64% of Americans claim to be Christian per recent polling.

[82hoosier]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

 

[Sope Creek]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running drifting away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

FIFY . . . running is a little strong, IMO.

This has been happening for a lonnnnnnng time. The recent politicization of Christianity has perhaps accelerated what was already happening.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

 

[Harry Hondo]

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

Only the evangelical Christians.

 

[Bowlmania]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

Membership in organized religion is down, church attendance is down, enrollment in religious education is down. While a local church here and there may be thriving, it's clear that Americans' involvement in organized religion has plummeted from the peak decades of the '50s, '60s and '70s. While this trend is across a variety of faiths, it's most apparent in Christianity, probably because there were many more Christians (in the US) to begin with.

I think the waning influence of organized religion is unfortunate. A good church (or synagogue or mosque) that is true to the core tenets of the faith provides an important message, promotes the development and/or refinement of a moral compass, and sets forth clear guidelines for purposeful, positive and impactful living - - lives that feature kindness, compassion and love. When kids don't hear this in church or Sunday school, it's incumbent on parents to step up and fill the void. Sadly, I think only a minority are up to the task.

At least with respect to Christianity, the messaging void is being filled by faux preachers, cable news opinion hosts, social media influencers and even politicians who, in many instances, promote a bastardized version of Christianity that has little to nothing to do with the message of Christ but rather advances some other agenda.

 

[Bowlmania]

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

No one of a clear mind, including those on the far left, equates Christianity with intolerance, hate, homophobia, racism, bigotry, xenophobia and spite. Those traits are the antithesis of Christianity.

Start making sense.

 

[anon_6hv78pr714xta]

The West has been discarding the metaphysical and supernatural parts of Christianity for a long time. I think that trend will continue.

But it hasn't discarded the fundamental moral precepts at the heart of Christianity--taking care of the weak, the strong owing a duty to protect the weak, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, do unto others, love is the universal salve, etc. In fact, most of the criticism of certain aspects of the Christian religion on a moral level is, itself, derived from a Christian point-of-view that a people like the Romans or Assyrians or Egyptians would not have understood. (Notice, though, that this morality is perfectly compatible with socialism and communism, but not Nazism).

Here I'm really just parroting Tom Holland in his book, Dominion, which I've discussed before. Here are some reviews if you're interested:

All Book Marks reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

A positive rating based on 14 book reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

bookmarks.reviews

I think his argument too strong, but I think it is true in a sense and worth thinking about whenever these polls are conducted.

 

[snarlcakes]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

I think more and more people in the United States are moving away from Christianity. It's one of the reasons for the decline in the United States.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

Only as it relates to those on the right who have weaponized it.

 

[DCGeneral]

What is the % of American evangelicals who actually act like Christians? It's pretty low, unfortunately.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Only as it relates to those on the right who have weaponized it.

For most on the left, “those on the right,” “weaponized” and “ Christian” are inextricably intertwined.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

No one of a clear mind, including those on the far left, equates Christianity with intolerance, hate, homophobia, racism, bigotry, xenophobia and spite. Those traits are the antithesis of Christianity.

Start making sense.

Well I agree with you. But that isn’t what we heard from the leftists as they reported and commented on the Nashville Christian School murders.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

For most on the left, “those on the right,” “weaponized” and “ Christian” are inextricably intertwined.

Not really. The differences are very clear.

 

[T.M.P.]

They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

No, that's just what we think of you ...

 

[TommyCracker]

The West has been discarding the metaphysical and supernatural parts of Christianity for a long time. I think that trend will continue.

But it hasn't discarded the fundamental moral precepts at the heart of Christianity--taking care of the weak, the strong owing a duty to protect the weak, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, do unto others, love is the universal salve, etc. In fact, most of the criticism of certain aspects of the Christian religion on a moral level is, itself, derived from a Christian point-of-view that a people like the Romans or Assyrians or Egyptians would not have understood. (Notice, though, that this morality is perfectly compatible with socialism and communism, but not Nazism).

Here I'm really just parroting Tom Holland in his book, Dominion, which I've discussed before. Here are some reviews if you're interested:

All Book Marks reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

A positive rating based on 14 book reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

bookmarks.reviews

I think his argument too strong, but I think it is true in a sense and worth thinking about whenever these polls are conducted.

Going to sound like a Buttigieg stan (well because I am) but this was one angle that he brought to the democratic primary that made people notice and think about.

His spiel was pretty much what you are saying, that the dem ideals align strongly with Christian ideals but since we strongly believe and honor the freedom of religion or of no religion, we don't get credit for that alignment while Republicans have cloaked themselves in religious language when in reality they don't align as much as they think.

Anyway it was a unique messaging angle from a dem candidate that resonated.

 

[snarlcakes]

The West has been discarding the metaphysical and supernatural parts of Christianity for a long time. I think that trend will continue.

But it hasn't discarded the fundamental moral precepts at the heart of Christianity--taking care of the weak, the strong owing a duty to protect the weak, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, do unto others, love is the universal salve, etc. In fact, most of the criticism of certain aspects of the Christian religion on a moral level is, itself, derived from a Christian point-of-view that a people like the Romans or Assyrians or Egyptians would not have understood. (Notice, though, that this morality is perfectly compatible with socialism and communism, but not Nazism).

Here I'm really just parroting Tom Holland in his book, Dominion, which I've discussed before. Here are some reviews if you're interested:

All Book Marks reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

A positive rating based on 14 book reviews for Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

bookmarks.reviews

I think his argument too strong, but I think it is true in a sense and worth thinking about whenever these polls are conducted.

Socialism and communism are not compatible with Christianity.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

Socialism and communism are not compatible with Christianity.

Care to cite a few verses to prove your point?

 

[snarlcakes]

Care to cite a few verses to prove your point?

2 Timothy 2:23

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

2 Timothy 2:23

Hmmm...after reading that verse, I suppose you're done posting on the WC?

 

[JamieDimonsBalls]

50 years ago that number was 90%.

Do you think that America is running away from Christianity or do you think that the term Christian has been hijacked by members of the far right? Or maybe somewhere in between?

I recognize that the term Christian can mean different things in different geographical areas. Same with the term "democracy".

It isn't just Christianity though. Religiousness in general is lower in nearly every area of the country. Each generation seems to be more secular than the last. Hell, even @mcmurtry66 now has a shot to date Amish defectors!

 

[mrhighlife]

2 Timothy 2:23

I just read that verse it's all about not getting into arguments with ignorant people. You should instead be patient and try and teach them the truth. Not sure what that has to do with the economic and social theories of socialism and communism. Maybe I'm interpreting it wrong?

 

[snarlcakes]

It isn't just Christianity though. Religiousness in general is lower in nearly every area of the country. Each generation seems to be more secular than the last. Hell, even @mcmurtry66 now has a shot to date Amish defectors!

I’d argue Christianity is lower, but religiousness is still very high in the U.S.

 

[mcmurtry66]

It isn't just Christianity though. Religiousness in general is lower in nearly every area of the country. Each generation seems to be more secular than the last. Hell, even @mcmurtry66 now has a shot to date Amish defectors!

Jesus helped me to break free from the shackles of lust. When I was at my weakest he stood with me to remove my sex drive. But now I’m coming off the no contact period and feel everything!!! Strong. Confused. Weak. I hope he shows me the way

 

[zeke4ahs]

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

Only you could blame it on the left, instead of the Christians who have actually shown that behavior. The Christian community that supports Trump did an awful lot to damage the reputation. Well, I take it back, I’m sure you aren’t the only one, but that’s quite the pretzel logic there.

 

[JamieDimonsBalls]

Jesus helped me to break free from the shackles of lust. When I was at my weakest he stood with me to remove my sex drive. But now I’m coming off the no contact period and feel everything!!! Strong. Confused. Weak. I hope he shows me the way

Just watch out for those Denny waitresses!

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Not really. The differences are very clear.

No, that's just what we think of you ...

I rest.

 

[IU_Hickory]

I think the word “Christian” has been hijacked by the near and far left. They use it to mean intolerant, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and spiteful.

Or in other words, some on the far right use religion as an excuse for their racist, homophobic, bigoted views. Like refusing service to gay people because it conflicts with their twisted version of religion.

Your anger should be directed at the asshats that give religion a bad name. God never said to judge thy neighbor or refuse those who are different than you.

I know a lot of dems that are Christians. They just don't feel the need to weaponize it or try to force their views onto others. They know about separation of Church and state. And don't use religion as a way to excuse hate for others that are different from them.

 

[JamieDimonsBalls]

I’d argue Christianity is lower, but religiousness is still very high in the U.S.

Churches, synagogues, etc. are all under pressure. They are facing serious financial issues stemming from lack of participation from Gen X and Millenials.

 

[mcmurtry66]

Just watch out for those Denny waitresses!

The pity Saturday night was horrible. All my friends. All married. And that line came from my buddy. I got up from our table to piss and as I was walking away I heard my buddy say to his wife, or the table I guess, he’s drunker than a thousand Indians

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Only you could blame it on the left, instead of the Christians who have actually shown that behavior.

You sound like the clowns who blamed the Christian School for radicalization of the transsexual murderer.

The Christian community that supports Trump did an awful lot to damage the reputation.

Keep proving my point.

Well, I take it back, I’m sure you aren’t the only one, but that’s quite the pretzel logic there.

I’m not the only what?

 

[outside shooter]

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Like refusing service to gay people because it conflicts with their twisted version of religion.

If you are going to pursue this point, you need to understand the issue. Nuance isn’t your strong point.

 

[JamieDimonsBalls]

His spiel was pretty much what you are saying, that the dem ideals align strongly with Christian ideals but since we strongly believe and honor the freedom of religion or of no religion, we don't get credit for that alignment while Republicans have cloaked themselves in religious language when in reality they don't align as much as they think.

Meh, not sure I would try and draw too many comparisons. Plenty of wealthy people are generous benefactors to worthwhile causes regardless of political beliefs.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

I rest.

You should.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

An atheist would say.

 

[JamieDimonsBalls]

 

[IU_Hickory]

Meh, not sure I would try and draw too many comparisons. Plenty of wealthy people are generous benefactors to worthwhile causes regardless of political beliefs.

His post was a generalization for sure and not applicable to some Republicans but GOP policy trends to the idea that everyone should fend for themselves and not get government assistance. That doesn't seem to fully match up with them being the "religious party" since Jesus was all about helping those less fortunate.

 

[snarlcakes]

I just read that verse it's all about not getting into arguments with ignorant people. You should instead be patient and try and teach them the truth. Not sure what that has to do with the economic and social theories of socialism and communism. Maybe I'm interpreting it wrong?

I was joking with bulky.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

His post was a generalization for sure and not applicable to some Republicans but GOP policy trends to the idea that everyone should fend for themselves and not get government assistance. That doesn't seem to fully match up with them being the "religious party" since Jesus was all about helping those less fortunate.

The only thing worse than a liberal stating what Republicans believe is a non-Christian saying what Christians believe.

 

[ORG]

No one of a clear mind, including those on the far left, equates Christianity with intolerance, hate, homophobia, racism, bigotry, xenophobia and spite. Those traits are the antithesis of Christianity.

Start making sense.

And some of us should listen to what is being said.