Losing religion and increased suicides
REM song cover
The UK Guardian posted the following related to losing religion in the USA:
Losing Our Religion review …
13 August 2023
In his new book, the Rev Russell Moore opens a chapter, “Losing Our Authority: How the Truth Can Save”, with the words “Jesus Saves” …
Moore is mindful of history, and the roles Christianity has played: “Parts of the church were wrong – satanically wrong – on issues of righteousness and justice, such as the Spanish Inquisition and the scourge of human slavery.” He is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, a publication founded by Billy Graham. Losing Our Religion offers a mixture of lament and hope. In places, its sadness is tinged with anger. In the south, the expression “losing my religion”, popularized by REM in a 1991 song, “conveys the moment when ‘politeness gives way to anger’,” Moore explains. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/aug/13/losing-our-religion-review-trump-crisis-christianity
Before going further, let me point out that the true church was the persecuted, not the persecutors, in the Spanish Inquisition–true Christianity has never been militaristic nor into inflicting torture for conversion, etc.
Now back to the Guardian article:
His new book is subtitled “An Altar Call for Evangelical America” but it aims for a broader audience. It contains ample references to Scripture, but also to the journalist Tim Alberta, Jonathan Haidt of New York University, Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute, a liberal group.
Of white evangelicals, Moore quotes Jones: “Their greatest temptation will be to wield what remaining political power they have as desperate corrective for their waning cultural influence.” Welcome to the culture wars, and to what Ron Brownstein of the Atlantic has called the coalition of restoration. …
Three-in-10 adults in the US, meanwhile, are categorized as religious “nones”. Only 40% of Americans call themselves Protestant. …
“We see now young evangelicals walking away from evangelism not because they do not believe what the church teaches, but because they believe the “church itself” does not believe what the church teaches,” Moore laments.
Predation, lust and greed are poor calling cards for religion. Unchecked abuse within the Catholic church left deep and lasting scars among those who needed God’s love most. Moore notes the Catholic church’s fall from grace in Ireland and posits that “born-again America” may be experiencing a similar backlash, as a powerful cultural institution lacking “credibility” seeks to “enforce its orthodoxies”.
Against this backdrop, Catholicism’s boomlet among younger continental Europeans is noteworthy. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/aug/13/losing-our-religion-review-trump-crisis-christianity
Yes, there has been a lot of hypocrisy in the Protestant churches who claim to believe the Bible, but who really do not. And yes, we will see a resurgence of religion in Europe.
This past Spring, the Protestant Harbinger Daily site posted the following related to the USA:
Survey Finds Less Than Half of Professing ‘Born-Again Christians’ Believe Jesus Was Sinless
In a recent survey of born-again Christians, less than half claimed to believe that Jesus lived a sinless life while on Earth, or that human life is sacred.
The American Worldview Inventory (AWVI) 2023— a national representative survey of 2,000 adults, including 650 born-again Christians, was conducted in January by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. … among born-again Christians, those who believe the Bible is unambiguous in its teaching about abortion dropped from 58% in 2020 to 44% in 2023.
The survey revealed another 14-point decline among the same group who think that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life during His time on Earth, dropping from 58% three years ago to 44% this year.
The other double-digit decline among born-again Christians was a 12-point downturn in people saying human life is sacred, down from 60% in 2020 to 48% in 2023. …
Other declines among born-again Christians in 2023 compared to 2020 are:
- Those who believe that they have a unique, God-given calling or purpose for their life was sliced nearly in half, from 88% to 46%.
- Those claiming that they are deeply committed to practicing their religious faith dropped from a very robust 85% in 2020 to 50%.
- Adults attending an evangelical church is down from 28% pre-pandemic to 21% post-pandemic.
- Those who believe that God is the basis of all truth declined from 69% in 2020 to 63% this year.
Barna said the significant changes found in the study are highly unusual.
“Most religious beliefs change over the course of generations, not a few years,” he said in a press release “However, we know that major life crises have the capacity to introduce substantial change quickly in the foundations of people’s faith. 04/26/23 https://harbingersdaily.com/survey-finds-less-than-half-of-born-again-christians-believe-jesus-was-sinless/
This is not a surprise. As the US becomes more secular, its Protestant population has been heading that way.
As far as the decline in the view about the Bible, the reality is that ‘born-again’ Protestantism is NOT truly based on the Bible. It has accepted many non-biblical traditions, hence it is little wonder that its adherents see a lot of ambiguity in scripture. Protestants often claim sola Scriptura, but do not actually believe it or practice “the faith once for all given to the saints” (Jude 3; see also Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism).
As far as God’s purpose for people, that is something that Protestants (and most others, including in the Churches of God) do not know. For scripture-backed details, check out the free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
We have also seen over the years, prominent Protestants publicly rejecting their faith.
A few years ago Marty Sampson, one of the leaders associated with Hillsong left that group. Hillsong has an ecumenical-interfaith agenda. Essentially according to it all religions are about the same. So, it is no great surprise that in the mind of people like Marty Sampson, his perception is that his type of Christianity was just another of the world’s religions.
Related to that the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon related to Hillsong its ContinuingCOG channel:
Musical instruments were mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Music is present all over in the 21st century. How does music affect the mind and body? Is it okay to listen to music? Should lyrics matter? Are there biblical principles to consider related to music? Can Christians listen to secular music? Is harp music always good? Is “Contemporary Christian Music” biblically appropriate? Has money overly influenced the “Christian music industry”? What is the Pentecostal ‘latter rain’? What about songs about heaven? Do groups like Hillsong promote the gospel of the kingdom or a false gospel message? Has there been an ongoing attempt to promote an ecumenical message in what has been called “gospel” or “Christian” music? How can you tell a real Christian from a false one? What type of songs did early Christians sing? Did the old Worldwide Church of God fall because of its 1974 hymnal? Are psalms and songs in “The Bible Hymnal” of the Continuing Church of God consistent with the practices of original Christians? Dr. Thiel addresses these and more!
Here is a link to the sermon: Music, Hillsong, and the False Gospel.
That said, there are many consequences to losing religion and distancing oneself further from the Bible.
A reader sent me the following:
49,449 Americans committed suicide in 2022, hitting record high
New data released by the Centers for Disease Control has revealed that there were a record number of suicides in the United States in 2022. Nearly 50,000 Americans took their own lives, up 2.6 percent from the previous year. …
According to the CDC, 49,449 deaths were attributed to suicide in 2022. Of the victims, over 39,000 were men, with women making up just one-fifth of the total number. Despite making up 50 percent of the population, males have routinely had a much higher suicide rate than females.
Over 37,000 white Americans killed themselves, while for black and Hispanics the numbers were far lower, at 3,825 and 5,120, respectively. Just under 1,500 Asians committed suicide. …
According to the Associated Press, the CDC will be expanding upon its existing suicide prevention program, offering resources to people across the US who may be struggling with mental health issues or contemplating taking their own lives. 08/11/23 https://thepostmillennial.com/49449-americans-committed-suicide-in-2022-hitting-record-high
Turning further away from God and His word is a factor in many suicides.
Related to mental health and suicides, as well as real hope, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:
On December 12, 2019, the FCC approved a proposal for a nationwide suicide prevention hotline in the USA using the number ‘988’). Suicide is that nation’s 10th leading cause of death. A Harris poll reveals 72% of Americans experience loneliness. Michael Synder claims Americans are lonely, miserable, and depressed. He claims that this is a legacy of a society that has rejected family, faith, and patriotism, but instead embraces an immoral anti-God agenda. Was immorality and societal decline prophesied? Where can people find the truth? Is there any good news? What about the gospel of the kingdom of God? Do scriptures offer a way to prevent suicide? What are some scriptures that give hope about being happy? Can the Ten Commandments help? What is the meaning of human life? What about love? Will you be able to give love throughout eternity and lead a happy life now? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Here is a link to our sermonette video: Americans are depressed and suicidal. What’s the hope for happiness?
Related to some well known Protestants losing their faith, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:
In the Summer of 2019, two well known Protestants announced that they had lost their religion. One, Joshua Harris, who was known for his books on dating and marriage, also announced he was getting a divorce and then he endorsed homosexual marriage and other aspects of the LGBTQ agenda. The other, Martin Sampson, who was known for his writings and connections to the Hillsong church, laid out his criticisms of his Protestant faith–he said he wanted genuine truth? Is science or the word of God the source of truth? Were either of these Protestant men “true Christians”? Have they overlooked various proofs? Were there scriptures that they overlooked? If you wish to be a true and faithful Christian, are there instructions in God’s word that if you follow you will never stumble or lose the true religion? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Here is a link to the sermonette: Losing Religion (and HOW NOT TO!).
As far as Protestants losing their faith, they never were practicing the original Christian faith, so whatever religion they lost, it was not the true Christian one.
Perhaps in time, if they are disappointed with science, immorality, etc. they will look for the true faith. A religion that Jesus referred to as the “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:45-46).
A religion that no one should ever want to lose.
A religion that neither ‘born-again’ Protestants nor modern Greco-Roman Catholics still do not accept.
Some items of related interest may include the following:
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU. Here is a link to two videos in Spanish: El Misterio del Plan de Dios and El Misterio de Satanás, el Misterio de la Verdad, el Misterio del Reposo.
Music and the False Gospel of Ecumenical Music Has popular ‘Christian’ music been promoting a false ecumenical gospel? Shouldn’t Christian unity be promoted? Here is a link to a related sermon: Music, Hillsong, and the False Gospel.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Here is a link to a related sermon: Evolution is NOT the Origin of Life. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG and What is Truth? What does the Bible teach about truth? Does the CCOG teach the truth?
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