The Decline of Christianity in the West

[Albion]

I didn´t mean to question that there are such people(there are quite a few of them here at CF, after all).
The fact, however, that I haven´t met anyone of that sort in real life - not 50 years ago, not now - doesn´t allow me to observe an increase or decrease. For that, I would need reliable statistics.

Well, I just offered you some. Is it that you want to disbelieve me or them?

 

[bhsmte]

A classic case of a western atheist thinking that his own backyard is the whole world:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southe...ds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html

China, let us not forget, accounts for a third of the world's population, and is industrialising at break neck speed.

Well, lets look at China, which is a place where religious belief was frowned upon for so long, which makes it quite unique, compared to other advanced countries. The same applies to Russia as well.

As a general rule, the countries which have seen a rise in Christianity, have been the countries were people are living in terrible conditions or they have been suppressed. Countries where people enjoy more freedom of thought, has seen Christianity decline, for decades.

 

[Ken-1122]

People in the West now no longer believe the Bible. This is true of the general public and also true of modern Christianity where there seems to be a great loss of faith in regards to the trustworthiness of the Scriptures. Why do you believe this is the case?

I believe as mankind becomes more enlightened; they prefer teachers to preachers.

ken

 

[Albion]

I believe as mankind becomes more enlightened; they prefer teachers to preachers.

ken

I'd think that it's more accurate to say that they just switch preachers.

 

[bhsmte]

I'd think that it's more accurate to say that they just switch preachers.

In the West, the data would show; some switch preachers and some abandon preachers all together.

In the West, more people are leaving religion all together, then are moving to religion.

 

[Albion]

In the West, the data would show; some switch preachers and some abandon preachers all together.

In the West, more people are leaving religion all together, then are moving to religion.

Huh? I meant that secular ideologies have tended to replace religion but that they amount to a non-theistic religion in themselves, complete with their own preachers.

 

[BornAgainBrian]

As atheism slowly but steadily becomes the state religion, numbers of believers will dwindle but the faith of those who keep true will be all the greater.

 

[bhsmte]

Huh? I meant that secular ideologies have tended to replace religion but that they amount to a non-theistic religion in themselves, complete with their own preachers.

Give me an example of this; non-theistic religion people go to, when they leave traditional religion.

 

[bhsmte]

As atheism slowly but steadily becomes the state religion, numbers of believers will dwindle but the faith of those who keep true will be all the greater.

How will atheism become the state religion?

Do we have a state religion now?

 

[lesliedellow]

Well, lets look at China, which is a place where religious belief was frowned upon for so long, which makes it quite unique, compared to other advanced countries. The same applies to Russia as well.

What has the fact that communist regimes have persecuted Christianity have to do with anything? The Chinese Government seems to be in the process of trying to control something it has been powerless to prevent.

 

[Albion]

Give me an example of this; non-theistic religion people go to, when they leave traditional religion.

Whacko Environmentalism is a secular religion adhered to by its footsoldiers with all the doctrinal certitude of twelfth-century Crusaders and led by secular gurus like Al Gore who are nothing more or less than preachers for neo-pagan worship of the Earth. And most of the points in its confession of faith are premises, no more provable than the Immaculate Conception. They have their version of Bibles and saints, and seek to impose Inquisitions, so yes, that's one example.

 

[BornAgainBrian]

How will atheism become the state religion?

Do we have a state religion now?

Perhaps not explicitly, but laws are becoming more preferential to atheists than any other belief system. For example, my son is required by the state to attend school and there he will be told by an authority figure that he is an accident and that when his parents and pastors told him he was a precious being created in the image of God, it was a lie. If he answers according to his faith on a test, his GPA will suffer. Just one example.

 

[bhsmte]

Whacko Environmentalism is a secular religion adhered to by its footsoldiers with all the doctrinal certitude of twelfth-century Crusaders and led by secular gurus like Al Gore who are nothing more or less than preachers for neo-pagan worship of the Earth. And most of the points in its confession of faith are premises, no more provable than the Immaculate Conception. They have their version of Bibles and saints, and seek to impose Inquisitions, so yes, that's one example.

What is their bible?
Who specifically are the saints?
Who is there God?

 

[BornAgainBrian]

What is their bible?
Who specifically are the saints?
Who is there God?

A belief system needn't have a standard text or a divine figure to fulfill the same role.

 

[bhsmte]

Perhaps not explicitly, but laws are becoming more preferential to atheists than any other belief system. For example, my son is required by the state to attend school and there he will be told by an authority figure that he is an accident and that when his parents and pastors told him he was a precious being created in the image of God, it was a lie. If he answers according to his faith on a test, his GPA will suffer. Just one example.

Do you have an example of the curriculum where your son is specifically told that he is; "an accident"?

In science class, do you want well evidenced science taught, or do you want religious beliefs taught?

Are you able to attend the church of your choosing and also teach your son at home what you choose to teach him?

You also have the option of sending your son to private school and or home school him, if you have such great fear of what he may learn in science class, which teaches science.

 

[bhsmte]

A belief system needn't have a standard text or a divine figure to fulfill the same role.

Having a belief or ideology, does not make it religion.

I always get a kick out of some who want to degrade the term religion on these boards.

 

[BornAgainBrian]

Do you have an example of the curriculum where your son is specifically told that he is; "an accident"?

In science class, do you want well evidenced science taught, or do you want religious beliefs taught?

Are you able to attend the church of your choosing and also teach your son at home what you choose to teach him?

You also have the option of sending your son to private school and or home school him, if you have such great fear of what he may learn in science class, which teaches science.

I want nothing that favors one religion over another taught in public schools.

Of course I can teach my son at home and go to church. But only after what I consider a horrible lie is told to him by an authority figure.

This basically amounts to me paying a fee or fine so that my son isn't indoctrinated into an atheist belief by the state.

 

[BornAgainBrian]

Having a belief or ideology, does not make it religion.

I always get a kick out of some who want to degrade the term religion on these boards.

I've noticed atheists wanting to find ways to exempt themselves from the restrictions placed on other religions.

 

[bhsmte]

I want nothing that favors one religion over another taught in public schools.

Of course I can teach my son at home and go to church. But only after what I consider a horrible lie is told to him by an authority figure.

This basically amounts to me paying a fee or fine so that my son isn't indoctrinated into an atheist belief by the state.

You are free to show the science taught in science class is wrong and a lie. You see, science curriculum is based on well evidenced science, not some book someone wrote 2000 years ago.

Science teachings do not discuss religion, they discuss well evidenced science.

What of the many kids and parents that want their kids taught legit science curriculum, should your religious beliefs cause them to change what they teach?

 

[bhsmte]

I've noticed atheists wanting to find ways to exempt themselves from the restrictions placed on other religions.

Do you live in a country were you are free to worship the God of your choosing?

Do you live in a country where you can attend the church of your choosing?

Do you live in a country where you are free to teach your children any religious belief of your choosing?

Do you live in a country where you are free to not engage with people who do not agree with your religion in your church and in your home?

I am 100% for you having the freedom to do all of the above.

When any of the answers to the above are no, then you can cry persecution.