Opinion: America's Christian revival is a hoax

[Munu]

Opinion: America’s Christian revival is a hoax
The Hill (via MSN)

Contrary to ridiculous reports, America is merely witnessing a Christian reboot, not a Christian revival. And reboots are rarely as good as the original.

To hear cultural tastemakers tell it, faith is fashionable again. Songs with Christian lyrics climb the charts. Cross necklaces reappear on red carpets. Political leaders promise to “defend Christians.” Podcasters debate whether belief has become cool once more. Even NPR, not exactly known for altar calls, recently asked whether Christianity has found new life in popular culture.

But culture isn’t the same as church. Visibility isn’t the same as vitality. And Christianity without commitment isn’t Christianity in any meaningful sense. Start with the most basic measure: attendance. Churchgoing in America continues to fall. Weekly attendance has been steadily declining for decades. The pandemic didn’t create the problem so much as accelerate the retreat.

America is in the midst of the “great unchurching,” a steady shift away from organized religion toward a more individualized spiritual landscape. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. adults now identify as religiously unaffiliated, up by roughly one-third since 2013. About 57 percent seldom or never attend religious services, a sharp rise from two decades ago. The numbers tell a clear story. The visuals make it unmistakable: empty pews, consolidated parishes, and church buildings quietly repurposed into apartments, event spaces or yoga studios.

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Interesting.
Maybe I'm just out of touch, but this is the first I've heard of any alleged "revival".
Anybody here heard there was a "revival"?

[EYESORE 9001]

1. It's not happening

It’s merely a fever dream of christofascists.

[Munu]

3. So I am out of touch ...

... with right wingers. Despite being a news junkie.

[EYESORE 9001]

4. I stumbled across this scam a few weeks ago

Their claims are just too ludicrous for consideration.

[dalton99a]

2. It's as real as the Trump women and their cross necklaces

[JBTaurus83]

5. Mainstream churches

Are all shrinking. The Catholics had been treading water and remain a force mainly due to immigration. So, the evangelicals are now a larger percentage of the pie. That doesn’t mean people are rushing to convert. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the evangelicals are having more children.

[multigraincracker]

6. I always suggest a Red Letter Bible.

All the words of Jesus are in red ink. I would think they might focus on those words.
I found one at a yard sale and told the guy I have been looking for one for some time. When I told him that, he said I could have it for free.
It was in very used condition. I figured it had been through a war.

[mwmisses4289]

7. First I've heard of it.

If it appears to be happening, it's thanks to social media giving these wannabes a platform.
I think most religions are on a downward trajectory- most people are beginning to realize it isn't about doing good, being kind, treating yourself, others and the planet with care as most religions spout, but about power and control.

[stopdiggin]

8. as the article points to - BOTH phenomena are visible, and correct in their own context.

What you are seeing more of (and the media and 'socials' pick up on) is the 'loud and proud' version of Christianity. The religious right - is very much a real thing - and feel very much 'emboldened' in the current flux. (and why wouldn't they - given the way things are moving?) Concurrent, and also visible, are a good deal of belief 'signalling' (crosses, speech, art, regalia) Not precisely the same thing but, same time, certainly both quite visible. Compounding - loudmouths and braying jackasses (along with ostentation and brazen 'display') - are somewhat a common feature across a variety of lifestyle, opinion and belief - in what passes for common culture today. Yes? These things feed on each other (as do all things 'internet'?) And, for 'media' not to make some 'note' of these trends ... Is probably unreasonable expectation.

Flip side - braying jackasses are mostly off-putting, and generally end up alienating their neighbors (and eventually, as they grow up, their own offspring) - and that is where you see the church pews becoming less and less occupied. (and 'votes' moving away ... )