The latest Australian census figures are out and, like clockwork, the press is positively giddy that Christianity is on the decline. Hence one headline: Abandoning God: Christianity plummets as ‘non-religious’ surges in census. In 2016, 52% of Australians identified as “Christian” and 30% identified as having “no religion.” But in 2021, only 44% of Australians identified as “Christian” while 39% identified as having “no religion.” If you like at previous censuses going back to 1996, there is a very steady decline of Christianity in Australia happening!
Both argue that growth and decline in religion is inextricably linked to fertility. The data seems difficult to deny. Not to make Christianity into a math game, but as the world population rapidly declines, we’re going to see efforts by governments and others to increase birth rates for economic reasons. When this happens, Christianity will start increasing again in more westernized nations. Until then, as as someone who is Eastern Orthodox, Catholic Bishop Robert Barron’s recommendations seem to be the best bet I know of to keep churches functioning on a level above collapse. Yes, the Church will endure, I believe in providence, but speaking based on stats, that’s the best I can do. And though there might be some good things suggested in The Benedict Option, I don’t think getting rid of markets, and technology, and democracy is the answer here, as some Christians seem to think. The Amish are cool but I don’t think they hold they keys to Christianity’s survival.
Yes and yes again. The church, the body of Christ presently on earth, it’s not going to fade away. In the US cultural Christianity is very mixed in with Trumpism. Worship of a political figure is idolatry.
Very good. Our faith is in Christ and the power of his resurrection, not in we organizing ourselves in tribes with creeds and rules. However, what are the reasons for people leaving the Christian faith? What make other religions like Islam and Eastern religions very attractive to people, including those who were once Christian?
Well, Jesus seemed to think the Church will endure. Mt. 16. I'd say He has the last word. He also predicted decline/pruning prior to His return. So nothing unexpected here.
There are two recent books arguing pretty much the same thesis, one by a Christian, the other by a very secular individual: https://www.amazon.com/Fertility-Faith-Demographic-Revolution-Transformation/dp/148131131X
And Ronald L. Inglehart‘s https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com//mobile/view/10.1093/oso/9780197547045.001.0001/oso-9780197547045.
Both argue that growth and decline in religion is inextricably linked to fertility. The data seems difficult to deny. Not to make Christianity into a math game, but as the world population rapidly declines, we’re going to see efforts by governments and others to increase birth rates for economic reasons. When this happens, Christianity will start increasing again in more westernized nations. Until then, as as someone who is Eastern Orthodox, Catholic Bishop Robert Barron’s recommendations seem to be the best bet I know of to keep churches functioning on a level above collapse. Yes, the Church will endure, I believe in providence, but speaking based on stats, that’s the best I can do. And though there might be some good things suggested in The Benedict Option, I don’t think getting rid of markets, and technology, and democracy is the answer here, as some Christians seem to think. The Amish are cool but I don’t think they hold they keys to Christianity’s survival.
Yes and yes again. The church, the body of Christ presently on earth, it’s not going to fade away. In the US cultural Christianity is very mixed in with Trumpism. Worship of a political figure is idolatry.
Very good. Our faith is in Christ and the power of his resurrection, not in we organizing ourselves in tribes with creeds and rules. However, what are the reasons for people leaving the Christian faith? What make other religions like Islam and Eastern religions very attractive to people, including those who were once Christian?
Well, Jesus seemed to think the Church will endure. Mt. 16. I'd say He has the last word. He also predicted decline/pruning prior to His return. So nothing unexpected here.