Rising number of Brits leaving Christianity turning to paganism

Michie · Tuesday at 9:52 AM

A growing number of Britons who leave Christianity are turning to paganism or other forms of spiritualism instead of converting to other major religions, a new study has found.

The survey, released by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life, questioned 2,774 adults who self-identified as having "experienced a change in their religious belief," seeking to provide insight into "how, why, and in what direction Britons are moving between faiths, spiritualities, and non-belief."

The researchers conclude that "Britain is not secularising in a straightforward way" but rather "undergoing a re-composition of belief, a shift away from inherited institutional structures towards personalised, practice-based, and wellbeing-oriented forms of faith."

Forty-four percent of respondents said they left Christianity, while only 17% said they had newly become Christians. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents said they had become an atheist or agnostic.

Continued below.

Rising number of Brits leaving Christianity turning to paganism

A growing number of Britons who leave Christianity are turning to paganism or other forms of spiritualism instead of converting to other major religions, a new study has found

www.christianpost.com

RamiC · Tuesday at 1:39 PM

You can see the situation here - Among those born between 1900 and 1909 in the English sample, 55 percent identify as Anglican and 16 percent as no religion. By comparison, among those born between 1980 and 1989 in the English sample, 9 percent identify as Anglican and 58 percent as no religion. For the Scottish sample, among those born between 1900 and 1909, 56 percent identify as Church of Scotland and 16 percent as no religion. Among those born between 1980 and 1989, 12 percent identify as Church of Scotland and 63 percent as no religion. In both cases, the increase in ‘religious nones’ across successive birth cohorts appears to be largely at the expense of the established churches.

No religion has taken over, not paganism. It has been happening steadily for over 100 years.

There is very little trust in the main churches.

Apple Sky · Tuesday at 2:02 PM

RamiC said:
There is very little trust in the main churches.

I find that their interests lay else where these days such as Hollywood movies & space etc etc etc.

RamiC · Tuesday at 2:10 PM

There is this news too - Are Young Men Being Drawn to Christ or Christian Culture? - some signs of revival may be happening.

John G. · Tuesday at 2:11 PM

RamiC said:
There is very little trust in the main churches.

I don't think it's a question of "trust". It's more a matter of prodigal sons (and daughters) being comfortable in the pig sty.

RamiC · Tuesday at 2:30 PM

John G. said:
I don't think it's a question of "trust". It's more a matter of prodigal sons (and daughters) being comfortable in the pig sty.

Interesting point.

The biggest thing that I know is that I despair of the numbers that are living oblivious to the advantages of living with contact with Jesus, and confidence in His love.

SavedByGrace3 · Tuesday at 7:03 PM

Michie said:
A growing number of Britons who leave Christianity are turning to paganism or other forms of spiritualism instead of converting to other major religions, a new study has found.

The survey, released by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life, questioned 2,774 adults who self-identified as having "experienced a change in their religious belief," seeking to provide insight into "how, why, and in what direction Britons are moving between faiths, spiritualities, and non-belief."

The researchers conclude that "Britain is not secularising in a straightforward way" but rather "undergoing a re-composition of belief, a shift away from inherited institutional structures towards personalised, practice-based, and wellbeing-oriented forms of faith."

Forty-four percent of respondents said they left Christianity, while only 17% said they had newly become Christians. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents said they had become an atheist or agnostic.

Continued below.

Rising number of Brits leaving Christianity turning to paganism

A growing number of Britons who leave Christianity are turning to paganism or other forms of spiritualism instead of converting to other major religions, a new study has found

www.christianpost.com

This often happens when the church waters down it's postion on current cultural and church issues.
When people see there is no difference between their watered down religion and the world, they figure, why bother?

tturt · Wednesday at 3:02 AM

" In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Cor 4:4)

But there's freewill "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

RamiC · Wednesday at 4:42 AM

SavedByGrace3 said:
This often happens when the church waters down it's postion on current cultural and church issues.
When people see there is no difference between their watered down religion and the world, they figure, why bother?

Conservative churches that have not diluted anything still exist. If people want that, they could all flock to it.

Pioneer3mm · Wednesday at 6:53 AM

Christianity has been declining in Britain & Continental Europe..
- for many years.
---
Interesting to note:
'Protestant Missions' started in Britain..
- 18th century
- in English speaking world.
----
William Carey
- Missionary from Britain to India..
- He has been called the father of
- 'Modern Mission Movement'.

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Rising number of Brits leaving Christianity turning to paganism

Michie

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