Let me restate something; we allowed ourselves to kick out the Holy Bible from our schools in beliving that this was the correct course of action. Madalyn Murray was merely a vehicle used by Satan to fulfilled his intended purpose. And no, we were not perfect by any means before this happened, but at least with teaching scriptual concepts, even to those that choose not to believe the Bible, at least we offered a society to our children that was more balanced and sane that it is today.

An area of concern that is rarely brought up is Satan’s malicious and vindictive behavior. Do any of you not think that the cause of our arguing is perpetuated by him and his followers? Each of his followers has a specific purpose, whether it is for war, causing us to be sick, or dividing us up by religions. Satan loves the idea that few discuss him and put him away for another day. This is his intended purpose: The more we focus on God, the less on him and that is for his liking because we will never then develop a “big picture” of God’s true purpose for us through Christ. Another area of concern specifically for the United States is that in 1962, we allowed a woman to kick out the Holy Bible by arguing up to the Supreme Court stating in conclusion that it is illegal to have it present in the public school system. Because of that day, we have watched our country fall into a tailspin of decadence not seen since the Old Testament. We’ve since become fat, lazy, uneducated, greedy, immoral, liars, cheaters, covetous, and stricken with illnesses never before seen in us and our children. Yet, our arrogance refuses to accept that facts that we need to repent through Christ. We are our own worst enemy and Satan is laughing at us because he told us a good story and we ate it up and now we’re paying the price.

Jesus Christ is very important to all humans, belonging to all religions. His life is priceless, in the study of the life of spirituality. But it is also true, that one cannot blindly lead another on the path to Christianity. This is just a surmise. The Roman Catholic Church is setting a fine example, in gently guiding it's followers along the right path. I am a great admirer of the previous Pope, and of the present Pope too. The present Pope is a known intellectual, and he is an admirable person. The last Pope John Paul, was a peaceful person, in the center of his suffering. Some of the most important personages in Hinduism, have been inspired, just as Christ is inspired, by praying to him

Its a mistake to say that the US is (or ever will be) in a post-Christian society.  However we are in a significant state of flux in both the political and religious arenas.  I say it will be about 6 years before we see any settling on both topics.  The religous comunity will take a step back from politics for a while.  I'm sure that will be evident in 3 years or so.  Politically however, this country will change to the left for some time.  It may even take a full generation or more before (and if) the voters of this country ever realize that the spread the wealth sociallist policies that WILL be enacted in the up comming two years hurt more people than they help.  There will always be a political back and forth in this country.

Yep, you get all types on the internet, especially when you try to talk about religion.  Between all those extolling their particular religion and those declaring any or all religions bad you get an interesting insight into how the people truly feel.

For me, I dont see how its possible to separate the beliefs of a person (of any religion) from how they voice themselves in political matters.  Any religion is simply a grouping of people with the same beliefs - all you have to do is put the label "church" on it, and suddenly you have a separation of church and state battle.  What would happen if the National Rifle Association (NRA) was declared a religion, because they are organized (having complete listings of their members), and have a tenet that they have the right (given by God or nature through the Constitution) to own any weapon they like?  What makes the beliefs of the NRA on gun control more acceptable than the beliefs of the LDS (Mormon) church on gay marriage?

I have been Presbyterian (parent's church), LDS (Mormon, as a teenager), and now consider myself a Christian (husband is evangelical born-again). I do not feel that organized Christian religion largely cares about issues I am concerned about. I feel that we are not being good stewards with this marvelous, amazing Earth God gave us. We are not concerned enough about poverty and starvation here in America. I don't feel that gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research are issues that touch me. I find inspiration in Buddhist teachings and nonviolence. It is hard to attend church where politics comes into Sunday School and I find that our new president is reviled. I don't think that the mass of Christians really loves their non-christian neighbors and that is disillusioning.

I was forced to attended a Congregational church (by my parents) until a started working on Sunday.  In order for my wife's relatives to feel like I was worthy to marry her in joined the LDS Church.  Church can and is used as a tool for some to gain acceptance, to find "marks" to fleece, and for many a reason to continue living.

I haven't attended a church in 33 years, the same for my wife.Neither have either of my children, or my one child's wife. With the exception of religion, our family would see like everyone else, or maybe a little better.  I had a good job in management, both my children were exception students, my oldest won the "Future of America" award presented by the Kiwanis Club.  He owns an Internet Company (which his brother works at) that even in these "tough times" received another million dollar infusion a cash from an Investment Capital Firm.  This is all without us prostrating ourselves before any "God".

I personally am an Aethiest, but I have no qualms with others believing in what they want.  What i don't  like is others pushing their beliefs on me.  They can thump their chests ans play with snakes for all I care.  But when it intertwines with politics that is an intrusion into my privacy.

Also, quit killing people in the name of God, Allah or whatever you want.  This has killed more people then all the wars and nuclear bombs combined.  As far as I know this is not what your "God" prescribed.

It is interesting to note that early Chritianity never involved themselves in polotics as the following quotes show."Regarding political involvement, what do secular historians report as being the attitude of those known as early Christians?

“Early Christianity was little understood and was regarded with little favor by those who ruled the pagan world. . . . Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. . . . They would not hold political office.”—On the Road to Civilization, A World History (Philadelphia, 1937), A. Heckel and J. Sigman, pp. 237, 238.

“The Christians stood aloof and distinct from the state, as a priestly and spiritual race, and Christianity seemed able to influence civil life only in that manner which, it must be confessed, is the purest, by practically endeavouring to instil more and more of holy feeling into the citizens of the state.”—The History of the Christian Religion and Church, During the Three First Centuries (New York, 1848), Augustus Neander, translated from German by H. J. Rose, p. 168.

Jesus himself said "You are no part of the world" James Said at James 4v4 "4 Adulteresses, do YOU not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.

Jesus said at Matt7v21-23 "Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.

This could only refer to Christendom as she has shed more blood than any other organisation on earth. The apostle John admonishes in Revelation 18v4 "And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people(False Religion) if YOU do not want to share with her in her sins, and if YOU do not want to receive part of her plagues. 5 For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.

True Christianity listens to the voice of the true shepherd Jesus, who said,"If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, 32 and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free.

Jesus spoke more about the Kingdom than anything else but the churches remain silent, they are too interested in promoting a social gospel that what Jesus asked his followers to do. Matt24v14 and 28v19-20.

Why is Christain community so defensive?  Us non--believers are subject to frequent demeaning statements.  I don't even like to tell people I'm not a believer in higher power because I don't know how the person I'm talking to will percieve it.  Seperation of Church and State please.  Get "In God we Trust" off our money.  The words "one nation under god" were added to national anthem back in 50's because we wanted to prove we weren't communist.  Isn't that ridiculous?  The Church as a place to teach morals is okay, but the idea of Heaven and all the stories in the bible are absurd.  How is a faather banishing his som for laughing at him reasonable?  Church goers are no more loving and tolerant people than non-believers.  There is also high high intolerance for other religions with most grandmothers sitting in those church pews.  That is not a good thing for the future of humanity.  More religious debate please!  My kids are not being raised in the church.  

I have done much pondering and soul-searching lately.  I was raised a Christian and still consider mylself one.  Since reading some deeply moving works defending faith (by people who are not leaders of any Christian denomination but speak from outside it), I now feel strongly that faith is necessary to a completion of our human essence and can truly be a foundation of the character we show the world.  Explaining the reasons for your beliefs constantly and grandstanding are unnecessary and those who have hijacked Christianity in this country politically have done harm to it. But they will never undermine it.  

Having said that, it is sad to see such seething and vitriol from so many against Christianity and that seemingly small issues create such controversy.  Things such as calling a Christmas tree a holiday tree and erasing Christmas from schools.  One school successfuly and legally kept the word Christmas from being uttered in classrooms or anywhere on campus because it contains the word 'Christ' .  These go a bit far in the other direction.

Religion and Science can coexist.  John Taylor Gatto writes beautifully about this speaking of the scientific truths that Galileo discovered: "The trouble with Galileo's way is that it is a partial truth.  It's right about the relations of dead matter; It's wrong about the geography of the spirit"

He feels that there is a deeper and more poignant search we all need in our education and that the human need for this 'spirit' is as essential as searching for scientific fact. The world cannot be adequately explained by a textbook with lists of facts about atoms and molecules.  We need to attempt to understand everything, scientific and metaphysical, whether we are always successful or not.

I am a pro-life atheist as is my daughter.  

I believe that toleration must take sway in such matters.  It was, after all, no less than George Washington who welcomed with great pride the first Jewish congregation in the new United States. y issue is never with another's beliefs.  My issue is with those who try to use the force of law to force others to obey religious doctrine. If you think this does not happen, ask any 'pro life' activist if they are an atheist.  There may be a few, but I have yet to meet them. The great failed experiment called prohibition arose from these foul roots as did the disastrous 'war on drugs'. Demanding that the teaching of science be tainted with a religious belief (one that does not even understand the words from which it was taken) is an absolute outrage.  Believe as you will.  I shall believe as I shall, or not.  Keep your religion out of our law, thank you.

Dear God, the sending of Jesus to earth to say a few things and die a horrible dead is not working too well. It has been over 2,000 years and the people still confused. What about if you send us a ruler (president, king, emperor, or a dictator) to show us the proper way to rule a country, to set rules of law and international protocols that every nation could emulate so we can finally live in peace on this earth until Armageddon?

I think it is cruel to use the power of media to

distort the unique idea of God. First of all, God is not a religion,

tradition or culture. Reading this article, people can assume that the

author strongly supports science that wants to influence people on what

his/her beliefs are. How can the USA loose competitiveness in Science

and in the quality of education because of Christianity? I would love

to know how do you want people to believe, that we

came from monkeys? Did science discover how monkeys came into this

world? What about all the other animals? The movie "Expelled" is a great

example to how clueless science really is. So, people

want to talk about how Christians have tried to impose their beliefs on

society, and now science wants to force people to believe in evolution.

So why do people have to pay thousand of dollars in taxes to go to

school and be forced to hear that we came from monkeys? How does that

works? How foolish is that? In the movie Expelled, the most famous

scientists are caught up with their own theory that we came from "mud"

or "crystals." So when individuals say about corrupting Science and education

with nonsensical concepts such as intelligent design, how would you

describe science's theory about our existence? Coming from monkeys,

crystals or mud, is that a reasonable concept? In the quote "How

wonderful that humans have chosen once again to think for themselves,

rather than depending on "the big book of answers." How can people think

for themselves when evolution is taught in schools? How can people think

for themselves when the use of media like Newsweek publishes that

Christians are corrupting education and science with nonsensical

perception? And as you said, all the answers are in the book of God

including "A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order.

Happy are those who keep God's law!" Proverbs 29:18, so it does not

surprises me how messy this country is for turning their back to God.

The truth is God is real and alive, whether the majority of America or the world believes or not.  HE still loves and accepts each and everyone of us, whether we believe or not.  The world as a whole is becoming darker, a more dangerous, unhappy place to live.  I wonder if that is a reflection of our lack of belief?  God is good and the life HE planned for us is good, believe it or not.

Your list in the first paragraph above, of articles that either take a negative view of Christianity, or that prophesy or purport to provide evidence that Christianity is in decline, is an explanation of sorts of the belief quoted later that "Most Americans still believe in God. But the last several decades the most visible voices of Christianity have been those who preach judgment, hatred, anger and violence."  Who decides which voices become "visible"?  I never, ever read in the press or hear on the news about the type of Christians I know.  Most are loving, caring, non-judgmental, and non-political.  Unfortunately, many people who read this post won't believe that because of the pervasive negative portrait that's been painted, as you say, over the last several decades.  Though it is true that Christianity and politics do not mix, they can co-exist successfully and compliment and support each other's purposes, but only if all involved have a clear picture of both sides.  I don't ask that the media start pandering to organized religion, but I certainly think there is a journalistic imperative to be even-handed in coverage.  It's been years since I recall reading anything in the public arena that is even respectful of, much less positive about, Christianity.  Islam, yes - we must respect the Muslims' religion. (I am not being sarcastic!)  But why does Christianity not deserve the same treatment?

it will be the first try for me in this scope. what i would like to request you to let me know  whether or not  my  comments or discuss  i will express; may i know urgently!

Newsweek just fuels the fire of anti-christain people out to ruin Easter holiday. Just before easter this came out. Why?  After reading neewsweek and time for years the only thing never reported on anything pro-christian. Why? Like christians feeding millions in africa or building homes in mexico. Today major media aim is to destory anything christian and groups like the ACLU walk hand and hand with major media in doing this. As a jewish person my reply is HAVE YOU NO SHAME???

[The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before local magistrates followed by county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex counties of colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693. Over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned, with even more accused but not formally pursued by the authorities. The two courts convicted twenty-nine people of the capital felony of witchcraft. Nineteen of the accused, fourteen women and five men, were hanged. One man (Giles Corey) who refused to enter a plea was crushed to death under heavy stones in an attempt to force him to do so. At least five more of the accused died in prison]   (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials)

We should be glad that Christian groupies cannot call for a witch hunt anymore; otherwise they would crush people to death for stating anything remotely against their cult.  

As a Christian,I am in dismay over the posts from readers more so than the article its self.  I can see where the church as an whole is hurting and lacking, but it is the community within the church that allows us fellowship, and insperation.  Do you have to be in church every Sunday to be a Christain, no but it is a good resource, and provides lots of good to this world.  

We need God now more than ever.  The beleif of humans a masters of our own universe, will cause nothing but distruction and hurt, because if we are to live only for ourselves, each man to his own, we will surely die.  It is only throu Christs love that live exists at all.  How anyone can not see the miricle in life its self is beyond me.  

I am not saying that I have any answers the the problems faced in this article, but the one thing I know for sure is as Christians..... as pepole of faith..... now is the time to pray.........for our nation and its well being.

The reason for the decline in Christianity in America is really quite simple.  Whether or not God and/or Christ ever existed, we just don't need them anymore.  They are obsolete.

We are now the masters of our universe.  We are in control.  There is no problem for which we cannot devise a solution, given time and enough of someone else's money.  Every disease, affliction and element of the human condition can (or will) be explained by science.  And we will find a cure or remedy for every flaw that exists.  And we have learned in our lifetimes that there is no disease, affliction or element of the human condition which can be changed by faith or superstition.

Of course, what we don't know is simply what we don't know.  Those in our midst who have ever lived through an existential threat which was so big that it seemed beyond human understanding are dying at an ever increasing rate.  Notwithstanding our ability to conflate every contemporary war, economic trial, disease or natural or manmade disaster into "the big one", very few of the old superstitious ones remain who have a living memory of a truly terrifying plague, a truly debilitating economic depression, a massive famine or a worldwide war where our survival was ever in question.  And yet we are living in the longest period of relief from these kinds of events in human history.  And it is absolutely certain that this period will come to an end someday.  

It is absolutely certain that we, the masters of the universe will someday face challenges which are simply beyond our understanding.  Whether there is a God or not, we will face challenges which are beyond our control.  And when that happens, it will be interesting to see what happens to those among us who have such a mathematical certainty that everything can be understood.

The artificial compassion for faith and religion in this article--and many of those quoted in it--is disturbing because they imply the existence of some magnificently conspicuous "line in the sand" that separates a person's personal convictions from his/her expectations at-large.

As a Christian man living in this post-Christian society I liken such incomplete rationale as reverse discrimination; that the unjustifiable behavior of previous Christians somehow warrants a wholesale dismissal of Christianity's moral and ethical stances. Therefore I become the victim of precisely the same.

Exactly how does one deem that I am a "better person", that I have achieved "better goals", that our society is "progressing"? Those are implicitly relative statements--relative to one's personal beliefs. In tandem with those beliefs comes a sense of satisfaction when others adopt them, since the battle to live them out becomes significantly easier. When gays and lesbians see that more and more states are legalizing their marriages their response is joy-filled; their "political evangelical homosexuality" has obtained the victory. Let's not pretend that the politicization of personal beliefs isn't quickly welcomed!

As such, let's just make sure that we all stay real: we want what we believe. Politics is a force for that imposition of our beliefs and always will be. It's not some self-sustaining monster roaming through the wilderness, waiting to devour some helpless victim in its path. Politics is a well-organized (or lack thereof) system of means-to-an-end. In America we are all a part of that: Christians, atheists, New-Agers, and on and on... Our beliefs inevitably conflict. And when that conflict becomes significant enough we all reach for the most effective weapon we have: the political process.

So is Christianity "too political"? Should it strive to remain on "its side" of that so-called line in the sand? I'm afraid the questions are flawed... let's just stay real about it and acknowledge that. (and may God bless the United States!)

It is high time the subject of religion or lack thereof was brought up on a level playing field.

Over man's thousands of years on earth there have been a myriad of religions and as far as we know all of them are wrong. Any religion is bottom line a superstition nothing more nothing less, there is no concrete proof there is/is not  a god. All guesswork.

All religions are equally (in)valid, those that sacrifice a goat are on par with modern day Christianity or  those that believe god lives beneath a turnip behind a tobacco barn in Biscoe North Carolina.

A politician has the same job as a hooker; all they want is the money or in this case the vote. With that in mind as of late the US politicos have shamelessly  exploited (hot buttoned) a few of the religious for political gain with fetal stem cell, birth control, condoms, war on Christmas/Christianity, abortion, plan-B, sex-ed, gay, Terri Schiavo et al.

What we are witnessing is not a marked decline in religion but a marked decline in political exploitation (read media coverage). The US  religious were used and now are being discarded by the hookers.  

My very first response is "Of what difference is any of this to Christianity?" The "decline and fall of Christian America" means nothing to me, as a Christian.  It means nothing to the faith.  I am not a Christian based on whether my friends,  my politicians or my country is Christian, but rather based on the salvation by faith through grace alone that has freed me from eternal condemnation.

None of that hinges on whether my country is more or less Christian than it ever was, or will be.  The fact that many who hear won't follow is one we are taught from Jesus himself.  And it should not and does not effect my belief as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Now, my practical response to those who criticize Christanity on the basis of the behaviour of it's followers, and who leave the church because of 'those hypocites" is this:  why are you throwing out the baby with the bath water?  If you come right down to it, being a Christian is exactly the same as standing up and shouting "I AM a miserable (filling the blank -lying, cheating, hypocritical, theiving, etc.) sinner, Lord, have mercy on me.  If we weren't sinners, we wouldn't need "church".  And "church" is simply the word for the body of Christ.  

If you leave that body, you will still be able to be part of the SPIRITUAL communion, but not of the PHYSICAL body of Jesus Christ.  That loss of Communion of Body and Blood is grievously harmful, I believe.  But still, in the end, it is God - Father, Son and Holy Ghost - who knows you and your innermost being.  

So, I believe that it is just nonsensical to talk about "the fall and decline" of religion and Christianity in America.  We would be better served for just girding our loins and continuing to go through this world while shining Jesus Christ in us as best we can.

My faith, my spirit, my heart, not my religion, tells me Christ died for me.  That God gave his son to die for me and gave us the Bible as a way to understand and love Him.  

You know why God says we need to be like little children?  In my way of thinking, little children don't over analyze, critisize, gossip, or any of the other crap adults do to make themselves look and feel good in front of other adults.  If this world would just see that truth and honesty that you get from a child is the way to go, life would be so much better.  Sad to say we all know that will never happen.

If you need a church site to go to where Christ leads and we follow...

http://www.mountainsprings.org/

PS:  Have you ever notice where a tragedy occurs, people stop to pray?