Don’t like Your Church? Find a New One!
by Sara on 03/03/08 filed under religion
Which religion is right for you? Does that right religion just happen to be the one your family believes? Maybe, but maybe not; a new study shows that almost half of American adults leave their childhood faith to change religions or abandon religious affiliation altogether.
The survey, released on Feb 25, 2008 by Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, estimates that the United States is 78 percent Christian. The majority of our nation has traditionally been Protestant; however, mainstream Protestants are now at 51 percent and still declining, while non-denominational churches are growing. The Catholic Church is losing followers in even greater numbers; nearly 10 percent of all Americans are ex-Catholics.
One in four adults, ages 18 to 29, claim no affiliation with a specific religious institution. Atheists or agnostics make up 4 percent of the total U.S. population.
Why are people changing religions like they change jobs? While one might not agree with the specific religions in question, this much is clear: people are THINKING.
Atheists and agnostics may still be a disappointing 4 percent of our society, but more people are at least becoming skeptical. Our childhood religions don’t have the same influence over us they once did.
What do You Think?
We want to hear from you. How many people do you know who have moved away from the religion of their upbringing? Have your religious views changed since you were a child? Sound off here and tell us about it!
ttiqq.com
Mar 10th, 2008
Don’t like Your Church? Find a New One!…
Why are people changing religions like they change jobs? While one might not agree with the specific religions in question, this much is clear: people are THINKING….
Charles Clever
Mar 11th, 2008
I’m not certain people are thinking; in fact, very few have read a Bible from cover to cover. Instead, the fastest growing churches are Evangelical and they just praise and clap. That is a wonderful social organization, but I’d rather “study to show myself approved.”
Blessings, Charles
sara
Mar 11th, 2008
Good point, Charles. I agree with your “praise and clap” statement. Still, I don’t think you can ignore the fact that people are thinking at least enough to change from one “no thought needed” church to another. It’s still a step above staying in the faith of one’s parents.
Sue
Apr 8th, 2008
Probably most of the people I know have left the church of their parents, or are at least non-practicing if they claim to be of that faith still. I was raised Catholic then switched to Evangelical when I was 40. I finally de-converted from Christianity when I was 47, 4 years ago, and am much more at peace having accepted the truth of reality rather than trying to hang on to hope in faith.
Two of my siblings do not go to any church, although they would all probably say they still believed. One of my brothers went back to the Catholic church after having gone through a divorce. My parents are still very firm in their faith, which they were also raised in. Several of my Catholic friends have also stopped going to church, although they’d also probably still say they believed. Some have switched denominations like I did. None have admitted if they are now non-believers, but then I haven’t told everyone either.
Many protestants I know have not left the church entirely, but have changed churches which share the same beliefs. Childhood indoctrination, like brainwashing, is extremely effective in causing people to become incapable of examining the validity of the beliefs they hold, but hopefully with less parents raising their children in church, there will be many more freethinkers than faith followers in the future!
MeMees
Apr 13th, 2008
actually, I grew up in church and
I know/remember quite afew of kids who left my church never to return. I feel so sorry when I think it was not me. I would like to leave SO badly.
The Monkey
Apr 13th, 2008
MeMees, what’s keeping you there now?
Windstorm
Mar 11th, 2009
I am currently in the process of deconversion right now and man, is it difficult with all of the convictions, confusion, inner tormoil and such. Even more frustrating is the fact that I have yet to find a new faith system within my comfort zone. I guess only time will tell.