The Myth That Missionaries Will be Save Christianity



Pick any of the great religions of our time, Christianity, Islam or Hinduism, and one will find it is declining among youth. That is what questionnaire results show. We have discussed this decline here often so it is not "news" in that sense. What is remarkable is how often it is now being reported from Christian sources. 

The standard Christian response to this decline is, "If all Christians would just come over to my particular branch this decline would stop. I can point to chapter and verse in the Bible that tells us this." Ironically, it is "chapter and verse" that loses people.

Since the decline among youth is so pervasive, occurring in all the major religions and on many continents, did it start in one country or on one continent and spread? Or did it start everywhere and keeps going everywhere without a focal point in one part of the world?

The first time I recall hearing about the role of youth was in my little church a mile from our farm. From time to time there were visiting preachers and musicians. I remember one preacher who said, "Our faith is just one generation from disappearing. It could happen. Young people are needed." This had never occurred to me before so I learned something that Sunday. The peculiar thing is that I understood that the faith was always one generation away from oblivion but most adults even today do not. 

I've read that sending missionaries to other countries is broadly supported by church members. Missionaries support this idea. Some denominations, like Catholics, claim converts in other countries will cause their denomination to grow. In light of the decline in youth interest around the world, it does not seem like converting across the globe will save the faith. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2025 at 11:48 AM

    When I was a kid in the 80's it was pretty difficult to communicate with people outside of my "zone" of school and home. Whereas today young people have such access to technology that links them to the world and they are given the opportunity to see other cultures and religions.

    Maybe this helps to break some of the indoctrination before it really takes hold? Just a random thought. I appreciate the article!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon LindgrenSeptember 6, 2025 at 6:32 AM

      I agree. Information and contacts flow all over the place and it has changed everything. Back before the internet I recall that people who studied teens decided something like half their beliefs and values came from their friends--the rest from parents. Even back then what kids picked up from their parents and church was challenged. Now kids can find and relate to others far and wide. That has to have worked against religions passed down from generations before.

      Delete
    2. Jon LindgrenSeptember 6, 2025 at 6:43 AM

      P.S. Thanks for reading.

      Delete

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