[This post is a work in progress as part of the CAA Catechism.]
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Summary in 400 words or less:
In current times, there is no doubt religious affiliation has at least leveled-off or worse, in sharp decline. Scores of data resemble what one can see, specifically in the church – a sea of grey. Many, especially young adults, are pulling away from engaging in the faith that Billy Graham, Carl Henry, Francis Schaeffer, C.S. Lewis have proclaimed. If one of these greats were to ask the younger generation, whom I belong to, what religion do you call home? More and more will say “None.”
To substantiate this claim, one can look to what Pew Research has shown, “The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling.” [1] Every urban, suburban, and rural believer should be concerned by such a trend.
But, does this necessarily mean they do not believe in the central doctrines of the Christian faith and have turned away from a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ? Not inevitably – saving faith comes through Christ alone and will persevere, though good works are signs of this saving grace. However, as evangelical theologian Kenneth Keathely has written, “Abraham and Lot were both justified (2 Pet 2:7–8), but they evidenced it very differently.”[1] Even so, these None’s who are still believers have been coined as “Done’s” who are disconnected, disengaged, and see little worth in an active church life.
Many reasons can be attributed as to why this plateau /decline is happening. Maybe’s it’s a season that needs to be weathered, the Dones will become more engaged, and the Nones will be more open to spiritual conversation. Unlikely, as a response is usually mustered that goes beyond prayer (Acts 6:1-6). While praying without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17) we should, some more than others, be following the imperative statement set out by Peter. He said we should make a case for the Christian worldview from the purest heart possible with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Gary Habermas, Mary Jo Sharp, William Lane Craig, Alvin Plantinga, J.P. Moreland, and Holly Ordway have and are making great strides to turn this tide around. Shouldn’t we as well?
Scripture for YouVersion: 2 Pet 2:7–8, Acts 6:1-6, 1 Thes 5:17, 1 Peter 3:15
Short audio/video:
http://oneminuteapologist.com/searchpage#worldview (Video # 187)
Three questions (one fill-in-the-blank, one multiple choice, one discussion question):
1. According to Pew Research, how much of young adults under 30 are now associating with no religion at all? A) 1/10, B) 1/6, C) ¼, D) 1/3 .
2. Not considered None’s because they still hold to essential Christian teaching, those who are not active church life are called ________.
3.What are some ways, either start or continue, to turn the None trend around?
References for further reading:
[1] http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise
(accessed 02/2015)
[2] Keathley, Kenneth (2010-01-01). Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Perspective (p. 166). B&H Publishing. Kindle Edition.
More info.: See George Barna and David Kinneman’s book Churchless: Understanding Today’s Unchurched and How to Connect with Them, published by Tyndale Momentum.
Collaboration notes:
Collaborators: Jonathan Hanna
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