American Religions Greatest Threat?

[Nevada]

I know that in Europe, the churches are nearly empty on Sundays. I've heard this is because something demoralized Christianity there: the constant sight of clergy entwined with politicians. Our President James Madison wrote that "total separation" of the church from the state had been good for the "piety of the priesthood" and the devotion of the people. Therefore, I wonder . .

Where are we headed? What explains Europe's apathy towards religion?

By the way, if the explanation is that nothing kills the devotion of the people like the sight of church leaders playing politics and getting a check from the treasury, can it be said that "secularism" is the enemy of religion, or the best thing to happen to it, as Madison wrote? That would be the ultimate irony, perhaps.

 

[OldRegular]

I vote for the 7/11 music for one.

 

[Sapper Woody]

I vote for the 7/11 music for one.

Since the post was about "Religion's" greatest threat, and not "The New Testament Church's" greatest threat, I'd have to disagree. People flock to places where there is Praise and Worship music. They are drawn towards an emotional experience that makes them feel good about themselves.

(Before I get mugged by the P/W crowd, I don't hate P/W. It has its place, as do emotions.)

In my opinion the greatest threat to Christians right now is a lack of a lifestyle of separation (not to be confused in any way with isolation) from the world. If the world sees us being exactly like them, making them feel comfortable in their sin, then why should they change? Hand in hand with this is our attitude about life. If we are living the Christian lifestyle, but are always down in the dumps, why would anybody want what we have?

 

[Salty]

In Germany, as well as some other European countries taxes help to support the State churches
And then they still take an offering.....

 

[saturneptune]

The greatest threat to American religion are the New Testement local churches.

The greatest threat to New Testement local churches is the world and all its associated elements.

 

[billwald]

Which American religion did post #1 have in mind?

Two World Wars are the reason for Europe's disinterest in Christianity. The Vietnam War could be the reason here.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

My answer to the OP: Fundamentalism, liberalism, cultural religion.

 

[Nevada]

James Madison's letter to a Mr. Walsh

Ah, I found the source of the quote:

http://foundingfathersquotes.blogspot.com/2005/01/james-madison-letter-to-robert-walsh.html

 

[WestminsterMan]

I know that in Europe, the churches are nearly empty on Sundays. I've heard this is because something demoralized Christianity there: the constant sight of clergy entwined with politicians. Our President James Madison wrote that "total separation" of the church from the state had been good for the "piety of the priesthood" and the devotion of the people. Therefore, I wonder . .

Where are we headed? What explains Europe's apathy towards religion?

By the way, if the explanation is that nothing kills the devotion of the people like the sight of church leaders playing politics and getting a check from the treasury, can it be said that "secularism" is the enemy of religion, or the best thing to happen to it, as Madison wrote? That would be the ultimate irony, perhaps.

Moral Relativism.

WM