SHORT COMMUNICATION 84
Very Predictable Results
By
Roger Behra
In the Orange County Register (California) on March 9, 2009, there was an interesting article telling their readers that religious life in America has been dwindling and continues to dwindle. A wide-ranging study called the American Religious Identification Survey gave us some very important facts:
1. 15% of respondents said they had no religion, and increase from 14.2% in 2001, and 8.2% in 1990. Since 1990 there was an increase of 6.8% in those who had no religion.
2. The number of irreligious rose in every state, with Vermont leading the way at 34% increase.
3. There was apostasy increase 7% among Catholics in Northeast area alone.
4. Over the last 7 years mainline protestants dropped from 17% to 12.9% of the population.
A not religious person (irreligious) is one who does not let religious rules determine their mode behavior at all times, or not all in many cases. And they suffer consequences for their behavior.
The rules of religion guide our lives around God and His laws. Following God´s Commandments and His rules make life more orderly and happier and morally more acceptable. And God´s guidance and graces are more abundant, also.
As the American culture has become more and more irreligious, it is not without some very noticeable and disturbing and predictable results. The following results have increased and have become more devastating:
1. Natural disasters throughout America.
2. Unbelievable violence.
3. Horrendous and more frequent murders.
4. Increase in suicides and homeless people.
5. High levels of gang activity.
6. National economic meltdown.
7. High rate of Immorality.
8. High rate of divorce.
Irreligious persons have to realize they cannot have things going well in life while they ignore God´s way of life for them and the rules of religion. Irreligious persons must also realize the God does not cause things to happen, but God does not stop negative things from happening in their lives. The lists of some of the more noticeable and disturbing and predictable results above are proof enough. Much more could be added to the list.
The following areas in America were mentioned in regards to religious life:
Northeast-least amount of religious life.
South-most amount of religious life.
Midwest-a moderate amount of religious life.
Southwest-gaining in religious life.
R. B.
6-11-09