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Is it end of Christianity? Not so fast

Peter Hetland

Today, Easter Sunday, is one of the most important holidays of the year for Christians throughout the world. More people go to church today in the United States than probably any other Sunday during the year.

But are we seeing the beginning of the end of Christianity in the United States? A recent Barna Group study shows a trend toward “post-Christian” beliefs and behaviors by adults in the United States.

While more than 70 percent of people surveyed said they were Christians, the study found that people’s beliefs and behaviors were much more secular than how they described themselves. Each generation, from seniors to boomers to millennials, is becoming more “post-Christian.”

I don’t think that the United States has ever really been a Christian nation. To me, that would imply an official government sanction of Christianity. What we’ve been is a nation of many Christians.

I’d like to think Christians have had a major and mostly positive impact on our laws, our culture and our society. They’ve lived in relative harmony with people of other beliefs who’ve also contributed to the quality of the country. I hope that can continue.

But are these changing religious demographics a sign that Christianity is slowly dying in America? Have we finally decided that science, technology and rational thinking are the basis of life? Have we moved on to other things that are more important than faith?

There’s no doubt that religious affiliation is waning in the United States. Church attendance is down and the trend, especially for younger people, is to be less affiliated and involved with religious organizations.

The studies do show that there’s still strong interest in spirituality, especially with young adults, but most churches don’t seem to be filling the need for that interest.

There are lots of reasons why people become “post-Christian.” Churches, at times, have been woefully ineffective in their mission. They’ve been too institutional, too focused on good behavior over belief, or seen as too judgmental. There have been ugly scandals and abuses that would cause anyone to question the validity of faith.

Churches have compromised their stand for truth and have lost the power of the gospel. The common theme is losing focus on the core purpose of the Christian faith.

And even if churches were perfect, there are so many other things pulling for our time and attention in today’s world. Family, sports, entertainment, sleep, work, money and technology are just a few of the priorities that lay claim to our lives. Lots of things that seem more fun and satisfying than spending time in a church service are available.

But trading worship, faith and dependence on God for some other god, no matter how good, will ultimately be unsatisfying to most people.

People often walk away from their faith at some point in their life and then are drawn back later by life circumstances. The Bible chronicles stories of people of faith, but also of people and cultures who chose to dismiss God for long periods of time.

Maybe we’ll see renewed interest in faith in the United States sometime in the future. It will be because God works through churches that focus on the power of the gospel message in the Bible, offer support to everyone who enters their doors, don’t shy away from being involved in the culture and stand steadfast in their core beliefs.

To put it in other words, it will happen when Christians show the power of faith through their words and actions.

— Peter Hetland is an Appleton resident. He can be reached at