Religious shifts show Christianity is changing, not dying: #tellusatoday

Fewer Americans see themselves as Christians, while more say they have no religion, according to a recent Pew Research Center Study. Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:

If Christians weren't so focused on controlling the behavior of others and judging people, my guess is more people would be willing to be identified as one.

—Paul Beighley

I've studied religion and specifically Christianity. I'm not a Bible-thumper. I think the Old Testament has historical significance, but nothing more. What is clear is that Jesus existed, and the entire world changed. I believe in Jesus and God. I have made a choice, and that's what it is really about. I have a big issue with so-called Christians who live and die by the Bible. Most of the time, they misinterpret it. One can still live by science and have religious belief. I'm proof.

—Glenn Howard

The church is changing, not dying. The issue is that people are getting tired of the emphasis on orthodoxy or what one believes. They are looking for lessons in how to put faith to use. They are tired of the hypocrisy and want to see some genuine faith instead of the sour porridge many churches profess. The church is changing and for the better in my eyes as an ordained minister for 40 years.

—Tim Burleson

Letter to editor:

As a member of the Catholic Church, I think the recent report on the state of religion in America might be statistically accurate, but it's irrelevant with regard to truth.

It is impossible to deny the divine foundation of the Catholic Church, even if the number of practicing members shrinks down to a single person. After all, there is no other way to explain the existence of a 2,000-year-old organization that manages 26% of the world's health care facilities, and teaches more than 50 million students worldwide every subject from brain surgery to ballet.

Joseph Carducci; Pittsburgh

Is religion's time to fall long overdue?

We asked our followers what they thought of the decline in Christianity and the increase in atheism, agnosticism and "nones." Comments edited for clarity and grammar:

I have recently come out of the closet. None and proud.

—@Human_FirstDC

Christianity should have fallen long ago! It's been used as a weapon in the U.S. for years.

—@frankthepoet

In my opinion, secular societies don't last.

—@BittmanSkip

We can believe in a "higher being" without belonging to any organized religion.

—@JeffOstach

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