Why are Christians leaving their churches?

[Hobie]

This is interesting.. Christians Tell Why They Are No Longer Religious:

'#1 Southern Baptist
Ever wondered why some folks who used to be really into Christianity are now saying “no thanks” to the whole faith thing? Well, we found a bunch of them on social media sharing their stories. From growing up with certain beliefs to discovering things that didn’t quite add up, these former Christians have some interesting reasons for losing their faith. Let’s dive into their tales and see what changed their minds.

“Short answer: grew up Southern Baptist. When I started getting to the age where I could think critically about things, I just started noticing some inconsistencies. Specifically, I was told that people who believed in other religions would go to hell because they followed the “wrong” religion. What?? When religion is based a lot on where you are born, I just could not truly believe that people would be sent to hell for being born in the “wrong” country.”

This user’s critical reflection on his Southern Baptist upbringing struck a chord, particularly when confronted with the notion that people of different religions could face damnation solely based on their place of birth. The recognition that entire populations could be condemned for circumstances beyond their control raised questions about the fairness and logic of such a religious perspective, ultimately leading to a reconsideration of the user’s faith journey.

#2 Mythology Class in College
“Taking a mythology class in college and realizing all the different religions had similar origin stories of how earth and man were created and evolved, but the details differed based on the environment the people lived in and how far along they were technologically. Anything science couldn’t explain was the will of a higher power.

Not saying higher powers COULDN’T exist, just realized people are killing each other because theirs is the ‘right God’, but the people don’t realize that for all intents and purposes, they are all following the similar lessons/stories.”

In a broader context, the user’s revelation in their mythology class illuminated the commonality among diverse religions. As they explored various mythologies, they discerned parallels in the stories of Earth’s creation and human evolution. The realization that different cultures, despite varied details, shared fundamental narratives about higher powers and unexplained phenomena prompted a reconsideration of religious exclusivity.

#3 Being Told Not to Question Faith
“Being told to not question my faith made me lose my faith. If I cannot question what I believe in to better understand it, then it wasn’t worth believing in it in the first place. Or they are hiding something they don’t want me to find out, which makes me even more skeptical of it.”

For this user, the very act of questioning was essential for a deeper understanding of his beliefs. When this exploration was stifled, it raised doubts about the authenticity and solidity of the faith. The suppression of questions created a perception that there might be hidden aspects or inconsistencies that authorities sought to conceal. This lack of transparency and the inability to engage in an open dialogue eroded the user’s confidence in the faith, as genuine belief, for them, required a foundation built on inquiry and understanding.

#4 Unfulfilled Prayers
“I was in a hard time for me and I started praying, attending catholic activities and doing lots of other things like these. I wasn’t feeling better. Years after I gave up doing these things and started taking care of me by myself and now I’m happy. So the faith gradually went away. I’m not fully an atheist though, I may be an agnostic but I’m not sure.”

In this instance, the user’s experience revolves around a personal struggle where traditional religious practices did not provide the expected relief or improvement. The subsequent shift towards self-care and the positive outcome generated skepticism about the effectiveness of religious rituals. The realization that personal agency and self-care contributed more significantly to their well-being than religious practices prompted a reevaluation of faith'......https://milliondollarsense.com/christianity-to-atheism

 

[CrowCross]

This is interesting.. Christians Tell Why They Are No Longer Religious:

'#1 Southern Baptist
Ever wondered why some folks who used to be really into Christianity are now saying “no thanks” to the whole faith thing? Well, we found a bunch of them on social media sharing their stories. From growing up with certain beliefs to discovering things that didn’t quite add up, these former Christians have some interesting reasons for losing their faith. Let’s dive into their tales and see what changed their minds.

“Short answer: grew up Southern Baptist. When I started getting to the age where I could think critically about things, I just started noticing some inconsistencies. Specifically, I was told that people who believed in other religions would go to hell because they followed the “wrong” religion. What?? When religion is based a lot on where you are born, I just could not truly believe that people would be sent to hell for being born in the “wrong” country.”

This user’s critical reflection on his Southern Baptist upbringing struck a chord, particularly when confronted with the notion that people of different religions could face damnation solely based on their place of birth. The recognition that entire populations could be condemned for circumstances beyond their control raised questions about the fairness and logic of such a religious perspective, ultimately leading to a reconsideration of the user’s faith journey.

#2 Mythology Class in College
“Taking a mythology class in college and realizing all the different religions had similar origin stories of how earth and man were created and evolved, but the details differed based on the environment the people lived in and how far along they were technologically. Anything science couldn’t explain was the will of a higher power.

Not saying higher powers COULDN’T exist, just realized people are killing each other because theirs is the ‘right God’, but the people don’t realize that for all intents and purposes, they are all following the similar lessons/stories.”

In a broader context, the user’s revelation in their mythology class illuminated the commonality among diverse religions. As they explored various mythologies, they discerned parallels in the stories of Earth’s creation and human evolution. The realization that different cultures, despite varied details, shared fundamental narratives about higher powers and unexplained phenomena prompted a reconsideration of religious exclusivity.

#3 Being Told Not to Question Faith
“Being told to not question my faith made me lose my faith. If I cannot question what I believe in to better understand it, then it wasn’t worth believing in it in the first place. Or they are hiding something they don’t want me to find out, which makes me even more skeptical of it.”

For this user, the very act of questioning was essential for a deeper understanding of his beliefs. When this exploration was stifled, it raised doubts about the authenticity and solidity of the faith. The suppression of questions created a perception that there might be hidden aspects or inconsistencies that authorities sought to conceal. This lack of transparency and the inability to engage in an open dialogue eroded the user’s confidence in the faith, as genuine belief, for them, required a foundation built on inquiry and understanding.

#4 Unfulfilled Prayers
“I was in a hard time for me and I started praying, attending catholic activities and doing lots of other things like these. I wasn’t feeling better. Years after I gave up doing these things and started taking care of me by myself and now I’m happy. So the faith gradually went away. I’m not fully an atheist though, I may be an agnostic but I’m not sure.”

In this instance, the user’s experience revolves around a personal struggle where traditional religious practices did not provide the expected relief or improvement. The subsequent shift towards self-care and the positive outcome generated skepticism about the effectiveness of religious rituals. The realization that personal agency and self-care contributed more significantly to their well-being than religious practices prompted a reevaluation of faith'......https://milliondollarsense.com/christianity-to-atheism

Interesting...my church had to expand to 3 services and make the parking lot bigger.

 

[Arial 1]

“Short answer: grew up Southern Baptist. When I started getting to the age where I could think critically about things, I just started noticing some inconsistencies. Specifically, I was told that people who believed in other religions would go to hell because they followed the “wrong” religion. What?? When religion is based a lot on where you are born, I just could not truly believe that people would be sent to hell for being born in the “wrong” country.”

This user’s critical reflection on his Southern Baptist upbringing struck a chord, particularly when confronted with the notion that people of different religions could face damnation solely based on their place of birth. The recognition that entire populations could be condemned for circumstances beyond their control raised questions about the fairness and logic of such a religious perspective, ultimately leading to a reconsideration of the user’s faith journey.

The problem with that is faulty reasoning. People aren't condemned because of where they are born, but by what it is they don't believe. That religion can be a cultural thing is beside the point. By that reasoning, only people who were raised in Christian homes would be saved. The gospel goes to all nations.

It is obvious that Southern Baptist person had missed the meaning expressed in the doctrines of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election and effectual grace.

 

[prism]

minds.

“Short answer: grew up Southern Baptist. When I started getting to the age where I could think critically about things, I just started noticing some inconsistencies. Specifically, I was told that people who believed in other religions would go to hell because they followed the “wrong” religion. What?? When religion is based a lot on where you are born, I just could not truly believe that people would be sent to hell for being born in the “wrong” country.”

This user’s critical reflection on his Southern Baptist upbringing struck a chord, particularly when confronted with the notion that people of different religions could face damnation solely based on their place of birth. The recognition that entire populations could be condemned for circumstances beyond their control raised questions about the fairness and logic of such a religious perspective, ultimately leading to a reconsideration of the user’s faith journey.

Struck no chord with me, not having been raised in any kind of Church. When I got to the age of 'critical thought', I saw through (better, the Lord revealed) many of the contradictions found in atheistic human-secularism.I guess I count as a loss for the other side.

 

[atpollard]

“Why are Christians attending churches?” would be the more critical question (not unlike “Why did you become a pastor?”). If the reason behind either of these questions is wrong, then the individual has little hope for “finishing the race well” (as Paul put it).

COVID shut the doors of a lot of places that people gathered regularly (including Church and favorite restaurants) and shattered the habit of ‘just because’. When people were forced to rethink why they did things, they discovered that they no longer desired to do many things “just because we always did them”. Take-out and eating at home was quieter than many of the noisy restaurants where servers provided mediocre service at best. So, too, with gathering for church to play at religion. Time is our most precious commodity … why waste it in a gathering that does not sanctify us, offers no real opportunity for anything “one another”, and honors God no more than watching a good movie.

Where the Church is being the Church, Christians will gather and worship and praise and “one another”. Where we and it are just “posing”, people will get tired of the social club and look elsewhere for “the real thing” (even if they look to ‘gold idols’).

 

[CrowCross]

When religion is based a lot on where you are born,

What's up with the "man in white" dreams the Islams..born in the wrong country are having?

 

[makesends]

Hobie said: [quoting someone else]
“Short answer: grew up Southern Baptist. When I started getting to the age where I could think critically about things, I just started noticing some inconsistencies. Specifically, I was told that people who believed in other religions would go to hell because they followed the “wrong” religion. What?? When religion is based a lot on where you are born, I just could not truly believe that people would be sent to hell for being born in the “wrong” country.”

The problem with that is faulty reasoning. People aren't condemned because of where they are born, but by what it is they don't believe. That religion can be a cultural thing is beside the point. By that reasoning, only people who were raised in Christian homes would be saved. The gospel goes to all nations.

It is obvious that Southern Baptist person had missed the meaning expressed in the doctrines of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election and effectual grace.

That is true. Actually, I see that as the problem with every one of the 'objections' described, AND, the commentary by the article's author. He doesn't deal with the fact that every one of those objections comes from the same worldview of "God is fair", or otherwise attempt to vindicate God.

 

[prism]

What's up with the "man in white" dreams the Islams..born in the wrong country are having?

Can you re-explain that?

 

[CrowCross]

Can you re-explain that?

You can start here.

 

[prism]

You can start here.

I have always appreciated such Muslim testimonies, especially in the face of severe persecution except when I saw the name David Platt, then
my eyes rolled in the back of my head.

McLean Bible Church Pastor David Platt interviewed the missionary during The Gospel Coalition’s “Something Needs to Change Simulcast.”

Meeting everyday with Jesus for a month?? Can I sell you some fried ice cream?

 

[CrowCross]

I have always appreciated such Muslim testimonies, especially in the face of severe persecution except when I saw the name David Platt, then
my eyes rolled in the back of my head.

Meeting everyday with Jesus for a month?? Can I sell you some fried ice cream?

I don't know who David Platt is..but I do know it's bigger than David Platt.

 

[prism]

I don't know who David Platt is..but I do know it's bigger than David Platt.

Yes, I've heard of a dream or vision or two, but 30 days where Jesus visits you? I'm just not buying it, and it leaves a sour taste for the more credible stories.

 

[EarlyActs]

Struck no chord with me, not having been raised in any kind of Church. When I got to the age of 'critical thought', I saw through (better, the Lord revealed) many of the contradictions found in atheistic human-secularism.I guess I count as a loss for the other side.

Good point, Prism. You will enjoy Schaeffer's life journey out of agnosticism, which he actually got from a neo-orthodox church! Secularism thrives where there is no attention to proof as we find in Scripture.

 

[prism]

Secularism thrives where there is no attention to proof as we find in Scripture.

Secularism thrives when a population no longer pays attention to God's Word.

 

[EarlyActs]

Secularism thrives when a population no longer pays attention to God's Word.

Of course, bc they’ve heard there is no proof to it, when actually it is flooded with it.

 

[prism]

Of course, bc they’ve heard there is no proof to it, when actually it is flooded with it.

Where there's (external) proof, there is also room for disproof and doubt; but God's Word and Spirit are a surer testimony.

 

[EarlyActs]

Where there's (external) proof, there is also room for disproof and doubt; but God's Word and Spirit are a surer testimony.

haha, people doubt the Word all the time. [Rules violating content removed by Mod.]

Some people need an immediate experiential validation. Others need solid objective things. But both can doubt it anyway; there are no guarantees. But we should not present the Bible as being imaginary, fantasy, supersstitious, mythological, hallucinogenic. When the 3 apostles walked up that transfiguration hill, it was a real hill with a real elevation. If you started a stopwatch before the climb, it would not stop during the transfiguration, it would keep ticking. It would keep ticking til they got to the bottom after the transfiguration.

I work a lot on creation issues and it is perplexing how many people see the word light on Day 1 but no sun until Day 4, and conclude that it is 'shekinah glory' or a 'divine glow' etc.

 

[CrowCross]

I work a lot on creation issues and it is perplexing how many people see the word light on Day 1 but no sun until Day 4, and conclude that it is 'shekinah glory' or a 'divine glow' etc.

Why would you not see it as some other source of light rather than the sun...which didn't exist yet?

 

[prism]

haha, people doubt the Word all the time. [Rules violating content removed by Mod.]

As many as He calls He draws to Himself.

But we should not present the Bible as being imaginary, fantasy, supersstitious, mythological, hallucinogenic.

Is that how you see God's Word? I see it as The WORD of the living God.

 

[makesends]

Why would you not see it as some other source of light rather than the sun...which didn't exist yet?

Is not the sun made by God, who is the source of all fact? Why do we insist on spiritualizing such things as shekinah glory? We don't know what it is. We don't even know what existence is, yet we talk as though the ontology of what we can observe is a separate thing from the work of God.