More in: From the D.O.M.

All articles in: From the D.O.M.

From the D.O.M.

From the D.O.M.: Pat Bullock
Tuesday, September 27, 2005

October is a month of seasonal change in a more drastic way in Kansas, weather wise. It will be one for me also because I may be out of the office for two to three weeks due to scheduled back surgery on September 26, 2005. The office will be able to get me on the phone when necessary. I will appreciate your prayers.

We live in an age where people are more interested in spiritual things than in any time in my life. They do not want that subject dressed up in church language or clothes. That is hard for me to adjust to but I do know American culture is different now than when I was growing up.

To demonstrate my belief that there is a spiritual hunger in America, as never before, I want to share with you a survey that was in the September 5, 2005 issue of Newsweek Magazine. Let me state that I definitely do not equate spirituality with Christianity. I do believe spiritual hunger, when fed the Word of God, can lead to Christianity. That can happen only through Jesus Christ.

The Newsweek article was entitled "In Search of the Spiritual." Following are some of the statistics:

  • 88% of Americans describe themselves as either spiritual or religious.
  • 29.5 million practice no religion.
  • 57% say spirituality is important in daily life.
    • Age 18-39 - 44%
    • Age 40-59 - 63%
    • Age 60 + - 66%
When asked what their current religion is today they stated:
Current Religion%
Evangelical, Protestant33%
Non-Evangelical25%
Roman Catholic22%
Other Christian5%
Jewish1%
Muslim1%
Other non-Christian3%
Atheist/Agnostic/no religion6%
Religion undesignated4%
Those who engage in a religious activity every day:
Activity%
Pray64%
Meditate29%
Not connected with church21%
Read Bible, Quran, etc.20%
Attend church or services2%
When asked if God created the universe the responses were:
Response%
God created the universe80%
Not created by God10%
Don't believe in God1%
Don't know9%
They were asked, "What happens when we die?"
Response%
Soul goes to Heaven or Hell67%
No Heaven or Hell-only some kind of existence13%
No soul6%
Reincarnated5%
Don't know9%
They were asked if a good person who doesn't share your beliefs could attain salvation and go to heaven. Those who voted yes-
Religion%
Evangelicals/Protestants68%
Non-evangelicals83%
Roman Catholics91%
Non-Christians73%

Being spiritual does not mean you have the correct theology as you can see from the survey. It does mean that people are thinking about spiritual things and when approached correctly and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, may be willing to accept Jesus as their Lord. Please pray for a real biblical revival.