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Faith

Is Christianity in America Really Going Extinct? Gallup Editor’s Claims May Shock You

Jan. 10, 2013 10:25am Billy Hallowell

Gallups Frank Newport Tells TheBlaze: Religion Is Healthy in America

Photo Credit: Frank Newport

Gallup’s editor-in-chief Frank Newport has been attracting widespread attention over the past few months surrounding his intriguing assessment of the state of faith in America — and his predictions that a religiously-fruitful time may be ahead.

Part of the intrigue surrounding Newport’s research comes from his assertion that religion in the U.S. is actually much healthier than many critics allege. In an interview with TheBlaze, he spoke about Gallup’s intensive research, as presented in his new book, “God Is Alive and Well.”

Considering the rise of the “nones” — a group of religiously-unaffiliated Americans, when asked if religion in America is dying, Newport had an intriguing answer. He argues that faith in the U.S., rather than sputtering out, is actually evolving.

“Faith and religion is very much alive and well — a key point is, it’s changing,” the researcher told TheBlaze. “The way people manifest their religiosity has changed over time. That’s not unusual.”

Rather than seeing religion as on the cusp of disappearing, Newport — based on Gallup’s research into matters of faith and religion — argues that many Americans are transitioning into an “unbranded religion.” This essentially means that, increasingly, individuals classify themselves as unaligned with a denomination, yet they are still very much Christian (the majority faith culture here in the U.S.).

Even though, numerically speaking, the proportion of “nones” has grown, the researcher claims that much of the hoopla over the increase may be misplaced. The numbers of unaffiliated may, in fact, be growing as a result of a change in reporting styles.

“We have changes in the way that people respond to questions now. People feel more comfortable saying ‘I’m nothing — I was raised a Catholic and I’m not anything now,’” he noted, also offering up a caveat about the false assumption that “unaffiliated” is indicative of atheist or agnostic. “A lot of those nones still are spiritual and religious when you measure it in different ways.”

As for the “nones,” the researcher also alleged that their growth may be overstated and that the proportion, when compared year-to-year, may be leveling off.

“The level of increase in 2012 compared to 2011 is the smallest increase we’ve seen in the last five,” he noted (Gallup data released this week shows that the proportion of religiously-unaffiliated Americans has, indeed, slowed in its expansion).

While some might dismiss Newport’s claims, he told TheBlaze that these aren’t opinions; they are realities based on more than one million Gallup interviews that he has analyzed. As a social scientist, he explained that his job isn’t to provide personal perspective; instead, his role is to report what the American public thinks — a task that has led him to these intriguing conclusions.

Gallup’s editor-in-chief Frank Newport (Photo Credit: Frank Newport)

When asked to describe some of the indicators that back up his conclusion that America “is a very religious country,” Newport gladly obliged. Among his reasons for seeing a healthy and vibrant religious sentiment, the Gallup editor-in-chief noted that belief in God has remained “remarkably high.” According to his analysis, more than 90 percent of the nation embraces the concept of a higher power.

Church attendance, too, when examining decades of data, appears to be relatively unchanged. Newport did note that it was higher in the 1950s, but that it has remained fairly level since that time. In the end, he simply doesn’t see a reason for alarm.

“If someone from Mars arrived in this planet and investigated religion in the U.S., they would say, ‘This is a remarkably religious country at this point,’” Newport continued.

Some naysayers may reluctantly accept these ideals, while advancing the notion that the future is less-than-bright on the religious front. But the Gallup staffer rejects this claim, too, and actually believes that faith is headed for a possible resurgence in American life.

“As I analyzed the data — I certainly would not predict a ‘Great Awakening,’ but it is certainly possible that the influence of religion will increase [and] not decrease in the years ahead,” he told TheBlaze.

Not surprisingly, he confirmed that age plays a major role and that, as people grow older, religious adherence increases. The most religious age, according to Newport? Eighty. The least? Twenty-three. As the Baby Boomers — a massive generation, to say the least — grow old, there’s possible growth in religious sentiment that will accompany the nation’s demographic change.

He also argued that people tend to gain in their religiosity when they hit their 30s and 40s and, if today’s young people follow history’s blueprint, “they will get more religious as they get older.”

Newport described himself as a church-goer and a Christian. His new book, “God Is Alive and Well,” released in Dec. 2012, explores the aforementioned issues in detail. For new data about the “nones” and to explore this issue further, go here.

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Comments (115)

JohnJoseph
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:12pm
Christianity will never become extinct in this world as long as there is one “Christian” left in this world. However, Christianity will become extinct when Jesus calls out “His Church” at the Rapture. I am ready to go – but I wasn’t ready – I would get ready because Christianity could end today!

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- DeathRattle
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 6:09pm
  John you are correct,
  
  This world will recede into Sodom and Gomorrah (worse than is now) when the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is removed. Once Jesus claims us, what we now see as scary will become hell on earth for anyone with the fortitude to give their life to Jesus during the tribulation.
  
  For those that sit here now reading this thinking that they will believe what the Bible says if and when Christians are raptured, what makes you think you will have the guts to choose Jesus when it will mean the end of your life? I beg of you to re-think your position.
  
  Here is a great resource to listen to if you are unfamiliar with the book of Revelation. http://www.joncourson.com/teaching/teachings.asp?book=revelation
  
  It is free if you hit Play.
  
  We are coming soon to a close of this age, be ready before world hits the skids.
  
  Report this comment
- Racemosa7
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 8:47pm
  DeathRattle
  Question, what is the fruit of a Christian. Find the answer in Proverbs 11:30
  He that winneth souls is wise.
  Do not fall for the “end is near”, things are going to just get worse and there is no hope.
  Go and preach the Gospel. That is our duty. If it is our duty, it is possible.
  
  Report this comment
- bonesiii
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 10:27am
  Technically even that might not make it extinct, if something like the scenario in Left Behind happens — many people immediately coming to Christ when they realize they were wrong to reject Him before. :)
  
  Anyways, it doesn’t surprise me that this trend is appearing now. I have noticed a “sea change” from the online arguments about Christianity, although that’s not a scientific poll. Up to around five years ago, opponents of biblical belief tended to make what seemed like logical, evidence-based arguments. But as the floor has fallen out from so many key evidences of evolution and knowledge of that has increased, and knowledge of the many logical contradictions and fallacies evolution is riddled with has also increased, I’ve noticed that many atheists/secularists have changed their approach.
  
  Now, they rarely make an attempt to present evidence or demonstrate that they are logical. Usually their arguments are mere ad hominem insults or appeals to majority (basic fallacies). They seem to have learned that if they try to be logical it’s too easy to debunk it. But now they are no longer appealing to people that love reason, except in name only. Meanwhile believers who aren’t compromising are speaking up convincingly.
  
  Thinking people, I predict, will be more and more drawn to biblical creation, and thus more will be able to come to faith in Christ because they’ll realize as I did that the Bible is trustworthy. :)
  
  Report this comment
GuruMeditation
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:56pm
Not extinct, just going underground.

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athiest-infedel
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:55pm
The sad thing is that the polorization between christians and athiests has become so bad that if our govt. started to round up athiests a large number of christians would applaude it because their not in that group, just like “I’m not a Jew so I’m not worried” attitude. Not all athiests are Hate-thiests, I don’t care about christmas display’s or any of that crap. Let all remember that we are Americans and need to stand against these marxists/obmaunists before the land of the free is gone.

And I am not so arrogant to say there is no god, I just don’t belive in one but I don’t have any issues with people who do. If it works for you and makes your life better I think thats great.

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- Granny58
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:09pm
  Just so you know, if they do round up atheists I won’t applaud it…I’ll fight for your right to not believe. And I’m a Christian!
  
  Report this comment
- Captain_Sensible
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:21pm
  I think that an eminently reasonable position.
  
  The problem is that the dominant perception of Atheism is shaped by the likes of Bill Maher, who is what I’d term a “militant Atheist”. Not only does he not believe but he’d deny others the right to do so as well. And, just for balance, the dominant perception of the “Religious Right” is shaped by the likes of the Westboro Baptist Church crowd, who are what I’d term “militant religious zealots”. It’s much easier to deal with a caricature than it is the mainstream, right?
  
  For myself, I do not feel compelled to attempt to change the minds of Agnostics or Atheists, nor will I attempt to denigrate their beliefs. I’m of the opinion that, if we all live our lives as morally as we possibly can, regardless of the bedrock of that morality, the world’s going to be a better place.
  
  Report this comment
- brother_ed
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:32pm
  @ATHIEST-INFEDEL
  
  I agree with the CAP’N
  
  I try hard to follow the little known 11th Commandment: “Thou shalt mind thine own business”
  
  We Latter Day Saints have what are known as the ‘Articles of Faith’. Number 11 states:
  
  “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates or our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:06pm
  First of all, no constitution loving Christian or conservative would applaud the “round up” of atheists (militant or otherwise). As mentioned earlier, I’d fight for their lawful and actual rights as vehemently as I would for my own. You appear to be conflating the fringey, kooky assertions of lunatics like Westboro with mainstream Christian thought. If you want a rational conversation, keep the irrational out of it.
  
  Report this comment
- NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:54pm
  To me, an atheist is one who does not believe in any sort of “higher power”.
  What some have spoken of as “militant atheists” are really “anti-theists”. These folks know that there is a God or “Higher power” and are trying as hard as they can to deny it. They are also trying to keep those of us who do believe from practicing our faith.
  
  Report this comment
jessieH
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:45pm
Churches is as much to blame for the sorrow in the world as the dictators & elected public servants. You don’t need either to be right with the LORD. It’s all about control of the people.

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Grace1798
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:52am
God chastises those whom He loves. It will begin in the House of the Lord then to the rest of the world. We really have to get right with God…….NOW is the time.

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- WhiteFang
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:48pm
  Grace1798,
  
  A prophesy concerning the grand purpose of our Creator God and his messenger, Jesus Christ.
  Malachi 3:1-18, and 4:1-6
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:05pm
  Oh please. If the Martians had visited any of the ancient tribes and saw their witch doctors or shamans they would similarly comment on how religious they were. There is no greater arrogance than claiming your religious beliefs are superior to someone else or that you are somehow closer to God. No doubt there is a higher energy or force in the universe, call it God like the ancient tribes if you must. But the reality is we have no clue what it is and probably could not understand it if it were revealed to us.
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:12pm
  And you don’t find it even remotely interesting that every characteristic of Jesus was held by a prior Egyptian God…. born of a virgin, raise people from the dead, etc. and the day chosen as his birthday just happened to be a celebration of the God King son of Ra. All of which predates the new christianity and the new testament. Occasionally it is good to read history books and consider other activities and books in light of that history.
  
  December 25th is my birthday in Ancient Egyptian Mythology.
  
  The tradition of placing the star on top of the Christmas(Osiris) tree came from Ancient Egypt.
  
  My father, Osiris, was symbolized by the evergreen tree.
  
  My mother, Isis, was symbolized by the five pointed star.
  
  The act of placing the star on top of the tree, especially on December 25th, symbolizes my birth.
  
  Of course all of this symbolism was transferred into Christianity over the years;
  
  Horus = Jesus
  Isis = Virgin Mary
  Osiris = God
  
  Report this comment
- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:17pm
  Quoting JRook: “But the reality is we have no clue what it is and probably could not understand it if it were revealed to us.”
  
  1 – How can you admit that you are ignorant of God then claim that no one could understand God? You are admitting your ignorance then implying deep insight.
  
  2 – What if one’s understanding of God was not based on the limitations of a mortal’s mind but on the limitless of God’s power? Surely God (being God) could grant anyone (or thing) any understanding God saw fit. Of course you couldn’t speak for or against this since you readily admitted you are ignorant of God.
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:18pm
  @Grace1798 Just in case your interested in reading work provided by an unbiased and ideologically neutral individual regarding the “christ-like” gods who proceeded Christ. The characteristics shared by Christ and these religious figures is interesting to say the least. No wonder there is an adage that “those who pay attention in the seminary, leave an atheist”
  
  http://listverse.com/2009/04/13/10-christ-like-figures-who-pre-date-jesus/
  
  Report this comment
- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:24pm
  @JRook
  
  Indeed the Christmas tree has NOTHING to do with Christ. However, that’s a practice adopted by ignorant followers and not at all taught by Christ or the Scriptures. Nor the 5-point star for that matter.
  
  Report this comment
- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:28pm
  @Grace1798
  
  Keep in mind, if the Scriptures are true, then Noah would be the father of all nations. Therefore his teachings and prophesies would influence all nations. Which could very well mean that any similarities between ancient beliefs and Christianity could be based on ancient teachings and prophesies from Noah and his children about the coming Christ.
  
  Yes, this is a bias way of looking at this topic, but so is ignoring this possibility.
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:27pm
  yeah umm…JCROOK..you know why I call you an idiot? Because you are one.
  
  First of all, the historical Jesus lived. Tacitus records his execution at the hands of Pilate. Tacitus is a secular and hostile witness.
  
  Christ’s birthdate was chosen by Church counsels long after the events of the New Testament. By that time the Jewish complexion of the Church was eroded, Byzantium/Rome was the dominant factor. Egypt plays no role in Christianity other than the flight to Egypt by Mary and Joseph. In fact, from the evidence in the new testament Christ was likely born in mid to late fall in Judea of the time, certainly not late December. Furthermore, Jews use the lunar calendar (to this day in fact) for their dates, not the European/Gentile Gregorian calendar you’re ignorantly invoking here. So how they would chose December 25th when they in fact don’t have a December 25th is beyond my grasp…can you explain it perhaps?
  
  Christ’s birthdate is never metioned in the texts because it’s not important in the context of why the gospels were written. They’re not biographies, they’re to teach and testify. This is what gospels do…ignoramus.
  
  You bleat about reading history books yet you seem to be comically ignorant of history while you regurgitate internet blather rather than credible scholars. You’re an idiot. I dont’ expect you to learn anything from what I’ve offered you here JCROOK, but it’s always a pleasure reminding you of what an idiot you a
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:44pm
  Oh and JCROOK?
  
  Just to make you look like a bigger idiot….The older Orthodox Church which was founded in Byzantium used the Julian Calendar (and still does so today) and it’s celebration of Christmas and Easter usually falls later than the Western European dates you’re bumbling around with.
  
  Horus=Egyptian deity.
  Osiris=Egyptian deity.
  Isis=Egyptian deity.
  Ra=Egyptian deity
  Anubis=Egyptian deity
  
  JROOK= ignoramus.
  
  I read actual history books JROOK..clearly all you read is militant atheist drivel you pull up with Google. Searchword: JROOK IDIOT.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 12:55pm
  And the award for finest representation of Christ today amongst Blaze Christians goes to AVENGERK!!!
  
  (crowd goes wild)
  
  “First of all, the historical Jesus lived. Tacitus records his execution at the hands of Pilate. Tacitus is a secular and hostile witness.”
  
  You should do a little more reading on Tactitus. A hostile witness you say? Hmm… He wasn’t even born until 56 AD. I guess he went back in time to be a hostile witness to the execution of Jesus. Writing about something is not the same as witnessing it live and in person. Now what was all that talk about actually reading history books? Asserting that someone else is a moron when you just stepped on your own []Denis?
  
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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 1:02pm
  AVENGERK
  
  You’ve earned the coveted “Best Representation of Christ by a Christian Posting at The Blaze” award for today.
  
  “First of all, the historical Jesus lived. Tacitus records his execution at the hands of Pilate. Tacitus is a secular and hostile witness.”
  
  Tacitus was a hostile witness to the execution of Jesus, huh? Hmm… now you went way above and beyond labeling JROOK a moron, ignoramus, idiot, liar about reading history etc, and then talked about the vast expanse of your knowledge due to actually reading history books… but it would appear you stepped on your []Denis here, as Tacitus wasn’t even born until 56AD. Hearing of and writing about something some 45 years after it happened is not the same as witnessing it yourself, mmkay?
  
  Whoops… but hey at least you got to put your rectal-orifice nature on display for everyone. I’m sure you make your Jesus very proud.
  
  Report this comment
- jl wright
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 2:22pm
  You have a good witness! Since the Blaze attracts mostly the choir, would you please consider adding the washingtonpost.com to your experience with Christ, prayers and thoughts.
  
  Report this comment
- EM2T93
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 2:25pm
  Just curious, Diamond. What is YOUR source of facts? AVENGERK has posted here for a long time, and has always shown to have good facts/credible information, and overall great comments. The only thing you have discredited is yourself.
  
  Report this comment
- jl wright
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 2:30pm
  You have a good witness! Since the Blaze attracts mostly the choir, would you please consider making comments to the washimgtopost.com site – where there are many more who have not experienced or proven Christ.
  
  Report this comment
- checkingbothsides
  Posted on January 11, 2013 at 5:31pm
  @EM2t93 – Google is your friend:
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacitus
  
  Tacitus was born in 56a.d. 23 years after the death of Christ. Who is discredited again?
  
  Report this comment
- Zeus is THE Lord
  Posted on January 15, 2013 at 3:00am
  Avenge, it’s great that you’re one of the few erudite people who post on this ridiculous site. That said, all religion is poison and everything you cited contributes to a book of fables written by man. Last, by your snide tone, I’d say you were a practicing Christian…
  
  Report this comment
commoncents5
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:38am
I am a christian who will not listen to the lies or half truths being spoken in so called houses of God.
There is no reason for christians to debunk the findings of science for the age of this earth. Have you heard of Ashfall, Ne? Have you heard of Bat Creek, TN? This earth is millions of years old and it says so in God’s word. In Peter it states that a day with the Lord is a thousand years. Well then 7000 years past before God created Adam & Eve. Cain went to Nod and found a wife and became a city builder something God doesn’t like because man shouldn’t be in close surroundings with each other.
So where did Cain’s wife come from? please explain.
Why does China have an earlier history than Adam & Eve? The races were created on the 6th day.
Because of Satan’s fall from grace God’s anger destroyed the first earth and heaven age. We are now in the 2nd earth and heaven age to prove to God we love him and not Satan. Nobody is dead or has been judged to death except Satan who is the son of perdition. Even Satan has not completed his usefulness to God yet. Satan has to deceive the world when he comes to earth acting as the 2nd advent of Christ. There is so much more in your King James Version that is not being told. Seek and you will find the light.

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- Grace1798
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:58am
  Scripturally speaking, Satan roams the earth. Job Chapter 1 and Luke 10:18 And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. Satan roams the earth from the first Day God threw him out of heaven onto the earth. Don’t take my word for it, look it up.
  
  Report this comment
cessna152
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:33am
Looks like the Atheists need to be more convincing. I honestly believe they have convinced people that God is real by their irrational statements… Thanks Atheists. You’re like the media, the more you make a “big deal” out of things, the more people research. Inevitably, the truth is revealed. The truth that God’s Word has never changed…unlike your science book which are outdated on a yearly basis.

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- athiest-infedel
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:28pm
  But it did change between the old and new testament.
  
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- Witness1974
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:04pm
  @Atheist-Infedel–”You do err, not knowing the Scriptures”: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (Luke 24:44). Stop repeating what you’ve heard and read The Book yourself. It’s all there. It is the same plot, theme, and the same main character throughout. It is the story of God’s plan to redeem men and to bring rebels back into the Kingdom.
  
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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:22pm
  I’ve read it and found the god of the old testament to be an absolute monster. He grew up, became less jealous and much more loving later in the book.
  
  There were also many trancription errors that also changed the book. You can even find an alternative ending to Mark if you want.
  
  Report this comment
- Witness1974
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:54pm
  @Godisnot: Did you also read the end of the New Testament where it reveals the wrath of God poured out upon the earth just before His return? God does not change. He is perfect. “He grew up”? The very definition of God includes the fact that He is immutable. If He needed to change it would mean that He was less than perfect. What you describe is a god that is hip to the times, who stays up with the current fads, who evolves to a higher consciousness according to your standards–Now that is a monster. God is not subject to His creation, that includes the current zeitgeist promoted by unrighteous men.
  
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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:21pm
  All I took away from that rant was “my god must be [this], therefore he is.” You’ve created this god character in your own image.
  
  And yes, the reason the biblical god evolves is due to the human progression of the authors.
  
  Report this comment
- Witness1974
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 7:07pm
  Godisnot: If that’s all you took away then you aren’t looking for truth. As far as me creating a god in my image I have to say that it is highly unlikely that a sinner like me would come up with a perfectly just, good, and righteous God who is perfect and demands perfection in order to get into heaven. Everything I know about God has been revealed to me through reading His word, and by the power of the Holy Spirit teaching me from it. As thick headed as I am that takes a lot of power. No, if I were going to invent a god that pleased me I would convince myself that he doesn’t exist and that I live in an amoral universe where there are no consequences for my actions, a universe where there is no truth and where I can be my own judge. There must be a great deal of comfort in thinking that when the body dies one ceases to exist–hmm, exactly what the devil wants us to believe.
  
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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 9:42pm
  I do hope you find what you’re looking for and that your god blesses you.
  
  Report this comment
OniKaze
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:32am
I have a love/hate relationship with religion.

I love how it takes those without their own internal morals (the sheep) and guides them on a path of morality and (hopefully) goodness, which is the intent of Man-made religions… In this regard I hail religions as great uniters of people..

I Hate religion since in practice, it divides people on beliefs (like politics, which is why before politicians ruled the world, religious leaders did) and usually pits one religions views and beliefs against another, which is the cause for friction that usually leads to war….

I am an Agnostic. I believe in a Creator. It all came from somewhere… However, I am not sure whether that creator is no longer present, or no longer cares to interact with humans, but one thing is FOR SURE… The Creator (God) DID NOT create religion… MAN DID! Which is why Religion is so flawed..

I think it is okay for people to seek a religion to help guide themselves, but what I don’t agree with, is when people take so much stock in their chosen religion, that they base everything in their life around it, blinding them to the possibility that THEIR religion MAY BE WRONG… (after all, not EVERY religion is absolute, and I would venture to say that NONE are.. And not a single one of us knows which is right for sure.. Which is WHY its called “Faith” not “Fact”.)

We don’t NEED religion to survive, but MORALITY is a MUST, Religion is one road to get there, Honor and Respect is the Othe

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- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:43pm
  You’re not agnostic, you’re a deist.
  
  There’s a difference.
  
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- Witness1974
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:47pm
  @Onikaze–As long as there is good and evil, lies and truth, light and darkness, there will be division. The Creator that you believe in said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10).
  
  God offers peace between individual human beings and Himself: “Peace on Earth, good will toward men.” But as long as there are varying degrees of belief and unbelief among people there will be conflict. Truth is true and lies are false; no rational person can hold both at the same time for long. God is God and reveals all the spiritual truth we need to know in the scriptures. The devil is a creature who has from the beginning tried to make God out to be a liar. “Choose this day whom you will serve.”
  
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seek.the.truth
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:31am
My family does not affiliate with any organized religion and consider ourselves non-denominational. We have found that depending on how the question is asked, we are sometimes lumped in with the “nones”. We attend a non-denominational church every Sunday and believe that God sent His only Son to die on the cross that we may receive forgiveness for our sins. You do not have to belong to a cookie-cutter denomination to be considered a Christian.

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mcsledge
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:31am
It is becoming quite apparent in America who are the true followers of Christ and who are the ‘self-proclaimed’ Christians in name only. Worse yet, many of the self-proclaimed are godless because the word really has no part in them.

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- WhiteFang
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:38pm
  MCSLEDGE,
  
  The entire chapter 3 of Malachi is very interesting, it is about who is serving God and who isn’t. It ends with verse 18 which says:
  
  And YOU people will again certainly see [the distinction] between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.” (Malachi 3:18)
  
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DebateMe
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:23am
As the saying goes, ‘there are no athiests in a fox hole.’ As America itself increasingly transforms into a ‘fox hole’ people will turn to a higher power – as they have always done throughout history. Some will begin their search in a somewhat directionless way, but however it has to go, that they find God is what matters.

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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:34pm
  Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better.
  
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Grace1798
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:17am
Read 2 Timothy 3 and Matthew 24. This is what is happening to this country now. Time to get serious while we still have a Bible to read and study.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:41am
  We have two billboards going up in our community with Scripture from II Timothy 3 going up in the next week or so.
  
  TIME TO STAND CHRISTIANS.
  It is now or never.
  
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YOURSENSEI
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:14am
This is what you must know:

All things must pass.

It is so.

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- The-Monk
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:19am
  Hi Wango,
  “All things must pass.”
  
  Like another one of your accounts? LMAO !!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- ArmedAndReallyPissed
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:27am
  OMG……..I can see the Headlines of the next Mass Shooting now. This guy friggin freaks me way out. And “it is so” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
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- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:28am
  Mr or Ms THE MONK,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  A pun in thought. Predictably pedestrian.
  
  it is so.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:36am
  No pun Wango…. just a fact.
  
  This you must kno……. oops, you already know it to be true.
  
  Or should I say, “true, true, true, er… how many accounts have you had banned?”
  
  It is so. LMAO@Wangantsdancerglennduhodian !!!
  
  Report this comment
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:52am
  WANGO, If you really want it to pass, just remember Exlax cleans like a white tornado.
  
  Report this comment
- Kregneva
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:49pm
  Mr or Ms Theme-Oink
  
  This you believe, when its words hit close to the bone, the righteous post must be deleted.
  
  For an innocent Joel need not whistle past a Galleon.
  
  Yes, Virginia there are Fair facts.
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 4:08pm
  YOU’REWANGLESS,SENSEI/PANTY/HORSIE/GLENNDUH..the only thing passed around here is your is your waste of a life little guy. Good to see your MONICNE/ENCINOM/KREGNEVA/SLEAZY HIPPO personalities chiming in also, I guess you needed to give yourself a little backup? Is not so? LOL.
  
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ArmedAndReallyPissed
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:01am
I can hear the Fist pounding on the desk in the Jihad House ( White House ) now.

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RaydocX
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:00am
The myth and fiction created and perpetuated by the MSM and radical jurists, to the delight of the Left, have zero impact upon the rank and file of America…

They may want the freebies, but even the 47% still go to church or at least still believe in a higher power.

and any belief that they can extinguish that belief might want to be treated to a trip through history… even in the visciously repressive communist countries of the Cold War, when practicing religion was a punishable offense, people believed. And i have always found it curious the leaders did not destroy the houses of worship, witness the Kremlin. At their dark heart of hearts, even the biggst deniers often have doubt, if not faith…

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- Nicki123
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:10am
  Ray..sad many Christians go to church but still vote for the party that funded the killing of 330,000 babies in 2011…I don’t know how they can justify that one point.
  
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- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:16am
  Mr or Ms NICK1123,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  They choose. You choose.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- Nicki123
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:22am
  Sensei…You are right but…having children, the thought of that destruction just hurts…
  
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Walkabout
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:00am
Many people are attracted to Buddhism because it is not whatever their parents believed in.

On the ground level, every day level, Buddhism is fairly good. But it offers nothing, literally it offer nothing. But I know of Buddhists & they speak of God.

Buddhists are very fertile ground for missionaries. This I know.

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am123
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:55am
In man’s attempt at religion, there is a great deceiver that leads him astray. Satan takes advantage of man’s desire to make rules and regulations and have people observe them. Through religion, Satan puts blindfolds on people and tells them they’re on the path to heaven when they’re actually on the path to hell. A cunning serpent, this Satan!

Man is not happy to only preach and teach the truths that God has revealed, man wants to inject his own rules and regulations and portray them as if they are sacred. That is vain worship. The Father seeks those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

True Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with the living, loving God.

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- SimpleTruths
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:02am
  Question: Where does God live? Answer: In your imagination.
  
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- Walkabout
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:12am
  SimpleTruths
  Question: Where does God live?
  ***
  Gee I can only visualize 3 dimensions & time as a 4th dimension. And yet in math & physics were consider more than 4 dimension all the time. Stuff we cannot see.
  
  Do you call mathematicians & physicists delusional?
  
  All those mathematicians & physicists coming up with theories that have moire & more evidence for them which engineers use to build products & infrastructure that you use to enable you to be a flippant wastrel
  
  Touch that SimpleTruths! You can’t!
  
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- am123
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:17am
  God lives in the same place I will live throughout eternity, the New Jerusalem.
  
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- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:17am
  Mr or Ms SIMPLETRUTHS,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  Where does God live? French Lick, Indiana.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- jorart
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:31am
  To Simpletruths:
  God is everywhere except two places: Hell and in the hearts of those who don’t believe.
  
  Yes Christianity is being extinct. This just means He is coming back… Thank God for Jesus!
  
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- Grace1798
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:44am
  Amen
  
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Nicki123
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:55am
I have been listening to 96.7 in New York of all places…and it is the best thing ever…The Christian music is fantastic…I feel refreshed and energized after listening…The other stations with their pop music now, just seems like noise…Thanks to all who fund this station and hope the athetists don’t try and shut it down…

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Temporal
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:53am
What the data really says is that folks are leaving the apostate denominations in droves. These are the brand name denominations where the authority of scripture is now deemed “too judgmental” and reducing your carbon footprint passes for righteousness.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:39am
  Yes, they are.
  Except for those who stay and pray for their bothers and sisters in the faith.
  There are still some called to preach who are preaching THE WORD as it is written.
  Those are drawing people who are hungry for GOD.
  
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bikerdogred1
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:48am
Religion is hanging on,it’s the KOOL-AID drinkers that are advancing.To many smart people,just not enough smart thinkers out there.

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Pastor Melissa
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:44am
I’ve got to read this book.
I think he hypothesis is broken. If spirituality is evolving, it is becoming less intelligent and less connected. Churches have existed for two purposes: 1- educate the populous regarding the exceptional story of God.(Accepting that story can happen outside a physical institution- so don’t think I am negating acceptance.) 2- To connect and form communities.
Perhaps people still feel they are Christian and not going to church in this generation, but what happens to the generation that follows them? Are these ‘nons’ going to teach their children what they were taught? Are these ‘nons’ going to connect their children with others who don’t like the institution? No, I don’t believe it.
One of Jesus’ big lessons was on relationship. If we are not relating we are dying. Period.

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- Grace1798
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:07am
  Back in the day, church used to be helpful and encouraging to others. But today, the church attitudes changed. Everyone seemed to be competitive against the other. Everyone wants to be the Top Singer or in the front of the AUDIENCE (I call it that because that’s how these kind think) to PERFORM their TALENT which is so great. They want to be the big fish in a small pond. It’s not about helping others, it’s not about blessing others, it’s about being the Star and having an audience. They should sing, “It’s All About ME Lord,” not It’s All About You Lord…because it’s not all about the Lord. It’s all about THEM. We have seen pastors cheat on their wives and ruin two families as well as fracture the church and its people. We have seen youth pastors cheat on their wife. One pastor got a teen pregnant, left his wife and their young kids to marry the teen and the CHURCH kept him on. We have seen another church where the pastor hired a youth pastor who fondled a young boy and nothing was done. Later, someone found he was a pedophile and the pastor of that church still stood behind him to keep him on. This is the stuff that goes on now in the church because this high mindedness has prevailed not only in our country but in the church as well. Pride cometh before a fall. This is why the church is hurting, they conformed to the world instead of choosing to be transformed by the Power and the Word of God. This is why many won’t attend any longer, who wants to
  
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- Pastor Melissa
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:46am
  Grace,
  I have spent my life in the church. I was born into the church. I have seen people act in terrible ways. I have wept for the arrogance and selfishness of some. I have personally been hurt by the institution. Yet, I know there is something true and real in a communal relationship with God and God’s people. That is why I am a Planter Minister.
  I cannot change what is wrong with churches all across the United States but I can grow what is right. I pray for you and your family. I hope you find the community that is centered on God’s grace and love. Don’t give up. It is out there.
  
  Report this comment
- americangrammy
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:29pm
  In my opinion, the biggest problem with “religions” lies with the monotheists who demand that their religion be the ONLY religion that is tolerated. The history of the world runs red with the blood of those who would not comply. This deadly intolerance is still seen today in Islamic countries where to dare to be different is to court death.
  I often wonder how many of our “religious” people here in our land of freedom would behave the same way if they could take absolute power? I listen to their words and shudder.
  Having grown up in a denomination that believed in strict interpretation of scripture, I must say that I treasure our freedom to believe or not to believe in ANY religion. I don’t mind listening to someone explain to me why they hold a belief in their god. Most of my friends are christians. I respect their faith and they respect mine. This is how it HAS to be if we are going to have a civil society. Oh, and you atheists? This applies to you as well! Believe or don’t, as you will, but, stop promoting YOUR non faith as the ONLY way!
  
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BlackCrow
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:44am
Get up at 5 am, shower, shave, put on a suit, sit in on a bench that hurts my back to be lectured by some jerk about what a bad guy I am, how I need to turn in my guns, how I need to accept homosexuals, that the physics I use in my daily work is false because of a book written 2000 years ago that would have been rejected by the scientists of the day?

I’ll stay in bed; thanks put me down as a “none”.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:50am
  Hi, BLACKCROW!
  
  We were faithful in the denomination of our choice for over 30 years. When we returned to the USA and found it filled with pablum so as not to offend anyone, with teaching directly opposed to what THE BIBLE says, we looked at each other and said, “We are outta here.” And, so we are. We hang out with others of the same faith who worship and adore our LORD GOD and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT WHICH keeps us all in tune.
  
  Wish I could say we miss the old church, and I guess we do; but we do not miss the “new” church at all.
  
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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:57am
  Pity you.
  
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- Guitarcarl
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:24pm
  Blackcrow, for a minute there I thought you were talking about public education not a church.
  
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- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:35pm
  1 – Where does the Scripture say you have to turn in your guns? Guns can be used to hunt and feed the family.
  
  2 – Where does the Scripture say you need to accept homosexuals?
  
  3 – Where does the Scripture say modern day physics are wrong?
  
  4 – What type of Satanic church are you going to?
  
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bankerpapaw
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:40am
Today is the best time for Christians. Satan may win a few battles, but he knows he will eventually
lose the war. His days are numbered.

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- jcldwl
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:47am
  Not in my church it’s not and you are correct banker. It is very interesting watching biblical prophecy unfolding before our very eyes.
  
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- Nicki123
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:52am
  Well either we fight for God and goodness, or join the dark side…
  
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cdh3021
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:38am
Not going extinct; but on the decline. Makes you wonder why God would allow this, doesn’t it? heh heh

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- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:31pm
  Actually no it doesn’t. God gave man great authority – man has given that authority to Satan – man will answer for his actions. Not confusing at all.
  
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Marine25
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:38am
Science, reason, and discovery have killed every religion in history but these few surviving fictions. Contemporary faiths are on the short list. It’s a matter of time, just ask the worshippers of Zeus, RA, or Anshar.

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- HowTruthHurts
  Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:20pm
  @Marine25
  
  Actually science, reason, and/or discovery have not killed anything. Ancient beliefs faded simply because those in power changed.
  
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