“Give me that old time religion”? For a growing number of Americans, not so much. New information from the Pew Research Center reveals a spike in Americans claiming no religious connection. Meanwhile, it reports a steep decline among those who claim the name of Christ.
Phone surveys in 2018 and 2019 found that 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians. That’s a plunge from 77% in 2009. For those who call themselves atheists, agnostics, or “nothing in particular,” it’s a different story. The portion of these so-called “nones” has risen from 17% in 2009 to 26% today.
The Pew report has more troubling news. Church attendance is on the decline. The portion of those who attend religious services regularly—at least once or twice per month—has dropped 7% over the past 10 years. The percentage of those who rarely or never attend services has increased by the same amount. In 2009, regular attenders outnumbered those who rarely attend church 52% to 47%. Now those folks who make regular church attendance their priority are in the minority. Only 45% of Americans claim to attend church more than once a month.
Generational differences may partly explain the change in America’s religious landscape. The report says three quarters of U.S. baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) call themselves Christians. Among the younger millennial generation, however, only 49% label themselves Christian.
On the surface, these stats might seem like only bad news. But numbers don’t always tell the whole story. For much of the history of the United States, many people have shared a common Judeo-Christian heritage if not an actual, life-saving faith. Christianity and church attendance were largely accepted as cultural norms. The Pew study suggests that norms have shifted. Maybe Americans today are more honest about their religious beliefs. In the past, churches may have been full because Christianity was popular, not because everyone in the seats really believed the gospel.
It is important to remember too that Jesus’ church (the whole body of believers) is not confined to any one part of the globe. While Christianity becomes less popular in one country, it may explode in others (for example: Iran, Afghanistan, and Gambia). Christians take comfort in knowing that God protects His people throughout the world. God is with the true church everywhere, whether there are many or few, in peace and in persecution. Christians pray for their communities and nations to be awakened to the gospel. And they rest secure, knowing that God is in control.
@ Elise
Where did you read that? give me the passage. The last supper? It never said that it sadi he took the cup not wine.
@ Beth G
Don't make exususes.
Nadia A
Jesus miraculously made copious amounts of wine at the marriage at Cana (John 2).
Wine is the most common alcoholic beverage mentioned in biblical literature, where it is a source of symbolism, and was an important part of daily life in biblical times.
The Passover celebration would also have commonly included fermented wine. The Scriptures use the term “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:27–29; Mark 14:23–25; Luke 22:17–18). Of course, Christ participated in drinking from the Passover cup (Mark 14:23).
So the "fruit of the vine" is wine.....and Jesus drank from the cup.
-Elsie
Nadia A
And even if it wasn't as strong it probably was still alcoholic.
Janna (Daniel's sister) @NA
No, I don't believe that you can speak in tongues (my dad had a friend who was speaking in Hebrew (purposely), and people thought he was speaking in tongues, so they asked for an interpreter, and the person interpreted something (I don't know what it was) ). So no, I don't believe you can speak in tongues. I do believe that Jesus can raise people from the dead whenever He wants, but no, I don't believe He "normally" raises people from the dead today.
Janna (Daniel's sister) @NA
What are your thoughts on that?
@NA
John 4:46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. In the verse I just quoted it says he made the water wine, I do not think the Bible would call it wine if it wasn't.
@ Emilia. G
No. Why would Jesus drink something that he calls a mocker and make it a simbol of the perfect sinless blood of Christ? And why then would he say that a pastor must not drink wine? I do not agree with anything you said. I am sorry.
@ Janna
Then why is it in the bible? I speak in tongues. My mom dose,my dad,my brothers are asking for it I know a lot of people who do and a lot of people whom don't.
So you think your possessed if you do? Or your a liar? It doesn't always have to be interpreted. Its a personal gift to use when you want to. Its very good and when I speak in tongues I feel the power of the holy spirit. Its northing to brag about I am not bragging. if you are a believer then you can have it. Its real and I got it! I am Pentecostal if you ask.
Elsie (Emelias sister)
Nadia, I don't think speaking in tounges make you a good beliver. I feel that all christans are equal no matter who has sinned more. I think whether or not you speak in tounges you can be christan. Also, I don't believe Christ drank a "mocker" but whatever. Can you give me the exact passage where it says that he did please? Thanks.
Also, you may believe what you wish I am not going to judge you, but it is obvious our opinions vary on the matter. :)
To Above
Here. Christ said: Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
So then he said that why would he drink what you think was ''wine'' as something that represent s his life sinless blood? And being filled with the spirit whit the evidence of speaking with other tongues dose not make you a better christian. It just helps you to understand the holy spirit better.
Nadia A
Could you please go to the Geyser article? :)
@Everyone, with especial regard to Daniel G
@Daniel G -- I go to a lutheran church, but I'm more baptist in my belief, especially in relation to the end times. For example, Lutherans belive we're in the Millenium right now, which is totally insane.
Anyhoo, The whole water/wine/cup thing is partially practical, and partially spiritual. The practical part is that in Jesus's time, water often contained bacteria and was unclean. By making wine, the alcohol disinfected the liquid and the vessel, making the spread of germs harder. (This is also why ale was so widespread in the middle ages.) But what the father said about wine in Proverbs, actually refers to the drunkenness that comes from drinking. To prove. often when people are drunk, they begin to speak derisively of others, mocking, and where it says strong drink is enraging, again, when someone is drunk, they begin to see everything as an insult or provocation, resulting in "rage". When Jesus broke bread, he certainly drank wine, because: Matthew 26:27-29 -- Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Note that he said cup, which he equates with his blood and with the fruit of the vine, which he often refers to in parables as wine. Here's Dave McIntyre at the Washington Post: "Wine’s symbolic significance is strongest in the Passover Seder, the ritual dinner observed in Jewish households around the world. The Passover holiday begins this year on Friday night. During a Seder, each adult diner drinks four cups of wine, representing the redemption of the Israelites from slavery under the Egyptians." This shows that wine was consumed at the passover, and Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the passover.
Followup
I forgot to ask, where is the pastors may not drink wine, because I haven't heard that one.
J A
I agree with everything you're saying. Why would Jesus give his disciples wine if he thought it was bad? Or turn water into wine? Or anything else relating to wine that he has done. Hes saying it's bad to get drunk. Not drink.
#Logicality (not a word)
So if anyone's done logic, here's a few syllogisms for y'all.
1. Jesus perfectly fulfilled Jewish law.
2. Passover is part of Jewish law.
C. Jesus kept Passover.
1. Passover requires participants to drink wine.
2. Jesus kept Passover.
C. Jesus drank wine.
Janna (Daniel's sister) @NA
I don't believe anyone can speak in tongues. So yes, I do believe that it's not true that you or anyone else can speak in tongues. Where does the idea come from (being Pentecostal) that you can speak in tongues (like the Bible, a person, or what?)?
@Emelia
Okay I will! Also thank you for praying he has Pneumonia now! :( It is a possibility he could die his body his trying to cope with the burns and where they took skin from for the grafts! :( And now he has Pneumonia so please pray for his family too!
@ Beth H
I will pray.
@ Beth
Hope he get better very soon and that it doesn't last to long!
Fiona lynn joseph
this may be why we are having all the political issues because no one is taking time to spend time with are Lord who gave us life and mercy grave to love and not to hate others people who are not going to church aren't meditating on the good things that God has made and are trying to make more evil issues in the world to take more and more time away from are heavenly father the Lord.
@Mirela
Thank you!!
@Fiona
Yeah could be! Though I don't go to church but I still read my Bible everyday and am a Christian. Unless I misunderstood you.
MY COMMENT HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY!!!!!
My comments been taken away! I spent sooo much time writing it.
A summary of my comment: I believe that it is ok to drink wine but not to drink too much and get drunk. Because in the bible it says not to hang out with people who drink TOO MUCH wine. It doesn't say to not drink wine at all.
Thanks
Thank you @Emelia, I hadnt seen your comment when I published the other two. Sorry if it seemed like I was ignoring you. ~Josh
@Janna G
Note that I do not believe that people have to speak in tongues to be saved, but it is one of the gifts of the holy spirit. Acts 2: When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and [d]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 1 Corinthians 12: 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Fiona lynn joseph
even though some people are not going to church but still are Christians and meditating on the Lord is still like what is aid before you are looking for the good things in life
@ everyone
I am sorry I have been in and out of the ER so it will take me a wile to respond to your comments.
Nadia A
Oh! I'm so sorry! What's wrong?
To Above
stomach flu and dehidration. :'( IV fluids... uuuuuuu pills and water uuukkkk
Wow
That’s sad that more and more people are gonna go to hell.
Also most people just say they are Christian or don’t understand what it means.
@ Josh
Where pastors should not drink wine.
Its in Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre.
Its inna lot more places but that's all I'll show you for now.
@ JANNA
Its all over the bible.
Here are a few verses that say that speaking in tongues is a gift and its real.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Now here is where people missunderstand. This is now the believe r is to use tongues:
1 corinthians 14
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
There are two types of tongues. One is the gift of prophasy. That one is the one that you speak in tongues in a church service when the lord tells you and then it will be interpreted. The other is just the evidence that you have been filled with the holy spirit. And its more a prayer language. That you use when you dont know what to do or you just want to praise God in the spirit. I have that one. Its all in the bible. Read the book of Acts. It was the promise the Lord promised us before he ascended into heaven. Dose that help you? Do you need more scripture?
Sorry its not very good I am very sick and I thought your sick of waiting and I'm having a good second so forgive the errors.
@ Janna
Here is where it all started. Tell me how this is not for today or give me a counter example if you can.
Acts 2.
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
@ Janna
You deny it?
Nadia A
Not 'given to wine' means not drunk. Not that they shouldn't drink.
To Above
Drinking leads to drunk I don't care what excuses you make its wrong.
In my large opinion. :-)
In my large opinion. :-) that was not meant to be mean.
@ Janna
Here. Joel prophesy it.
oel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
It happened in the book of Acts and it happens today.
@ Sam
Most churches don't even preach the gospel any more.
Nadia A
I actually like debating as long as we keep it friendly (which so far we've all done good on not getting upset or rude) It's very obvious that we have different opinions on Christianity and what is wrong and right. In my opinion drinking is not wrong. It may be in others though.
Janna (Daniel's sister) @NA and @JA
@NA-Yes I do deny it because speaking in tongues means speaking in other languages not babbling. @JA-Where does it say in the Bible that you need to speak in tongues to become a Christian?
I agree with Emilia
I agree with Emilia on that it says not to get drunk, not to not drink wine. I can't find one verse where it says ' Don't drink wine at all'. I'm not meaning to sound rude or anything.
@ Janna
It is a other language none somewhere in the world but not known to the one who is spèakimg it. It is in the Bible. Here. In the book of acts chapter two
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
What do you make of this then? Give me where you got that the holy spirit dose not fill people anymore.
I have seen it, I have heard it and I have experienced it with my own eyes, ears and mouth. Its real. Pwho told you it wasn't real?
@ Janna
If you saw it. Would you believe? Why don't you ask the lord if its real or I'm just a crazy Jesus freak lying about the gift of tongues.
Why don't you ask him. Are you a Christian? If you are ask him until he gives you an answer.
@ Emilia. G
: )D
@ Janna
Let us suppose, it was real. Would those scriptures make sense? Would Paul's carful instructions make sense? Read 1 Corinthians 14.
@ Fiona L. J.
I go to church (that means nothing un-bilevers go to church) I spend time in the bible and pray. And everything I'm saying is from experience and/or the testimonies of me/my parents.
@ Jana
What makes you think its just babbling? Its like if a African person who has never seen a white person and never heard English, when he hears someone speak English he would say its babbling. But its not. Its a real language spoken somewhere in the world clearly un none to the African.
Its the same with tongues. It is a REAL language spoken somewhere in the world, understood by someone but in not to the one who was filled. Or as we call it Baptised with the holy spirit. Once your baptised, the evidence is tongues. Its your prayer language.
Do you think its wrong when people raise their hands in church or yell 'Amen!' Or Hallelujah! In church? Do you think its wrong to Dance in church or run during worship?
Have you ever seen someone speak in tongues?
Give me yiur counter example.
Please. Don't take anything I say on the rude note, It's' hard to express your tone of voice when writing. please don't take anything I say as an attack to you. I don't mean it that way. :-)
Janna (Daniel's sister) @NA
I DO NOT believe speaking in tongues is real. I know thousands of people who don't believe it's real either. It's absurd. Who thinks babbling is something from the Holy Spirit? And why would the Holy Spirit be trying to communicate through people by babbling? If the Holy Spirit wants to communicate to Christians, He's not going to do it in a way that not everyone can understand, He's going to do it in a way that everyone is able to understand. The only ways that Jesus communicates to us today is through the Bible and prayer, not by babbling. Who told you that speaking in tongues is real? And I'm sure you know more people who think speaking in tongues is fake then people who believe it's real.
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