The New Order of Nones

Perhaps you've heard. Millennials are leaving the church in droves. In 2007, 78.4% of Americans classified themselves as Christian. In the study released Tuesday, that number is down to 70.6%. Further, "almost every major branch of Christianity in the United States has lost a significant number of members." Why? Because millennials are departing the faith. It's called the rise of the "nones"--no religious affiliation. That number has reached a high, comprising 23% of the population. In the "silent generation" born 1928-1945, 85% called themselves Christians. Those born in the first half of the 1990's are down to 56%.

And who is surprised, really? Perhaps you caught it when candidate Obama bemoaned folks who "cling to guns or religion" as if that was a positive message for his campaign. Perhaps you've seen it in current candidate Clinton's argument that "religious beliefs must change" in support of abortion as a winning theme for a presidential candidate. Surely you've seen it in the public outcry against protecting religious freedom in places like Arizona, Indiana, or Arkansas. The public opinion is turning against biblical Christianity.

But if it's these that clued you in, you aren't reading your Bible. Because if you were, you'd know that this is how it works. You'd know, for instance, that those amazing numbers--85% of the "silent generation" or the 78% from 2007 or even the current 70%--don't line up with Jesus's words: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt 7:13-14) Just in case you aren't clear on numbers, 70% is not "few". You'd know that the church is full of wheat and tares (Matt 13:24-30). It shouldn't be a surprise that anti-Christian sentiment is on the rise or that the young generation, seduced by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, are following the ways of the world. It should be expected.

No, it shouldn't be a surprise. Nor should we think it's a bad thing. A winnowing of weeds isn't a bad thing. Read the description of the last days in 2 Tim 3:1-7 and realize that Paul describes many churches today. Being in "the last days" is a good thing. When you read John's declaration that the antichrists of the world come out from us (1 John 2:18-20), this shouldn't be a surprise. Indeed, John says, "They went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us." It's a good thing.

Rest assured, fellow believers. God is still on His throne. He still builds His Church. It was our Savior who said of His sheep, "No one will snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:28) Just don't be surprised at the ordeal (1 Peter 4:12-13). Instead, aim to "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 2:3) In times that look dark and dismal there is no better place to be than in the hand of the Sovereign God.