Senior researcher George Barna (whom I respect but certainly not always agreed with) has just produced some interesting research regarding the 7 Faith Tribes that the majority of Americans belong to. In it, we see that approximately 66% of Americans fall into the "Casual Christian" faith tribe. That is 2 of every 3 Americans. Casual Christians, as opposed to Captive Christians, are defined in the following way:
"Christianity is a low-risk, predictable proposition for this tribe, providing a faith perspective that is not demanding. A Casual Christian can be all the things that they esteem: a nice human being, a family person, religious, an exemplary citizen, a reliable employee – and never have to publicly defend or represent difficult moral or social positions or even lose much sleep over their private choices as long as they mean well and generally do their best. From their perspective, their brand of faith practice is genuine, realistic and practical. To them, Casual Christianity is the best of all worlds; it encourages them to be a better person than if they had been irreligious, yet it is not a faith into which they feel compelled to heavily invest themselves."
Barna goes on to say... Casual Christians like their brand of faith because of "The comfort that this approach provides. It offers them life insights if they choose to accept them, gives them a community of relationships if they desire such, fulfills their inner need to have some type of connection with a deity, and provides the image of being a decent, faith-friendly person. Because Casuals do not view matters of faith as central to one’s purpose or success in life, this brand of Christianity supplies the multi-faceted levels of satisfaction and assurance that they desire."
I wonder what the Apostle Paul would say about Christianity being a low-risk, predictable proposition? HT
Jay Bauman is Executive Pastor, CrossPointe Church, Orlando FL