NPR is losing it's religion

[Buffalo Head '75]

I heard a report on NPR today that 50% of people who identify with a religion as a child change that denomination by the time they reach "adulthood".

That is interesting. The study went on to say that consumerism is a major cause of this and that people have started to "shop" for religions.

My question is, have we all become daft?

I have done the same thing myself... and I wonder why I never find a truly religious experience.

speaking of which, here is the dumb-ass plow guy. When it snows, he never shows up. When it snows and then turns to rain he shows up in a hurry. hmmm...

can you say fraud?

[PEACE FROG]

Andy it is hard to belong to a large group of people, too many personalities and it seems that you are always at odds with someone. People get offended. And that, sometimes makes it necessary to move on. #1 reason I would guess. Also alot of people use a church as a problem hospital. When they have a problem they are in church. Problem gets solved,see ya next Easter. Which is perfectly fine. The point is that; people change churches for alot of reasons. I think the author of that article had the title in mind first.

[CowboyHippy]

NPR Story (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19354039)

[Buffalo Head '75]

Andy it is hard to belong to a large group of people, too many personalities and it seems that you are always at odds with someone. People get offended. And that, sometimes makes it necessary to move on. #1 reason I would guess. Also alot of people use a church as a problem hospital. When they have a problem they are in church. Problem gets solved,see ya next Easter. Which is perfectly fine. The point is that; people change churches for alot of reasons. I think the author of that article had the title in mind first.

to me I see it as a coming of age for some people. They want to belong but don't necessarily want to be confined to their parents belief system. They want to expand that out.

[Buffalo Head '75]

NPR Story (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19354039)

sweet, thank you!

[PEACE FROG]

Well actually I was raised as Catholic. Far from it now. My parents weren't really into it though, you couldn't expect me to be. Know what I mean?

[Buffalo Head '75]

Well actually I was raised as Catholic. Far from it now. My parents weren't really into it though, you couldn't expect me to be. Know what I mean?
yeah, that does make sense. I guess that would be the other end of the spectrum.

[LIBRA]

Well actually I was raised as Catholic. Far from it now. My parents weren't really into it though, you couldn't expect me to be. Know what I mean?


Same here.

[hits.of.sunshine]

Same here.

as was i. and so far from it now. horrors go on in these oppressed institutions. people use the church as a crutch and keep themselves "sick" by abiding by silly rules and regulations that some damn religion has instilled. i personally hold a very severe grudge toward the catholic church for so many reasons, but mainly because it has harmed and ruined my family. said and done. oh, but this wasn't the catholic church thread was it? um, yeah, i became atheist at 14 and realized a sense of spirituality at around 18 or 19 i guess? it's natural for kids to grow up and break away from their family's tradition. not surpised, but thanks for the info and link.

[crazylegs]

I think it has a lot to do with community. Most people have a need for feeling they are part of a like-minded community who hold beliefs and life styles in common. That's sort of why I come here. Not too many hippies in my neighborhood. When I was a kid we went to Unitarian CHurch and a lot of our friends were there too so a big part of it was the social network. Then there's that getting spiritual together thing. A basic human need I think.

[Buffalo Head '75]

I think it has a lot to do with community. Most people have a need for feeling they are part of a like-minded community who hold beliefs and life styles in common. That's sort of why I come here. Not too many hippies in my neighborhood. When I was a kid we went to Unitarian CHurch and a lot of our friends were there too so a big part of it was the social network. Then there's that getting spiritual together thing. A basic human need I think.
it's just funny that 1/2 of the people don't get that from the same source their parents did.

this might be the first time in history where tradition is not passed down by generations but re-invented each new generation.

[hits.of.sunshine]

I think it has a lot to do with community. Most people have a need for feeling they are part of a like-minded community who hold beliefs and life styles in common. That's sort of why I come here. Not too many hippies in my neighborhood. When I was a kid we went to Unitarian CHurch and a lot of our friends were there too so a big part of it was the social network. Then there's that getting spiritual together thing. A basic human need I think.

definitely. people need people and at least some semblance of a feeling of community, that's really what it comes down to.

[Christine]

I'm Roman Catholic, I'm probably going to stay that way.
To be perfectly honest though, I'm not a very good catholic xD
I don't really follow the bible, I just sorta live like I do.

I'm not a grown-up yet though, so the fact I'm still the religion I was raised as doesn't really fit the whole thing with adults not staying their religion.

[musicguy]

Honestly, i resent the fact i have a new testiment in the house.

[Gary Blanchard]

Let's see:

I was raised Methodist, became a Lutheran in the 60's because they had a neat coffeehouse and the minister supported my stand as a conscientious objector. Some time in the 70's I was "born again." When the church I was attending became openly Republican, I had a spiritual abortion and became basically an athiest. I do read a lot of Eastern philosophy and lean toward philosophical Taoism but do not ascribe to any particular belief system.

I guess they might be on to something. ;)

[forrest]

Well actually I was raised as Catholic. Far from it now. My parents weren't really into it though, you couldn't expect me to be. Know what I mean?

Little Johnny's Confession

Johnny goes to confession and says, "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose woman."

The priest ask, "Is that you, little Johnny Babineaux?

"Yes, Father it is."

"And who was the woman you were with?"

Johnny says, "I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation."

"Well, Johnny, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Comeaux?"

"I cannot say."

"Was it Teresa Thibodeaux?"

"I'll never tell."

"Was it Nina Olivier?"

"I'm sorry but I cannot name her."

"Was it Cathy Prejean?"

"My lips are sealed."

"Was it Rosa Prudhomme, then?"

"Please, Father," Johnny pleaded, "I cannot tell you."

The priest sighs in frustration. "You're very tight lipped, Johnny Babineaux and I admire that. But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot attend church services for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself."

Johnny walks back to his pew, and his friend Jack slides over and whispers, "What'd you get?"

Johnny replies, "Four months vacation and five good leads..."

[Hippie Staff]

Forrest LOL

[forrest]

Forrest LOL

;)
REM - LOSING MY RELIGION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQeSIkw3X0

[Buffalo Head '75]

Let's see:

I was raised Methodist, became a Lutheran in the 60's because they had a neat coffeehouse and the minister supported my stand as a conscientious objector. Some time in the 70's I was "born again." When the church I was attending became openly Republican, I had a spiritual abortion and became basically an athiest. I do read a lot of Eastern philosophy and lean toward philosophical Taoism but do not ascribe to any particular belief system.

I guess they might be on to something. ;)
spiritual abortion... what a great catch phrase. I am glad that we have you aboard.

[Gaston]

When the church I was attending became openly Republican, I had a spiritual abortion and became basically an athiest. I do read a lot of Eastern philosophy and lean toward philosophical Taoism but do not ascribe to any particular belief system.

I guess they might be on to something. ;)

An oddity of the present era is that self-styled neo-conservatives complain that our society is degrading because of a decline in personal responsibility. They will often say that while sitting in a church where they are told what to think, what to believe, and how to live ... so I believe that their "personal responsibility" is mostly about hoarding money.
;)

In contrast you see people either turning away from all faiths, or searching for a faith that is a better choice for them. They are taking true personal responsibility for their beliefs, their morals, and their spiritual path. Shame there ain't no money in it. :D

[Gary Blanchard]

I remember that in my "born-again" days, I would get mail from various preachers requesting money in return for prayer. One offered to pray for me to get an inheritance. It didn't seem to bother them that someone would have to die in order for that to happen. ;)

I agree that neo-conservative thinking has led to a loss of Christian values for many Evangelical Christians.

[Java Joe]

I went to church in Orlando Fl where if the pastor thought you were a threat to his authority he would call the Orange County Sheriffs Office and have a Deputy fingerprint and trespass the person off the property. Who wouldn't leave something like that...I left before they brought out any kool-aid.

Today I feel much safer and comfortable in a synagogue :)

[forrest]

I remember that in my "born-again" days, I would get mail from various preachers requesting money in return for prayer. One offered to pray for me to get an inheritance. It didn't seem to bother them that someone would have to die in order for that to happen. ;)

I agree that neo-conservative thinking has led to a loss of Christian values for many Evangelical Christians.

Twilight Zone - The Masks 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp7DL7hG8Ek

[Gary Blanchard]

Thanks for sharing that, Forrest. The Twilight Zone was such a great show. My Abnormal Psychology professor used to use it as a teaching tool.