Interesting Statistics on American Christianity

[starbyfar]

i've noticed that alot of people, especially on this forum, seem to think that america is a predominatly christ-following nation. in my humble opinion, that statement is nearly as comical as the other old time favorite, "this nation was founded on christian principles", but thats another topic. i came across these nationwide surveys done by the barna research group that really give some deeper insight into what it really means when people say things like this is a christian nation because 85% of americans consider themselves christian.

Less than 50% of Americans open the Bible in a given week
58% do not know who preached the Sermon on the Mount.
63% cannot identify the names of the first four books of the New Testament.
52% did not know that the book of Jonah is in the Bible.
48% did not know that the book of Thomas is not in the Bible.
82% did not know that the expression “God helps those that help themselves†is not contained within the Bible.
84% think the Ten Commandments are valid rules for living, but 58% have a rough time recalling 5 or more.
Among teenagers who attend church regularly, 2 in 10 do not know the significance of Easter for Christians
42% of the Christians interviewed said that without the government’s laws, there would be no real guidelines for people to follow in daily life

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Home
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=1690

 

[tim-from-pa]

I looked at the link---- these seem to be more modern day statistics. In my grandparent's generation, I think a lot more would have been known about the bible.

I agree, constitutionally speaking, that this nation is not "Christian" as no religion over another is endorsed. However, in personal principle, I think that many of the founders were Christian and those principles carried over into the constitution we now have. That's why this country is freer, because the principles are free.

With all that being said, I think that this nation of the United States originated with some of the lost tribes of Israel, and our place here was prophesied. However, the mixture of people is from all over. That is one of the identifying marks of Israel. They were more tolerant of all peoples (look how they often intermarried) while other nations are not as gracious accepting outside and different religions and stay more to themselves.

And to add a sarcastic twist, the people of the United States are often perceived by the rest of the world as acting superior and as bigots---- a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black, or.... it takes one to know one. But try to do the same to other nations and see what kind of backlash one gets.

 

[Gabbylittleangel]

I was listening to a Bible teacher on the radio this week who gave some stats. I am sorry that I don't have the source, or the exact numbers, but I did get the picture that he was drawing.
He said that there was between 80 and 90% of Americans who believe in God. There was a percentage about 5% lower who said that they believe in Jesus Christ. However, he said, most of the people who claim to believe in Jesus Christ, do not believe that he is the only way.

 

[starbyfar]

I looked at the link---- these seem to be more modern day statistics. In my grandparent's generation, I think a lot more would have been known about the bible.

I agree, constitutionally speaking, that this nation is not "Christian" as no religion over another is endorsed. However, in personal principle, I think that many of the founders were Christian and those principles carried over into the constitution we now have. That's why this country is freer, because the principles are free.

no religion over another is endorsed? i dont know about that one. today, in america, alot of the popular controversial subjects up for debate have to do with the christian view against the secular view. more times than not it seems like you have people that aren't christians trying to gain rights or make changes against the traditional "christian" way of doing things in this country

honestly, i think now we know more about the bible and the contexts of what was trying to be relayed in the words than people did back in the day, atleast those of us that are true followers of christ do. just look at all the horrible things the founders of this country and christians worldwide have done in the name of christianity. all in the name of christianity. hatred, oppression, war, murder, you name it.. they did it and miscontrued the bible to justify their actions.. or they truly didnt understand what they were reading.

america is freer? maybe freer than a third world country in africa but compared to other developed nations? we don't even have healthcare! i dont think the people in america have a true understanding of what freedom is or how much more free they could be. i won't ever be content with the freedom to operate within a box.

 

[tim-from-pa]

no religion over another is endorsed? i dont know about that one. today, in america, alot of the popular controversial subjects up for debate have to do with the christian view against the secular view. more times than not it seems like you have people that aren't christians trying to gain rights or make changes against the traditional "christian" way of doing things in this country

I think you misunderstood me. I was talking in the context as to an endorsement of a particular religion in the constitution---- not the ones accepted by the majority of the people themselves.

honestly, i think now we know more about the bible and the contexts of what was trying to be relayed in the words than people did back in the day, atleast those of us that are true followers of christ do. just look at all the horrible things the founders of this country and christians worldwide have done in the name of christianity. all in the name of christianity. hatred, oppression, war, murder, you name it.. they did it and miscontrued the bible to justify their actions.. or they truly didnt understand what they were reading.

I agree that for those who want to know more about the bible, that is easier to do today than in the past, especially with these computers. Ignorance of the bible is one of the #1 reasons I chastise other Christians since there is no excuse. I'm not sure what specifically you are referring to regarding horrible things. I know that it is in the nature of mankind to do horrible things in the name of any religion because he is that way, not only the Christians with the Inquisition for example, but people of other faiths offering to blow themselves up for God or people of other faiths forcing Christians to worship underground for fear of reprisal.

america is freer? maybe freer than a third world country in africa but compared to other developed nations? we don't even have healthcare! i dont think the people in america have a true understanding of what freedom is or how much more free they could be. i won't ever be content with the freedom to operate within a box.

Well, that's not to say I believe bureaucrats are of the same spirit as the founding fathers! :-D Something happened along the way---- look at how the constitution is being chipped away with these homeland security laws for instance. Already the FBI was accused of violating the scope of these laws. If one does not want to prosecute a criminal by getting a search warrant first and bypass due process of the law, then just call them a terrorist and they can just drag them off no trial needed and no questions asked. However, that does not change the spirit of the constitution. That just means that this generation is getting more crooked.

If people were to listen what I say about Israel following the Lord and that God protects Israel, we would not need to fear terrorists and other enemies. But I am looked upon more as a heretic and I guess people rather sink to living in fear instead. And you know who my biggest opposition is? Usually certain branches of Christians. Unbelievers usually care less or don't bother to hear.