The Facts are in, More Christianity in Government Means Fewer Christians


For decades atheists have pointed out to Christians that Europe has state religions. Europe has falling numbers of Christians. Rightly or wrongly, the cause of falling Christian numbers is attributed to more Christianity in government. Putting Christianity into government has not reversed the downward trend and most probably caused it. 

There are areas of the world where Christianity is growing. It is growing mostly in countries where it is not protected or promoted by the state. It is falling in countries where it is protected by the state. Yet, in the U.S. there are constant battles to put Christian theology into the state. It is almost a death wish.

An example is Trump's executive order about what information is provided to women and demanded by right wing religious politics. It prevents medical providers from telling patients abortion is an option and prevents referral to abortion providers when a patient wants this service. This is flat out weaponizing religion by putting it into government.

Right now gay marriage is supported by a majority of voters. If the religious right had its way gay marriage would be against the law. Then there are rest rooms. The religious right can't stop talking about this. The rest of the country thinks its nuts to get all worked up about it. Goodbye to some church members for no good reason. 

The desire for power over other people is the obsession of the religious right. It is more of an obsession that maintaining good numbers of church goers. If they wanted Christianity to grow they would dial down their opposition to all the things the public approves of. I'll repeat again, death wish. 

Let's say you are a young woman who is curious about joining a church but has not done so yet. Then you get pregnant and need an abortion. To get the abortion you have to walk by a bunch of crazies praying loudly for you. I think your interest in joining a church would disappear.

Putting anti abortion language into our laws, which is happening in several states will lower numbers joining churches. Experience has shown this to be the case over and over.

Comments

  1. Ardy BMay 8, 2021 at 5:51 AM

    Really enjoyed this post Jon. The inverse statistical relationship of governmental support for Christianity and the number of Christians confirms the need for that faith to turn down the volume and withdraw to a calmer, quieter place in American society. I don’t think a snarling, foaming at the mouth believer brandishing a crucifix represents the message of the Gospel.

    Strangely, if I interpreted the first linked article correctly, political coercion by Christianity breeds contempt for the faith, depresses membership, but can ultimately lead to discrimination or persecution which tends to grow the flock. Which kind of explains why some still privileged Christians in power throw up their hands and preemptively play the persecution card to rile up their base — faith-baiting preserves their power.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon LindgrenMay 8, 2021 at 6:18 AM

      Thanks for the comment, Ardy. "Foaming at the mouth believer..", we have seen them here. I don't pretend to understand anymore those who believe in ghosts and floating gods though I might have been on the border of that long ago. I would guess, however, that as Christian numbers fall, those remaining will be the most passionate. This would cause the rate of decline to slow and the foaming at the mouth believers will be somewhat successive at converting others. Jonestown and Waco groups were doing ok and were only stopped by disasters.

      Delete
    2. Jon LindgrenMay 8, 2021 at 6:22 AM

      P.S. I'll be off this site until late evening today so I won't be able to approve posts until then. Thanks everyone for your patience.

      Delete

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