According to Pew Research, Christianity is on the decline and the “Nones” are on the rise. Over the last several years, what researchers define as “Christianity,” has lost 8% or 5 million adults. At the same time, “Nones” represent the fastest growing division of “faith.”
Who are the “Nones?” Pew Researchers identify them as Atheists, Agnostics, and those who “adhere to nothing in particular.” They have no unified belief. They simply select “none” or “unaffiliated” when given a faith choice.
Now, to be clear, I do not submit to men’s labels either. I write and speak, regularly, that we are “Christians” alone, not called by denominational names. And we should follow what the Bible says a “Christian” is, and not let men define that term.
But let’s assume, for a moment, that the problem is not definitions and terminology. Let’s assume, rather, that Pew Researchers are correct: “Christians” from every category, region, and age group are declining. And let’s assume that those who claim no religious beliefs or affiliations are on the rise. What then?
Are we better off for it?
If I were to quote from the Bureau of Justice Statistics or from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Emerging Trends reports, what would you expect? Would it surprise you to learn that Americans face ever-increasing threats from: Gang Activity, Terrorists, Rapists, Human Traffickers, Child Abusers, Murders, the Drug Trade, and so on?
Of course not!
And does it strike you as strange that a belief in “none” might contribute to the increase? What consequences are typical when people think there are no consequences? Has history proven an inner goodness prevailing without faith?
Thoughts are things…with consequences. Our eternal beliefs matter, eternally. What do you believe? Do you believe in the lifesaving sacrifice of Jesus? Or “none?” None provides no hope, but those in Christ will see eternal life.
John 8:24, “unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
