Surprising Findings on Church in America in New Study
Debunks commonly held public misconceptions…
(Washington, D.C.)—One of the most extensive surveys ever conducted on American religious attitudes has found that religion in the nation is "remarkably stable and quite surprising in its diverse beliefs, practices, and realities."
The findings by Baylor University, published in What Americans Really Believe by Dr. Rodney Stark (Baylor University Press, 2008) list among the findings that megachurches are "surprisingly more intimate communities than small congregations of less than 100 members."
"None of the things we all believe about the megachurch is true," said Dr. Stark.
Noted the Baylor University report, "When compared to small congregations, the survey found that megachurch members display a higher level of personal commitment by attending services and a Bible study group and tithing. They also are more likely to accept that Heaven "absolutely" exists and that God rewards the faithful with major successes, are more convinced of the reality of evil, are far more given to having religious and mystical experiences, are significantly younger in age and are remarkably active in volunteer work (as much or more so than tiny churches).
"We think of them as these great, huge, cold religious gatherings with a symphony orchestra and a paid choir and a lot of hoopla and a lot of good tidings but no bad tidings," added Stark. "It's not true that it's all happy talk. These people are as interested in evil and sin as anybody in any of the churches. Their levels of satisfaction are high, their volunteerism in community service is very high and their outreach efforts are absolutely phenomenal."
Other findings in the report indicate that atheism is NOT growing in the United States and that even speaking and praying in tongues are central to American religion.
Read more details of this fascinating report which debunk several popular criticisms of American religion by clicking on the link provided.
