Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Interesting stats on church size and beliefs
So you all have heard enough pastors reference the Barna group in sermons. Almost enough to think that they might be somewhat affiliated with the dharma initiative (which for those of you locked in a bunker for the last several years is the slightly mysterious research organization in the hit TV series LOST). We'll I've finally hear enough of said references to drive me to the site and today while at Starbucks (which is where my wife works) before work I found THIS interesting article about how the size of a church relates to their 'net' spiritual beliefs. Check it out and let me know what you think....G'day mates...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Perhaps congregations too small become exclusive/cliquish. What I find surprising about this report is that attenders of larger churches are more orthodox. My initial thinking would be that larger sized churches would tend to be self-helpish and not orthodox.
I too was a bit surprised. Upon reflection, however, I must admit that my experience, by and large, bears out these numbers. I have spent a decent amount of time in two very small churches and the people know nothing about the scriptures. This, however, in both cases, was very much a byproduct of a lack of overall education among the church members. What I mean is that many of them, if properly tested, would have been found illiterate. The church must do a better job with education as a whole. If your people can't read then you can rest assured that they won't!
Yes, I still exist, read this blog, and love you all....
Now, does anyone else find it disturbing that in each of the examined sub-classes the percentage of people who qualify, by the study's definition, as "born again" is always higher-though just barely so in the 1000+ group-than the percentage of people who believe that Jesus lived a sinless human life?
I have to say that I share the concern that the Barna group, and all others of their type, have a very hard time quantifying those who are born-again. From a theological perspective, I think if we examine George Barna we get some clues into why this is the case.
Barna always cites these mind-boggling stats, like 75% of born again Christians fornicate or commit adultery. This sort of stat is as revealing about Barna as it is "born again Christians."
Nevertheless, the 'facts' presented in this study are quite eye opening.
Post a Comment