...The United States is described in mainstream media as largely Christian (between 70 and 80 percent, depending on the study, identify themselves as "Christian"), and compared to the rest of the world, this is certainly the case. However, not all within this vast group of Christians are alike.
To understand the range and differences among American Christians, Christianity Today International (publisher of Leadership) recently partnered with Zondervan Publishers to commission Knowledge Networks to conduct attitudinal and behavioral research of U.S. Christians. In September 2006, more than 1,000 self-identified Christians 18 years of age and older were surveyed on their religious beliefs and practices. The results reveal a number of significant differences... In fact, portraits of five distinct segments emerged from the study. We have named them Active, Professing, Liturgical, Private, and Cultural Christians.
Each group represents about one-fifth of those identifying themselves as Christian, with Active Christians most likely to have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that affects their beliefs and inspires an active church life; Cultural Christians (such as Smith) are least likely to align their beliefs or practices with biblical teachings, or attend church. Between the two is a range of beliefs, commitment levels, and public practice of the faith.
Leadership discussed the survey results with leading pastors and religious experts to ascertain the ramifications for church leaders. Three critical issues emerged: 1. The local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth. 2. Churches must develop relational- and community-oriented outreach. 3. Lay people have to be better equipped to be God's ambassadors.
Faith Yes, Church Maybe... The survey shows that for nearly half of Christians, involvement in a local church body is a minimal part of their daily lives (see chart 1). "Faith is relevant for many people, but church is not," says Bryan Wilkerson, senior pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. "People want to attend to the spiritual side of their lives, they are interested in God, but their experience of church has not been relevant. They say, 'Why do I have to sit through boring sermons and old music that don't speak to my real needs and problems?'....
Sister Jen, Interesting article. I couldn't relate totally to any specific type, I guess I am a sixth type of Christian. If you are interested I can explain in more detail when my mind is refreshed. It's been a long day. But I think it's an important topic.
Brother Steve, Please do explain your view when you have rested yourself and as always thanks for your comments and insight on my blogs!
Tuesday, October 27th 2009 at 11:09PM
Jen Fad
Jen, I liked this topic too! So many churches are failing to meet the need of the spiritual side of Christians, which bare some effect on many others who might change their minds and become followers of Christ. It's a vast subject, but at least this article gives some narrowing down to how Christians are using faith to fill their spiritual needs. Much work from dedicated Christians and Christian Ministers is needed to restore what Jesus is really wanting his church to reflect. Very interesting.
Irma, I feel that's the commercial church, where men are only seeking riches! It's a shame before God is right!
Wednesday, October 28th 2009 at 12:04PM
MIISRAEL Bride
Sister Jen, In Acts 11.26 it says it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians". This is one of three places in the New Testament that the term Christian is used. Some scholars believe it was a derogatory term, meaning something like "partisan of Christ". I don't have access to my Greek New Testament or Greek dictionary, or I could give you a better definition. Yes, I can read Classical Greek.
The term disciple is easier to understand. It means pupil, or student. The problem is, if we claim to be a student of Christ, who is this Christ that we do not know except for the tradition of 2000 years? The earliest New Testament writings were about 40 years after the death of Jesus, so we know only what is written by others after that time as to what his teachings were. Further, the early church decided what writings were to be declared as inspired by God and included in what we now know as the New Testament. As well, different copies of these writings have variations, and certain books that are attributed to certain authors we now know were likely not written by them, but their followers, or "schools". It is the same with the Old Testament and Apocrypha. Much editing occurred to result in what Christians now call the inspired word of God.
My fundamental belief is that it's our individual responsibility to extract the thoughts we individually believe are given to us by God. So I have no problem with seeing both negative and positive thoughts in the Bible, and accepting the positive while rejecting the negative. In a sense I am a cultural Christian, but I read the Bible a lot and also now am attending church again. For the sake of peace I avoid talking about my unconventional beliefs with those traditional Christians, such as other church members, who believe in the absolute authority of The Word of God, the born-again believers if you will. As with reading the Bible, when I attend church and in my association with other Christians, I focus on the positive and let go the negative. And I believe there is spiritual truth to be found in other religions, as well as those who do not have a religious affiliation. The one thing I will not accept is Atheism.
In short, I am a disciple of Jesus, as I see the true Jesus. And I am constantly evaluating who is the true Jesus, really? And what is the true Word of God?
Sister Irma I am sure I know who this man is. Would that be the one called Robert Tillman?! ((Lol)) He has been sued a time or two I believe. It's really sad that people send these crooks their life's savings. Miisrael I absolutely agree with you about the prosperity preachers focusing too much on worldly gain. Excellent information Brother Steve as well as I am truly impressed. You can read Greek. I couldn't agree with you more Brother Clark on what you have said. I think cultural Christians give Christ a bad name
Saturday, October 31st 2009 at 4:57PM
Jen Fad
Jen, a friend of mine called me last sunday morning and asked me to turn my TV to the ION network to see that preacher she had been trying to tell me about some time ago about if you sdend him money the Lord would bless them maybe with a Jet or a mansion. And, Jen, she was correct when she had told me it was hard to explain this preacher and she would let me know the next time she saw him on so I could see him for my self.
Jen, all ths preacher talked about was MONEY...he wanted you to call and pledge $1,000 and he would send you this little soft back book on the big money makers like Donald Trump. The only things he talked about God was to say how God would reward you for this. When I turned back to his program there was a phone number across the screen to call. You know how they do when they hold a telegthon??????!!! Jen as he continued to talk about how you would be given much for that $1,000 you send him...?
Now what really got to me was how he had the two Black females there in a spot that you could not miss them as he spoke in the close ups of him. His Church (I guess) was arranged for camera shots also. So this seem to be missing in the list of types of Christians today those who are actually only big business.....or maybe the my church is better than yours because my pastor has a private JET....I call this a shame before God!!!!
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
