I sent the survey to a politics list,just because I wanted to see how the cons responded. But, dewd (cuck0), he's pointing at a survey of _Better Homes and Gardens_ readers.
The survey is about Better Homes and Gardens readers -- who are probably above the median income, wealth, etc. level. I don't have any readership stats handy.
To Adam Souzis: I haven't looked at some of these studies, but when people say they don't follow an organized religion that may just encompass the "jiss christians". The more respectable research organizations know all about this, though, so they're probably tracking it. They're also probably putting the stats into a meaninful context. Unlike this guy, who is trying to SELL BOOKS! heh. Geez.
Anyway, people in Limpdick say that all the time. I don't belong to a church, they say, and that's important to them because it's being a Christian in what they call "the 1st Century way". They don't like denominationalism and they articulate this in the same way a lefty would: opposition to "organized religion". So, I don't know if these surveys are capturing this or what. And it doesn't matter.
What most of us have been saying is that there's _polarization_ going on. Why you are so dense that you refuse to see this and would prefer to cast everyone as some caricature that doesn't exist is beyond me. Apparently, though, it suits your preferred tactic: politics by aphorism.
Also, if they are no big deal, why the HELL were you on about fucking god and antichristian activism? (Out of which came a discussion of these very issues -- so it's hardly news to people on this list that Sheilaism is and has been a trend. It's an exemplary instance of U.S. individualism gone 'round the bend.....)
Here's some reading material for Adam Souzis and others. I just skimmed it, but it captures the essense. I wrote about my first anthropological encounters with "just christians" on LBO right after I moved to the Giant Wang:
It's a great joy to introduce you to Christian churches and churches of Christ. Though not part of a denomination, our church is part of a fellowship of independent churches within Christianity, known as the Restoration Movement, with the conviction that a divided Christianity is hampered in bringing the world to Christ. Jesus prayed of His followers in John 17:20-21, "I pray...that they may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." ...
With Jesus as the owner and head of the church (Matthew 16:16, 18, Ephesians 1:22, 5:20), we are a free congregation, not ruled by a headquarters or hierarchy, but self-governed by leaders with faith and spiritual maturity (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Although independent, each local church is encouraged to fellowship and cooperate with other like-minded churches in mission and benevolent work. Because all Christians are spiritually gifted to minister, we do not maintain a "clergy" class, though some are paid to serve in staff leadership (1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 4:11-12).
http://www.southpointccc.org/christianchurches.htm
(K-note: see the appeal. USers eat this crap right up. No rule! No headquarters! No hiearchy! Ain't we grand! Woot!)
"So, are you saying that we can be Christians without being affiliated with any church?" No, I didn't say that! I said that a Christian is not to be a part of any "denomination." He must be a part of Christ's body which is His church (Eph. 1:22-23). He is added to this body (the church of Christ) when he obeys the gospel by his active faith leading him to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38, 41). http://studywell.org/articles/denominationsfdm.htm
Churches of Christ (Restorationism Movement)
1800's sought to return to perceived glory days of New Testament Church. Claim to be the true Christian Church. Don't consider selves Protestant; are "non -denominational" and apparently sometimes "just Christians." The Churches of Christ are apparently the largest group, but there are others...some are spin-offs. http://www.shasta.com/sphaws/denominations.html
Why Not be a Just Christian http://members.cox.net/hpcoc/tracts/job121u.htm
blah blah. Google "just christians" + denominations. Enjoy!
At 01:57 AM 7/6/2005, Chuck0 wrote:
>Copyright 2005 D. Patrick Miller
"Finish your beer. There are sober kids in India."
-- rwmartin