Have not read the Bible (in the last week):
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 87%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 67%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 58%
While reading the Bible is good, there are many who read the Bible, but they have no understanding of it or they seek to make the Bible say what they want it to say to justify a wrong belief and or justify sin in some way. For there are Christian groups who believe they can sin and still be saved. There are Christian groups who are extremely liberal and they feel we should read the Bible as being more metaphorical than reading it in a literal way.
You said:
Have not attended a Christian church (in the last 6 months):
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 65%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 45%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 37%
I see most churches today as not training people to follow Jesus. Most churches I have attended are not even aware that you are there and you are just another number for them to give them money. They put on a big show and they don't truly set out to fellowship or to love you and your family as Christ and His followers did. We are told to make disciples and to teach them to obey the Lord's commands. Sadly, this is not happening in our churches today (at least that I can see). Also, most churches do not interpret God's Word correctly and they take things out of context to justify a number of odd beliefs like tithing, women teachers (or speakers) over men, the Pharisees kept the Law perfectly (or the letter of the Law), and in having worship and praise services with people who have not accepted Jesus and dedicated their life to Him yet, etc.
You said:
Have never made a commitment to Jesus:
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 60%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 37%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 22%
I think they need to test this. Are all those who say they made a commitment to follow Jesus truly following Him? Do they hunger and thirst for righteousness? Do they have a hunger for following the Lord and his holiness, or are they simply playing church? There is a difference.
You said:
Have not prayed to God (in the last week):
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 47%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 27%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 25%
Again, this is not a good indication that they are Christian. Yes, Christians should be marked by a life of prayer, but other folks of other religions pray. They should profess that they pray to the God of the Bible (Who exists as a Trinity). Their prayers should be about remaining pure and holy for the Lord and in reaching the lost, and their prayers should not always be about how they can attain physical things always.
You said:
Disagree that faith is important in their lives:
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 41%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 25%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 13%
Again, there are many who have the wrong kind of faith in the Bible. So this number is not accurate.
You said:
Do not believe in God:
- Springfield-Holyoke, MA: 11%
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX: 6%
- Charleston-Huntington, WV: 6%
This is good that the numbers in this poll is low. But a belief alone in God is not enough. We have to also show that we love Jesus by keeping His commandments (John 14:15) (John 15:10). This to me is the true test if they really believe in God. For the devils believe and tremble. All people believe God exists deep down (even though many try to suppress that truth). For they are without excuse that there is a God because of the things which are made.
Sorry, I do not mean to be pessimistic or negative to their poll taking. I know they probably mean well, but I think there are a lot of factors that they are not taking into account in their criteria in light of the truth of God's Word.
In any event, may God bless you, and may you please be well in the Lord.