No Religion

Almost a month ago now, the PEW Foundation (pewresearch.org) released a recent study proclaiming that one out of five adults do not have any religious affiliation. After the release of that study on October 9, every media outlet that I check regularly was featuring that heading prominently. Even several days after that, the headline was still featured as a 'most popular' link on one website.

The reason I bring this up is because of the impeccable timing of the Holy Spirit. Two days after this research study was released began the "Year of Faith" declared by Pope Benedict XVI. Over the next 13 months, the pope is calling upon Catholics to renew their own faith and continue (or begin) to allow our lives to speak to the words of Christ. The Holy Spirit, or us for that matter, did not require an extensive research study that people are choosing to allow God to drift out of their lives.

As baptized Christians, we can see the research study as a "call to action." The things we agree on as baptized Christians monumentally outweighs the disagreements that exist. Jesus Christ came to redeem our sins and save us from material, human choices that turn us away. Our communities of faith, hope, and charity are so crucial to us; Let us not fail to spread that message to all that surround us....... because......

Because, in another study by PEW and PBS, they found that 68% of adults who considered themselves 'unaffiliated with religion DO BELIEVE IN GOD. They just need to see how Christ can fully change their lives.

Joel 2:12-13 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.

The entire text of the Pew Research Document can be found on the
pewresearch.org website.



Picture Credit: www.usccb.org