Some people make a lot of the fact that America is a “Christian nation.” But are we really? I know, in one sense, we started out that way. America’s founders were almost exclusively Christians, and they deliberately and specifically established our form of government based on biblical principles. And even today, there is still a majority of the population that self-identifies as Christian.
But in some ways, that is a very misleading statement. There are at least three factors that demonstrate that the outward image and the actual situation in American society are very different – that we have decidedly moved into a post Christian era.
First, based on recent surveys, less than 20% of American Christians regularly attend church, and attendance is steadily declining. Obviously, what the majority of people mean when they self-identify as a Christian is not based on their connection to a church. And then there is the 20/80 rule – that 20% of those who attend, do 80% of the work (meaning 80% of the ones who regularly attend church don’t do much).
A second factor is that Christian self-identification is not necessarily tied to biblical beliefs. Another recent survey indicates that only about 9% of evangelical Christians hold a biblical worldview. This means that 91% of people who self-identify that way follow beliefs which come from a non-biblical worldview.
The third factor is that there is a large segment of self-identified Christians, typically associated with certain mainline Protestant denominations, who follow a form of theology that is based on naturalistic philosophy, rather than the teachings of the Bible.
Apparently, most in America who self-identify as Christians do not do so because they believe the teachings of the Bible, but because of national identity or family tradition. They are cultural Christians, not biblical Christians.
That explains a lot about why the influence of Christianity has gotten so weak in America today. And it is going to continue getting weaker unless there is a change in the way Christians go about living out their faith. Going to church is a much higher level of commitment than what we see with the vast majority of self-identified Christians. But even that is a significantly lower level than what will be necessary for Christians to once again begin having an impact on American society. Christians are going to have to aggressively and deliberately share Christ if there is to be any hope of reinstituting a biblical worldview in American culture. It is a matter of hearts and minds, not politics.
The core of a person’s self-identification is their worldview. People’s worldview is the very foundation of all their thoughts and actions. Understanding worldview helps us understand our own faith, which makes it possible for us to live by the truth. It also helps us understand other people’s faiths so we can share an effective witness with them. Beyond that, it helps us have confidence that our faith is the truth so we can stand strong against opposition.
But the fact that an understanding of worldview helps us in all these ways means nothing if we don’t enter the fray and allow ourselves to be used by God. Every Christian needs to learn the things that will allow them to stand strong for Christ in society. There are several things that need to be mastered.
∙ First, we must master the basic beliefs of our faith. This is the foundation we must stand upon. Without a strong faith foundation, we have nothing to share.
∙ Next, we need to master worldview understanding. This will give us knowledge and confidence that our Christian faith is true, and that other beliefs are not true.
∙ Third, we must master the ability to defend our faith. Attacks are coming, and the Bible teaches us that we should always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us.
∙ Finally we need to master the ability to share Christ. This is where hearts and minds actually get changed. Beyond that, we have been commissioned by Christ himself to be witnesses to those who are separated from him.
Attending church is a good thing, an important thing, even an essential thing. But that is not enough. Mere church attendance is a passive activity which may make us feel better, but “feeling better” is not our calling. Feeling better should be a byproduct of fulfilling our calling to make disciples. To do that, we must prepare ourselves with disciple making knowledge and skills. When we do that, we put ourselves in a position to accomplish the calling God has placed on our lives. When we don’t, God will not be able to use us the way he desires.
© 2016 Freddy Davis
Great article, keep up the good work.
Thanks, Terry. Let us know anytime there is anything we can do for you.
In my extensive studies of the Bible I find nothing that requires Christians to go to church. In the letters of James and 1 and 2 Peter it is works and good Christian example that saves us. And honoring the greatest commandment: to love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
You are right that going to church does not save a person. I believe I made that pretty clear in the article. On the other hand, your assertion that works and a good Christian example are the means of salvation is clearly wrong (Eph. 2:9). Good works are an outward expression of an inner change that takes place when a person enters into a personal relationship with God by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. They are the result, not the source of salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. So what is the point you are really trying to make?