Men now surpass women in church attendance, especially among Gen X, millennials: Barna

[FireDragon76]

But for the long term, women leaving the church will mean fewer members in church over time. It's mothers and grandmothers who perpetuate religious tradition.

It can also present relationship and marriage challenges.

Over on Reddit there are alot of Orthodox and Ex-Orthodox Christians that convert, and discover it's difficult or impossible to find a spouse or partner.

 

[FireDragon76]

I'd be interested in seeing this broken down by church/denomination. Is the increase happening primarily in nondenominational megachurches, or is it also happening in Catholic and traditional Protestant-denominational churches? I couldn't tell from the article.

I suspect it's happening across denominations, but probably leans towards more conservative, traditional churches.

My local Congregationalist church has picked up a few younger people in the past year, most of them male.

 

[timewerx]

They’re having serious issues now and I wouldn’t use them as an example. Leadership devoid of God will give you a mess like they’re grappling with. And we need to get away from numbers and seek the Lord’s input before we decide. He doesn’t always follow conventions and the best fit may not be someone we’d consider.

Christians should be viewing it as vocations as @Paidiske noted. We want a lot of things God hasn’t sanctioned and He must be in it for us to succeed.

Ironically the side project I have put on hold could solve many of their problems especially the big ones. I do have some connections with Europe via relatives who are also missionaries who in-turn have connections to the government but it's too soon to contact them yet about the matter.

I also have direct affiliations in the right places like universities from long ago but have lost their contact info. It's only a matter of finding and reconnecting with them. Things are still premature however. But if it works, it can dramatically shift the geopolitics in the region, and I'd be riding a huge wave staying ahead to fund my the next phase of the project. Success or failure.

And instead of feeling threatened by someone’s ascent study them instead, ask questions, pray for them and cheer them on. That’s what’s missing in the church. We should be one another’s biggest cheerleaders and advocates.

I don't make a big deal of it probably because I don't have aspirations nor see the need to become a leader myself unless I have something to bring to the table. So far, that situation hasn't come and I feel genuinely useless in that situation.

What did you say about your circumstances a few weeks ago? Most of the advice Ai suggested I’d mentioned earlier. But I’m a woman. ;-)

I forgot! But I remember about AI giving similar solutions you're proposing. I consider AI feminine purely by behavior and nature of replies and mirrors your posts so I'm not mistaken on your gender!

I kept telling chatgpt, I have no time and energy for its solution and then it will come up with possibly easier alternative and I'll make the same reply probably because that's the truth until we hit a wall. Chatgpt almost sounded frustrated but I somehow felt better I was able to let it out. Normally, I'm too embarrassed to talk about it to another person.

 

[bèlla]

Ironically the side project I have put on hold could solve many of their problems especially the big ones.

Mass immigration is a global experiment that’s splintering societies and creating bastions of crime and unrest. That’s the threat we’re facing now and several countries are up in arms. If you have a project that’s promising you should commune with the Lord for counsel. If we’ve learned anything from Gaza it’s the necessity of taking action.

But if it works, it can dramatically shift the geopolitics in the region, and I'd be riding a huge wave staying ahead to fund my the next phase of the project. Success or failure.

The clock has started and you don’t have time to waiver. This was posted yesterday and a comment follows.

Bill Gates launches micro-patch implants to serve as "vaccination passport" for entry into public and commercial buildings

The Gates Foundation has unveiled microneedle patch implants that deliver mRNA and leave a permanent quantum dot marking under your skin, essentially creating a biological vaccine passport. Human testing has already begun, and reports suggest these patches could soon be required for entry into...

www.christianforums.com

What I did read was that Bill Gates has said that in about 10 years smart phones will be obsolete, and that we will have our digital identity along with smart phone /internet ability tattood on our arms and that it will have our financial, health, bank account, passport, ID, ect. right on it.

The number is significant but you’d need to understand its application biblically. Ten is traditionally associated with completion, order and divine authority. If you add up the year it would occur (2035) you’ll get 10. The announcement was made in July which is the 7th month. Seven usually symbolizes completion or perfection. Everything related to the message is referencing a theme. If you’re familiar with the Chinese calendar we have the red horse in 2026 and the fire dragon in 2036.

I forgot! But I remember about AI giving similar solutions you're proposing. I consider AI feminine purely by behavior and nature of replies and mirrors your posts so I'm not mistaken on your gender!

Of course I’m female. Get to work. ;-)

~bella

 

[johansen]

Mass immigration is a global experiment that’s splintering societies and creating bastions of crime and unrest.

But as christians that is not our concern. If we are not to construct fences to keep our neighbors out, then what is it to us if our governments tear down their own fences which have greatly profited you?

Governments are doing things to protect themselves, such as immigration. It not an experiment at all, they intend to profit off of who they move here or there.

Ethically a christian should actually ask God am i free to leave my community?

Because the answer is likely no. Your birth, education, employment all incur liabilities that have to be addressed, in time.


The average immigrant who sends money back home to feed their family is actually doing God's work, to pay off the debt of the difference in income between the two countries. (Read the book confessions of an economic hitman if you have time)

But had they had the faith to ask God to provide, He would have likely made that happen at the expense of the bad actors of their home (or future host) country, while they stay in their home country, and be a guiding light to fix it.

 

[bèlla]

Governments are doing things to protect themselves, such as immigration. It not an experiment at all, they intend to profit off of who they move here or there.

I wasn’t using the term in relation to the government. The citizens are the subject.

Ethically a christian should actually ask God am i free to leave my community?

Because the answer is likely no. Your birth, education, employment all incur liabilities that have to be addressed, in time.

Most people don’t relocate nor are the majority in the position to do so. Nevertheless, it’s happening around the globe including America. Are you bothered by the possibility of believers moving to safer areas?

The average immigrant who sends money back home to feed their family is actually doing God's work, to pay off the debt of the difference in income between the two countries. (Read the book confessions of an economic hitman if you have time)

I’m familiar with the book and I have it.

But had they had the faith to ask God to provide, He would have likely made that happen at the expense of the bad actors of their home (or future host) country, while they stay in their home country, and be a guiding light to fix it.

I would never advise anyone to endanger themselves or their loved ones. It’s a decision that must be made in consultation with the Lord. At the end of the day they have to live with the consequences and I wouldn’t want it on my conscience.

~bella

 

[RileyG]

I'd be interested in seeing this broken down by church/denomination. Is the increase happening primarily in nondenominational megachurches, or is it also happening in Catholic and traditional Protestant-denominational churches? I couldn't tell from the article.

I think there's an increase in Catholicism and Orthodoxy- but I can be wrong. Especially among more traditional congregations.

 

[mindlight]

Christian gender roles are hugely misinterpreted from Biblical teachings. I've been talking about this for some time now.

Perhaps Christian women consciously or subconsciously are finally sensing something is wrong with the church and leaving as consequence.

God did not originally intended Eve to be submissive to Adam. It was **punishment** for her sin which Jesus in the new covenant have lifted.

Jesus did not talk about the matter but Jesus had female disciples.... This is something the Pharisees would not have permitted under their tradition but Jesus did.

Paul seemingly "returned" the "curse" of Eve upon women but this is keep them in order against the judging eyes of the Pharisees and the Roman Empire who treated their women as "third class citizens".

Our modern society that is now more egalitarian than ever aligns more with Christ's values. Nobody's judging women anymore unless you live in Saudi Arabia.

The teachings of Paul on women being submissive to husbands only applies in places where society still discriminates women like in Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan.

If the church would just be willing to recognize and correct their mistakes and let tradition take a back seat for a while. Then maybe, women might attend the church again. Jesus has always been for the Truth. It was never tradition. One of the many reasons the Pharisees were offended is because Jesus did not respect many of their traditions.

The curse was lifted by Christ. But if women are no longer in Christ and in the church I guess the curse comes back on them while men are free of it. If that's the trend then feminism is in for a massive reversal in the coming decades.

 

[RDKirk]

The curse was lifted by Christ. But if women are no longer in Christ and in the church I guess the curse comes back on them while men are free of it. If that's the trend then feminism is in for a massive reversal in the coming decades.

We can say "the curse was lifted by Christ," and in the same way I often say "Babel is disarmed in Christ," but there will still be many people who insist that Eve's curse and Babel must be observed within the Body of Christ until His return.

 

[RileyG]

It can also present relationship and marriage challenges.

Over on Reddit there are alot of Orthodox and Ex-Orthodox Christians that convert, and discover it's difficult or impossible to find a spouse or partner.

I wonder why?

 

[RileyG]

But for the long term, women leaving the church will mean fewer members in church over time. It's mothers and grandmothers who perpetuate religious tradition.

In western society, women have always been more religious than men and more active in the Church, despite not all denominations ordaining them. I wonder if this trend will continue or will it die off?

 

[Michie]

In western society, women have always been more religious than men and more active in the Church, despite not all denominations ordaining them. I wonder if this trend will continue or will it die off?

I think it was the expected role until just recently. Nowadays you see a lot of parents that do the drop off thing when it comes to their children’s religious education.

 

[RileyG]

I think it was the expected role until just recently. Nowadays you see a lot of parents that do the drop off thing when it comes to their children’s religious education.

Unfortunately, that has been going on for decades. I know many parents who had their children baptized, received first Holy Communion, and confirmed, but otherwise never entered Church. Other than for Christmas, Easter, funerals, or weddings.

What does religion mean to them?

Hmmm....

No judgment, just an observation. FWIW.

 

[Michie]

Unfortunately, that has been going on for decades. I know many parents who had their children baptized, received first Holy Communion, and confirmed, but otherwise never entered Church. Other than for Christmas, Easter, funerals, or weddings.

What does religion mean to them?

Hmmm....

No judgment, just an observation. FWIW.

Well many have two parents working. It’s pretty common now. Back in the day, more women invested in their families are worked inside the home. Sewing, laundry, etc.

 

[RileyG]

Well many have two parents working. It’s pretty common now. Back in the day, more women invested in their families are worked inside the home. Sewing, laundry, etc.

Yup. With today's economy, both parents must work in order to survive. It's just a fact of life.

What I meant was some families had no devotion to their Church or religion, but still had their children attend religious education classes or be baptized. I never understood why they would care if it didn't seem not that important? Oh well. Not my monkey, not my circus.

 

[Michie]

Yup. With today's economy, both parents must work in order to survive. It's just a fact of life.

What I meant was some families had no devotion to their Church or religion, but still had their children attend religious education classes or be baptized. I never understood why they would care if it didn't seem not that important? Oh well. Not my monkey, not my circus.

Well religious schools usually have better education. Many consider their religion a part of their culture and are not much more invested beyond that. Many also see it as a foundation for their kid’s morality.

 

[bèlla]

I wonder why?

Because there’s less women joining those traditions which relates to my earlier comments on education. They’re more likely to choose egalitarian settings with less emphasis on gender roles. And there’s a similar correlation with growth. Which doesn’t minimize tradition per se but the attitudes can be off putting for some.

Work/life balance was a popular ideal which was reiterated in minimalism, simplicity, slow living, etc. It’s a manageable lifestyle with fewer demands. They don’t want to be superwomen and you have to be that to some degree to work, raise a family and run a home with traditional gender roles.

We’re beginning to understand that we don’t have to do it all or do everything ourselves and outsourcing is a growing trend within that demographic. Which includes housework, shopping, meal delivery plans and so on. Like buying your groceries online and having it delivered or having a cleaning service come in a few times a month or having your laundry done.

Whereas in traditional circles doing otherwise is lauded and what the majority saw growing up. But they’re less attractive to those who want otherwise and there’s not enough women who desire the same to meet everyone’s needs. Christian or otherwise.

~bella

 

[timothyu]

Mass immigration is a global experiment that’s splintering societies and creating bastions of crime and unrest.

Kind of like re=assembling at Babel.
But unlike americans visiting foreign countries and expecting it to be the same as at home, these migrants are coming to live here and expecting it to be like at home. This makes no sense if they were trying to leave that old life behind. Which begs the question, what is the purpose of funding these mass migrations?

 

[PloverWing]

But unlike americans visiting foreign countries and expecting it to be the same as at home, these migrants are coming to live here and expecting it to be like at home. This makes no sense if they were trying to leave that old life behind.

I think the general idea is people wanting to keep what's good about their culture (faith, cuisine, art, music, etc.), but live in a place that's free from the poverty and/or violence that they're escaping, so that they can live and enjoy the things that most people want: safety, shelter, food, health, education, and a productive life.

 

[bèlla]

Kind of like re=assembling at Babel.
But unlike americans visiting foreign countries and expecting it to be the same as at home, these migrants are coming to live here and expecting it to be like at home. This makes no sense if they were trying to leave that old life behind. Which begs the question, what is the purpose of funding these mass migrations?

Many countries are beginning to sour on Americans too and implementing measures to limit access, preserve their culture and reduce the impact of digital nomads. I watched a video earlier that mentioned greater scrutiny, examination of social media posts, increased requirements for financial resources for entry and more.

As for the migrants, instead of speculating I‘ll share what I found. This is the positive aspect. But we’ve experienced the other side too.

MIGRATION DATA AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)​

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes for the first time the contribution of migration to sustainable development. Migration is a cross-cutting issue in the 2030 Agenda, relevant to all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, the SDG’s motto to “leave no one behind” is a clear call for sustainable development to be inclusive, including for migrants. At least ten out of 17 goals contain targets and indicators that are directly relevant to migration or mobility.

………

Why migration is a model for sustainable development for all​

Ageing populations are going to exacerbate these labour shortages. By 2050, countries such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal are projected to have nearly 40% of their populations over the age of 65. Meanwhile, 90% of the 1.8 billion young people aged 10-24 – the largest youth generation in the world’s history – live in developing countries.

Developing countries need sustainable and reliable financial support from a variety of sectors to boost resilience and growth. But another key part of solving this economic challenge is to link available talent with available job opportunities, wherever they may be in the world.

The evidence shows that if we focus on expanding regular pathways for migration, the world would realize a multitude of benefits, including:

• Enhanced public confidence in migration that is safe, regular and dignified.
• Reduced pressure on asylum systems as individuals will have more options to move.
• A greater alignment of migrant skills with the needs in destination countries.
• A reduced reliance on ad hoc intermediaries, thus destroying the smuggling and trafficking business model.
• A more sustainable development model that benefits migrants, countries of origin and destination.

~bella