Research Shows Christianity Is Failing
The Barna Group is a Christian group that has done research on the attitudes of both Christians and non-Christians. Both groups are becoming less supportive of the church. Here is a quote from their website;
“The research discovered that people are reframing not just faith in general, but Christianity in particular. While slightly fewer adults – and many fewer teens – are identifying themselves as Christians these days, the image of the Christian faith has taken a beating. This battered image is the result of a combination of factors: harsh media criticism, “unchristian” behavior by church people, bad personal experiences with churches, ineffective Christian leadership amid social crises, and the like.” – The Barna Group
Some of the things seen as detrimental to the image of the church by the Barna Group are (percentages noted will be non-Christian/Christian);
The anti-gay message – 91/80%, Viewed as Judgmental – 87/52%, Viewed as Hypocritical – 85/47%
So, the vast majority, church-goers included, disagree with the anti-gay mesage of the church. Most outside the church and about half of the church-goers see the church as judgmental and hypocritical. So why is this institution not simply falling apart completely? I think it is only because church-goers cannot see anywhere else to go.
For the time being, the church has a captive audience because of the way they have taught the people to be “pew-sitters“. This will not last forever though. The young people coming up in the faith are the most discouraged group. They are going to want a change and let’s pray that they are drawn to doing more for the community rather than just sitting in a pew.
December 18, 2007 at 2:55 pm
“Some of the things seen as detrimental to the image of the church” (Ken)
Just the image – I think churches will likely empty in the next 20 years if the church cannot manage to change it’s focus (which most don’t see as problematic within the church). I always think what I would do different if I ran a church – and I can honestly say – almost everything.
December 18, 2007 at 7:05 pm
“I always think what I would do different if I ran a church – and I can honestly say – almost everything.” (SVS)
I agree. Here is a short list of what I would like to see;
- No passing of the plate, any donations would be purely voluntary and un-solicited
- Much more of the donations would go to the community
- Much more encouragement to get out and be of service to the community
- Not registered as “non-profit” organization (so as not to be under the rules of man)
- All leaders would be held accountable for what they preach
- All preaching would be open for discussion by all
- No membership required