xjwsforChrist

Non-Religious Christian Spirituality
It is currently Sun Dec 07, 2025 7:59 pm

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 13 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 3:33 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
Quote:
Christians are leaving the faith in droves and the trend isn't slowing down
Business Insider By Matthew Speiser
3 hours ago..

An extensive study done by the Pew Research Center has yielded some fascinating information regarding the trajectory of world religions over the next four decades.

As of 2010, Christianity was the dominant world religion with roughly 2.2 billion adherents and Muslim's were second with about 1.6 billion adherents. If current demographic trends continue however, Islam is expected to catch up to Christianity midway through the 21st century.

Religion2
((Pew Research Center) )
Furthermore, people are leaving Christianity in droves. About 106 million Christians are expected to switch affiliation from 2010 to 2050 while only about 40 million people are expected to enter Christianity.
The religiously unaffiliated (athiests, agnostics) are expected to see the largest net gains from switching, adding more than 61 million followers.

((Pew Research Center) ) Christians are expected to see the largest net losses from religious switching
In North America, the fastest growing religious groups are Muslims and followers of "other religions" (an umbrella category that includes Baha’is, Jains, Sikhs, Taoists and many smaller faiths). Christianity is expected to decline from 78 percent of the overall population in 2010 to 66 percent in 2050.


Unaffiliated religions are expected to rise over that same time from 16 percent of the population to 26 percent. By 2050, the United States will have more Muslims (2.1 percent of pop.) than Jews (1.4 percent).

In South America and the Caribbean, Christianity will see a slight dip over the next four decades, from 90 percent in 2010 t0 89 percent in 2050. Over that same time the religiously unaffiliated population will add 45 million followers increasing from 8 percent of the population in 2010 to 9 percent in 2050.
Religion2
((Pew Research) ) If the current trends continue beyond 2050 - which is a big if considering unforeseen events that can happen over a 40 year span (war, famine, innovation etc.) - then by the year 2070 the world's population of Muslims would roughly equal that of Christians.

Here are other chief findings from the report:

1. Islam will grow faster than any other religion over the next 40 years.

2. The number of Muslims will equal the number of Christians around the world by 2050.

3. Atheists, agnostics and other people who do not affiliate with any religion – though increasing in countries such as the United States and France – will make up a declining share of the world’s total population.

4. The global Buddhist population will be about the same size it was in 2010, while the Hindu and Jewish populations will be larger than they are today.

5. In Europe, Muslims will make up 10% of the overall population.

6. India will retain a Hindu majority but also will have the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, surpassing Indonesia.

7. In the United States, Christians will decline from more than three-quarters of the population in 2010 to two-thirds in 2050, and Judaism will no longer be the largest non-Christian religion. Muslims will be more numerous in the U.S. than people who identify as Jewish on the basis of religion.

8. Four out of every 10 Christians in the world will live in sub-Saharan Africa.
Check out the full report >


...................................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:53 pm 
Online
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:19 am
Posts: 3402
Thanks for the article, Outlaw!


**

Are Christians leaving the faith in droves.... or.... are PEOPLE (with or without faith) leaving the RELIGION (called Christianity) in droves?


Quote:
The religiously unaffiliated (athiests, agnostics) are expected to see the largest net gains from switching, adding more than 61 million followers.


I do not identify with any religion either. My Lord is the One who called and led me OUT of religion and OUT of BTG. I did not leave Christ, nor deny my faith (in Him). If I JOINED a religion, then I would be doing that - and following a voice OTHER THAN His voice.


Religion is not 'the faith'. It does attempt to shipwreck (the faith of) those who are seeking Truth though. That Truth is Christ (I am the Truth), and He calls His people OUT of BTG (come out of her, my people) and of course all of her 'daughters', and to come to HIM.


Unfortunately, as my Lord reminds me... some leave their religion, and instead of coming to Him, they go back into some other group or religion. That is the way some want it, that is what they feel 'safe' IN.


That 'safety in numbers' thing is an illusion though. Especially if one considers that Christ said, narrow is the path and FEW find it (Him), but broad is the road that leads to destruction and many find IT.


Numbers don't matter. Christ matters, and His word. He is the Truth, the Life, the Way, and the Word of God. Come to and listen to Him. Follow Him, let Him lead you into ALL truth.




May all those who seek and thirst hear the Spirit (Christ) and the Bride say to you, "Come! Take the gift of the water of life (holy spirit from Christ, that God gave to Him to give to whomever He chooses)... for FREE!"


Peace to you all,
your sister and servant, and a slave of Christ,
tammy


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 8:25 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
Hey Tammy!..

I believe people are leaving organized Christian Religions and opting for something like we have here..
The Unorganized Christian group is growing,although Christians as a whole are losing members regardless..
Not by much that I can see..
Most of them are simply moving to an unorganized Christian Faith..

...............................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2015 1:33 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 10:41 am
Posts: 706
The most concerning trend is the Islam is on the rise.
Granted this is largely because of birth rates as opposed to conversions BUT the potential danger is there.
Some countries in Europe are already taking measures, while Israel has stated they want their people to come "back home".

We are living in interesting times and they will only get more "interesting".

The writing on the wall seems to be getting clearer, I just do't think people are reading it because it is "politically incorrect".


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2015 5:58 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:15 pm
Posts: 5133
Quote:
We are living in interesting times


Seem so, dear P (hola and peace to you, dear brother!)

Quote:
and they will only get more "interesting".

The writing on the wall seems to be getting clearer...


Indeed.

Quote:
I just do't think people are reading it because it is "politically incorrect".


Or... they are their usual arrogant selves and simply don't think "anything" could POSSIBLY shake up their "perfect" dream... uh, I mean, way... of life... and so are going about their lives... and taking "no note"... as the "sleeping" have always done. Sadly, we have several "empires" before now that prove otherwise, though. Something ALWAYS happens. Sooner or later.

Those who are not "sleeping" want to take the RIGHT note, though. And sounding a warning as to "Armageddon" isn't the RIGHT note. PEACE... between God and man, by means of CHRIST... is the right "note" to be taking. From the dear Sher'f's post (peace to you, too, luv!)... doesn't look like many are getting THAT message.

I know, I know... folks all over carrying on about how "Jeezus LUUUVS you!" Only, their money doesn't seem to be where their mouths are. And sooner... or later... folks pick up on THAT... TOO.

Ah, well... even sheep tend to get a little nervous... when they hear them shears a'buzzing! LOLOL! Some keep walking toward the sound. Many, though, scatter... when they see OTHER sheep scattering! LOLOL!

Peace to you all!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shel


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 1:15 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
Quote:
Those who are not "sleeping" want to take the RIGHT note, though. And sounding a warning as to "Armageddon" isn't the RIGHT note. PEACE... between God and man, by means of CHRIST... is the right "note" to be taking. From the dear Sher'f's post (peace to you, too, luv!)... doesn't look like many are getting THAT message.....Shelby

I`m thinking for those who want to be Followers of Jesus..
Leaving organized religion might be a good first step..
Although I understand what your getting at..

..............................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 7:54 am 
Offline

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 10:41 am
Posts: 706
OUTLAW wrote:
Quote:
Those who are not "sleeping" want to take the RIGHT note, though. And sounding a warning as to "Armageddon" isn't the RIGHT note. PEACE... between God and man, by means of CHRIST... is the right "note" to be taking. From the dear Sher'f's post (peace to you, too, luv!)... doesn't look like many are getting THAT message.....Shelby

I`m thinking for those who want to be Followers of Jesus..
Leaving organized religion might be a good first step..
Although I understand what your getting at..

..............................Image...OUTLAW



People tend to be sheep, they tend to want some sort of organization, to have someone with authority tell them what to think, how to do, etc.
Independence, especially in religion, is feared and not just by those in power.
True Christian freedom comes from following ONLY Our Lord, from following His voice and His love and His guidance.
But for most people that is a scary concept because it puts all responsibility on them, no more excuses.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 10:30 am 
Online
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:19 am
Posts: 3402
PSacramento wrote:
OUTLAW wrote:
Quote:
Those who are not "sleeping" want to take the RIGHT note, though. And sounding a warning as to "Armageddon" isn't the RIGHT note. PEACE... between God and man, by means of CHRIST... is the right "note" to be taking. From the dear Sher'f's post (peace to you, too, luv!)... doesn't look like many are getting THAT message.....Shelby

I`m thinking for those who want to be Followers of Jesus..
Leaving organized religion might be a good first step..
Although I understand what your getting at..

..............................Image...OUTLAW



People tend to be sheep, they tend to want some sort of organization, to have someone with authority tell them what to think, how to do, etc.
Independence, especially in religion, is feared and not just by those in power.
True Christian freedom comes from following ONLY Our Lord, from following His voice and His love and His guidance.
But for most people that is a scary concept because it puts all responsibility on them, no more excuses.



Yes, Paul!

And that (following Christ and his voice - WHEREVER he leads) can be scary for many people for the reason that you stated, and also because they do not have the faith in Him to know that He WILL lead them, teach them and guide them to LIFE, into ALL truth.

They have been taught by the religions that they look to that this will not happen; that they will be lost, fall away, follow a wrong path, a wrong voice, that they are leaving God if they leave their religion, etc. (The irony is that they are being told this by people who speak with the voice of a stranger in the first place. Ruling the people with FEAR.)

Some forget, or do not know, that as long as you are with/in Christ, and He is with/in you... you are NEVER alone.


And of course as you stated, religions exist because the people WANT it that way. More than just want it.

"An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so!" Jeremiah 5:30,31



Peace to you all!
your sister and servant, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 11:42 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
I think some are missing my point..

Just to be clear..
I understand that the "Jesus People" Follow only Jesus..
Which is a good thing if you want to Follow Jesus..LOL!!..

People are leaving organized religion..
If they still want to be Christians and Followers of Jesus..

.........ISN`T THAT A GOOD 1ST STEP?..
Image

....................................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 1:35 pm 
Online
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:19 am
Posts: 3402
I hear what you're saying Outlaw. Coming out of religion is a good step. Shaking off the chains that you carry out with you is another matter, so that you build solely upon Christ - who is the Truth, and cornerstone upon which you can build your house that will NOT fall. So coming out of religion... AND... coming to Christ, this is yet another step.

If you follow His voice OUT... GREAT! But COME to Him, and KEEP following His voice, and remain IN Him.

Not many do that. And not many are going to do that, if we are to believe what Christ said when He said,

"Narrow is the path that leads to Life (Christ), and FEW find it."


But the door is open, and MANY are called, and all who seek and all who thirst ARE invited to "Come! Take the free gift of the water of life!"


I think the comments just reflected on some of these things. And according to the article, I think it says that most people continue IN religion of some sort. They just switch affiliations. Not that an article can measure who comes to Christ after leaving religion... nor should (or CAN) such ones be numbered. (great crowd that NO one can number)



(Or at least I think I understood the point you were making, lol!)


Peace to you!

your servant, and sister, and a slave of Christ,
tammy


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 2:36 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
Hey Tammy!..

Quote:
I hear what you're saying Outlaw. Coming out of religion is a good step. Shaking off the chains that you carry out with you is another matter, so that you build solely upon Christ - who is the Truth, and cornerstone upon which you can build your house that will NOT fall. So coming out of religion... AND... coming to Christ, this is yet another step.......Tammy

Yes I understand you believe "Following Jesus Exclusively" is another step....
I also understand some won`t get there,I see it all the time..
They may call themselves Christians but they missed the Follow Jesus Exclusively part..LOL!!..
I laugh about this with Shelby..
A nonBeliever gets it,some people who want to be Christians don`t...It`s odd....LOL!!..

Anyway..
At least there`s Hope for the People who want to be Christians..
So yes,you get my point..
Thank You for posting that!..

........................................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 2:48 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:15 pm
Posts: 5133
I, too, got your point, dear Sher'f (peace, luv!) and it IS a happy thing that people are leaving religion - YES!! Some, however, tend to go from the frying pan (one religion)... into the fire (perhaps even another religion, hence, dear P's - peace, dear one! - comment re Islam)... if you get my meaning. And so that's what he dear Tams (peace, luv!) was commenting about.

My comments had to do with why the "interesting" times we live in will become even more "interesting," and speaking directly to dear P's comments (re Islam and, I believe, the changing world, prophecy... "four winds"... etc.). Most especially how most don't REALLY see the "change" - not just people leaving "christianity" while Islam is growing... but WHY (people are doing so on both sides)... and why "they" don't see it: their desired blindness, as a result of looking away from Christ and toward themselves, their dreams, way of life, etc.

But we got YOU, luv - yep, totally understood where yer comin' from... and glad you started the thread to begin with!

Peace, my dear, dear friend!

YSFS of Christ,

Shel


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 4:31 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 1873
Hey Shelby!..

Ahh Good..
You understand me too..
I wanted to make sure I was being clear and also express that I understood your beliefs as well..
You`ve always been a Good Teacher..
Thank You for that..

................................Image...OUTLAW

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 13 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 28 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group