Christian in Name Only?

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For years America prided itself on being a Christian nation (see "Leaders of American History: A Legacy of Respect for God and the Bible"). And while the nation may still claim this, the lives of its people tell a far different story. Consider a few facts that reveal how far the country has fallen:

• More than 40 percent of all U.S. births are out of wedlock, and among women under 30 it's well over half.

• Excluding miscarriages, 22 percent of all pregnancies in the United States are ended by abortion.

• By age 45, an estimated 30 percent of American women will have had an abortion.

• Almost half of all marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are almost the same among those who call themselves Christian.

• Marriage and family are the building blocks of society, yet barely half of all adult Americans (51 percent) are married, and an ever-increasing number choose to simply live together outside of marriage.

• Nearly half of all Americans (48.5 percent) live in households receiving some kind of government aid. More than a third live in households receiving food stamps, subsidized housing, welfare or Medicaid.

• Although 85 percent of U.S. households own a Bible—and most have more than one—more than half (54 percent) cannot name its first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

• Almost half of Americans (46 percent) say they read the Bible only once or twice a year.

• A majority of Americans (60 percent) can't name the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and an even greater number (63 percent) can't name more than half of the Ten Commandments.

As Matthew 7:20 tells us, "By their fruits you will know them."

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Comments

  • dick nellis

    We are told in Rev 20:12 that we will be judged by our works, in the book of life, as they relate to the requirements of the books of the scriptures. The scriptures also tell us in 2Th 3:10 “... if any would not work, neither should he eat.” But also we are not to judge, that is to be left to God. There are many that should not work and do. There are also many that could work and do not. As watchmen, we are required to advise others when they might become subject to the judgment of God, that they may act to correct any wrong actions.

    If we can work and do not, we put our burdens on those who do work. This forces others to do more than their fair share. A christian does that which is a blessing for his fellow man, not that which adds to life's burden. God would have us live and help live. Satan would have us get as much as we can with little or no effort on our part. The question becomes: Who do you serve?

  • Casey

    Can you tell me why receiving assistance from the government means that you are not a Christian?? I was very disheartened by this and many of your articles in this months publication. It seems that you are slanting to the far right - almost tea party like. Christians should not be involved in politics but rather pray for the leaders of the world and for the coming Kingdom of God. I would expect more from this magazine and Church of God.

  • dick nellis

    Does any one know what it takes to be a Christian? Oh, it is all there in the Bible, but who can read it without letting their deceptions color their opinions. We are so deceived that we don't know where the deceptions end and the lies begin! Or is that the other way around?

    Everybody thinks they are saved and can waltz right into heaven, but it is written: Mt 7:14 “... strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” See that FEW find the way. It is also written: Jer 3:13-14 “13 ... acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers (strange gods) under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:” Zion is another name for Jerusalem, where God will have the capital for His Kingdom after the millennium has ended. How many is one of a city? Or two of a family? Surely only a small percentage of the millions who believe they are included.

    When the Rabbis read the scriptures they say each word and contemplate the meanings of the verse in relation to the whole scripture. Most Christians read for speed and not for understanding. We think we know it all, so why study it. But don't worry, if you miss the next resurrection, you might make the final resurrection 1,000 years later. But then why wait, ask God to show you the error of your ways so that you can repent and be faultless and obey His voice.

    Now if somebody can help me do the same, maybe we can meet in the new Jerusalem and serve God the way He wishes.

  • D. Miller

    Yes, I agree with these stats. It's terrible how these things happen so much and at all, anywhere, not just here in the U.S. Seeing these things, I've never really counted America as being a christian nation. I wish it were and I think someday it will be. If only all knew that faith in Jesus is ALL that is needed for Salvation. thanks

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