Pew faith numbers raise alarms

A sentence from the Old Testament, Book of Ezekiel (3:3) reads: “Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey.”

I render an interpretation and application. Using poetic language and metaphor, one is urged in a particular religious tradition, to make written scriptures (a scroll) and be nourished by it. Religious teachings and godly settings can be embraced, and what is given is a food to be digested and become part of one’s very heart.

Our perspective on religion, I believe, can be enhanced by noting an informational piece that has appeared in recent weeks in a multitude of journals, newspapers, and telecasts. Because the Pew Research organization has shared some information that is my yard, my vocation, the data keeps buzzing in my head. Many of you may have gulped, re-read, or said to a neighbor, “What’s happening?”

A heading of a brief note in the “Austin Daily Herald” (5/17/15), refers to Americans becoming less Christian. The information in the Pew Research Survey of U.S. religious life, states that more citizens consider themselves as atheist, agnostic, or of no particular faith tradition. This grouping increased to 23 percent from a former 16 percent a decade ago.

The drop in the number of American citizens who identify as Christian “dropped from about 78 percent to just under 71 percent of the population in the last ten years.” Protestants now comprise 46.5 percent of what was once a predominantly Protestant country. How shall I get a handle on all of this? These statistics reflect some cultural and value shifts in our nation. A deeper analysis may indicate information on the percentage and numbers of new citizens, including immigrants —- those who have received citizenship, and others for whom it may be well to (with proper integration), be granted citizenship. I agree. There are big issues here.

Living in, and appreciating the greater Austin area, I am aware of at least 35 different churches (counting the very small ones). My neighbor said to me recently, that our city could get along with two churches. He added a few comments, but I leave you, the reader, to get quizzical —- how many differing constructions of religious belief do we need based on one Holy Bible? Yippee! There are at least three churches (probably more) currently working together to provide free transportation for those in need!

Why the decline in some religious bodies?

The Pew Survey has occasioned a necessary discussion. It calls attention to where Christianity fits into our society and it may push us to ponder what we think is a spiritual orientation. As a person who has been reared in churches and worked with a vocation related to churches, I join, I assume, most of you. We may together ask questions and reflect on the shifting numbers of persons with church affiliations. Are we to reconsider what spirituality means and how institutions are being regarded?

About religion, at what point are we to fret, complain, or ditch everything because we finally realize: “Hey, we are mortal, and having a certain label —- a particular religion or denomination —- what really does it all mean?

Example: Certainly Thomas Jefferson can be regarded as one of our most noble Americans, and many regard him as one top-flight past President. He spent time representing our nation in Paris. What more do you want? I think he inspired the formation of a university. But do you want to know that Mr. Jefferson had a total of over 100 slaves working various acres of his huge plantation? The historian Noble Cunningham, Jr. (I’m currently reading one of his books on Jefferson), writes that “at times Jefferson sold slaves to pay his creditors.” Also noted, is that he died deeply in debt. I’ve studied enough of his life to know he often attended church.

About church-going, Christian practice can be seen on a larger screen. Some communities of the world’s religions enhance one’s humanity and become sources of delight. Meanwhile, some labels become hammers to beat those who are different or demand that their own shadows be replicated. It’s a changing world; many visions of a spiritual life are evolving; rituals that may work for some, may not fit our own perspective. Human needs and dreams, many vastly different, add to the rainbows of our world’s beauty.

Of our own America, where most of us earnestly work, we agree not to hurt each other. A memory of a Congressman is in order. The April 1, 2015 issue of the “Christian Century” magazine, tells of an event where Congressman John Lewis introduced President Obama at the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama: “If you dared to cross a certain bridge, there was blood.” Mr. Lewis stated: “If someone had told me when we were crossing this bridge, that one day I would be back here introducing the first African-American President, I would have said: You’re crazy; you’re out of your mind; you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

About the Pew Research statistics, I can only say, look at a bit of history, view your own intentions, look at your commitments and live with a grateful heart. And about statistics. Hmm … they possibly never tell the whole story.