Christianity at Risk

A University of Chicago study between 1993 and 2002 concluded that the percentage of Americans who de-
clared themselves as Protestants declined from 63 percent to 52 percent. Soon for the first time since our nation was founded, a Protestant majority will cease to exist. Within religious Americans, those who declared to practice faiths other than Protestantism, Catholicism and Judism more than doubled from 3 to 7 percent. Americans who claim to have no religion rose from 9 to 14 percent.
I feel that America is in a very sad condition when its people slowly began to reject its God. This country was founded upon the principles of the Bible. In the history books, the world was amazed at this newly founded country who enjoyed peace and prosperity, which had a church without a pope and a state without a king. The word of God was the foundation of America’s faith, the source of wisdom and the guide for liberty. Biblical principles were taught in the family life, at school and in the churches. Following God’s word produced a country that was recognized for its thrift, intelligence, purity and temperance. In the early Puritan settlements of America, drunkards or beggars did not exist. It was evident that “the priciples of the Bible are the surest safeguards of national greatness” (Great Controversy, p. 296).
Yet somehow, Americans have forgotten how the Lord has led in the past, and have begun to follow other non-Christian teachings or their own inclinations. America slowly became corrupted when people began to immigrate to this country for its prosperity and wealth. Many people began to join churches for political gain and ulterior motives. The Bible has already foretold that in the last days of earth’s history, people will depart from the principles of God. “In the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”(I Tim. 4:1). “Men shall be . . . traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God… Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Tim. 3:4, 7). “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (II Tim. 4:4).
We all need to listen to the words in Scripture and come back to the plain truth of God. Having true faith in God is the only safeguard against the error and heartache of this world. Following the ways of God is the true key to moral greatness.
Cynthia Ly Lan Nguyen