The benefit of having faith in God is not some vague notion. It is demonstrably helpful. Our Founders saw that. They knew they wanted a separation of church and state–they didn’t want us governed by any single religion–but at the same time they felt religion in general was essential if we were going to have good and decent citizens, and that good and decent citizens were essential to a successful country. But did you know that our commitment to organized religion has been on the decline for some time?
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"Last year, for the first time, church membership dropped below 50 percent for Americans." This statistic reflects a significant societal shift away from organized religion, potentially undermining the communal and moral framework provided by such institutions.
Erosion of Faith
Americans have "abandoned our faith in the transcendent and in the process have lost the power of belief in a God." This erosion of faith is contributing to a loss of community, shared morality, integrity, and moral compass.
The Importance of Faith in America Identity
"Read the First Amendment to our Constitution, which granted rights and protections for the worship of God" This emphasizes the historical importance of faith in shaping the nation's identity and values.
Call to Reconsider and Reinforce Faith
There's a call for introspection and action: "maybe it is time for all of us to rethink and clearly define our view of faith. Rethink the model you are providing as a parent." This suggests that revitalizing faith and its practice could counteract the perceived attacks on faith, restoring a sense of community and morality.
Cultural and Moral Implications
The decline in faith is linked to broader societal concerns: "we’re leaving behind organized religion—in shocking numbers." Connects the decline in religious engagement to a broader cultural shift that might be contributing to the erosion of shared values and community cohesion.
Additional Resources
Christian Charities USA (CCUSA)
This platform combines America's best faith-based and church-sponsored charities, allowing individual givers to expand their impact significantly. They focus on bringing food, shelter, medicine, education, and Christian compassion to those in need, both at home and around the world.
Capital Research Center's examination of Religious Organizations in The Nonprofit Sector
Though not a direct service organization, the Capital Research Center provides research on the effectiveness of faith-based groups' social services. This research highlights the unique contributions and challenges of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in comparison to secular nonprofit groups, emphasizing the functional characteristics and additional features of FBOs that facilitate service provision.
is an organization founded in 1955 by Brother Andrew, a young Dutchman who began smuggling Bibles to Christians facing persecution in Communist Europe. His initial efforts expanded over six decades into a global mission supporting the persecuted church. Open Doors works across the world to provide Bibles, Christian literature, training, and practical support to Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
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