuasion.
Interesting.
-Thanks, Jake, for the link.
14 Comments:
WOW! That's quite a survey... I wish it were more encouraging. Something you wrote sparked a thought, you write: "It's interesting to note that Americans are so deeply "religious," and yet, as this American observes, the average religious beliefs are a far cry from orthodox Christianity (not "O"rthodox)."
I was speaking with a friend the other day about this and other issues and it seems to us that in America we have lost the "substance" of our faith, and are now struggling to maintain the "symbols" of it.
My friend (a UMC youth minister in Atlanta, GA) shared about an evangelists message in his church. The evangelist (from the Francis Asbury Society) began by asking the congregation (about 800 on a Sunday morning) if anyone could stand and repeat in order the main clauses of the 10 Commandments? Surprisingly no one could. The evangelist then went on to share that he asks this question in every church he visits and no one yet has given a complete answer.
His point was that while we're fighting for the Commandments on the courthouse (which he considered a good thing) we've lost the 10 Commandments in our minds, our churches, our homes. I think the same point could be made regarding prayer in public schools, etc. etc. We are "deeply religious" about monuments to morality, but don't take the time to internalize the same character. I think my friend is correct, we want the "symbols" but we've lost the "substance" we need to fight for both.
Thinking in Ohio,
Excellent observation. Your friend in Georgia is quite perceptive.
You have responded precisely as I had hoped someone would respond. This poll was not meant to present simple figures on this blog merely for entertainment purposes. It was meant to make a point, and you have made it for me.
The example of the Ten Commandments is but a glimpse of the way things are as a whole. American "Christianity" ultimately cares nothing of the essence of the gospel message. It seems more concerned with feelings and therapeutic solutions to temporal problems. No one wants to hear about sin, and consequently no one wants to hear about full salvation. Perhaps this is because we want salvation without any costs. In the words of my dear friend Charles Elliott, "We want a painless existence -- a crossless salvation." It's easy to cling to symbols, just as long as they don't interfere with our lifestyle.
Maybe Anonymous-Q's assessment of American Evangelicalism, while acutely pessimistic, is closer to the mark than we all want to admit. Maybe this all-out effort to preserve the Ten Commandments in the courthouses of America is more political than we think. How is it that people will stand out in the streets of Washington crying about their rights being taken away when they do not exercise the rights they already have? Why is it they are more concerned about a tablet in the courthouse than about prayer in their own house?
Anonymous-Q, can you hear me?
Thinking in Ohio,
Great Comment and very perceptive. I do hope though that your flock and marriage survive your unrivaled addiction to Alitheia Dialegomai!
It's 2 O'clock, do you know where your flock is? (grin)
thinking in ohio take notice!you better
heed jedi-masters advice,or you could
end up back in "Tomato Festival" Country!
Rev. Jim
Indeed! It's true! But my wife has entered nursing school--consequently my schedule has become somewhat--strange... my flocks okay though, I visit them on Monday, Thursday and Saturday or as needs arise (and I visit much more than most pastors I know). I just returned from an 1 1/2 hour service at the EagleCreek Nursing Home so I'm still "in the fight"! That's my defense and I'm sticking to. It's easy for me, though, I'm a people person... I just talk them to death and call it "pastoral care". JediMaster, you know quite well how effectively I can use this tool of the Force.
And as far as my wife goes... she's always studying these days, kinda like seminary in reverse! I'm just trying to compete with her textbooks! Maybe she'll become jealous and give me some attention.
PS--How dare you use the name, "JediMaster" when you have no love in your heart for the greatest galactic epic of our time?
Jim, now aren't you a mystery? How do you know about "The Former Tomotopolis of the World"? That is the city motto, you know?
thinking in Ohio? Wow! That phrase is almost an oxymoron.I can't say any
more for fear of being called "chump"
And yes I'm familiar with the tomato
capital of the world.Something Shaun
will find out about much too soon.
Rev.Jim
Please forgive my misspelling of your
name Sean. Rev.Jim
Hey, uh, I hate to break up the family reunion here, but do you guys think we could get back on topic? Could we? Thanks.
Sean please accept my apology for digressing
from the subject,I realize some important
issue could be missed by my random musings.
Can't wait to meet you in August so we can
converse in person.When you get my age it's
easy to get distracted. Jim
Listen, my comment was 99% tongue-in-cheek. Don't think I'm trying to censor comments.
I look forward to meeting you too. I guess that means that we don't know each other already. Do I know any "Jim's" down there???
Sean,
I do sense a little censorship going on here. I read where you tore BFR a new one, while justifying you IP voyeurism. Hey, I'd do the same thing...except I wouldn't use a bunch of techno jargon to justify it. (Come on, you're telling about page hits and all, don't skirt the issue). Just call it like it is. Also, don't remove the anonymous posting ability; us "cowards" make up most of your blogg visits.
Also, enjoy it while you can. You're not going to have much time for blogs while you're in the grip of the Big O!
Ta Ta
Sean,
Sorry about that. That came out mean. I was trying to have a little fun, but I believe it came out harsh. That's the problem with this medium. My bad.
In line with the article I see religion in the USA as something I can get. What I mean is people seem to go to church to cover all the bases (i.e. if I go to church God will bless me). A person can go to church and live how they want during the week. Church and religion is a place to get a little mojo. These same people belive in omens, and are superstitious. If we could determine the real christians, by some kind of a template, I wonder how many true christians would show up on such a poll?
To the Seinfields,
If only Jerry, Elaine and rest really every dialogued concerning things of eternal importance instead of the temporal.
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