With inflation on the rise, America’s federal government debt and deficit at all-time highs, and a stubborn employment market, economists are rightly worried about whether a recession is looming. But as troublesome as that would be, I am just as worried about what I call the religion recession.
What in the world is a religion recession? It’s no secret that fewer and fewer Americans are attending religious services. But even so, the most recent statistics are shocking. According to research for the Archdiocese of Detroit, only 10% of those who call themselves believers actually show up in the pews on Sunday. Funerals now outnumber marriages or baptisms in the Detroit Archdiocese. Other faith denominations, including mainline Protestant churches and Judaism, are also witnessing declines.
Less church, more war?
While participation in religion is plummeting, take a look at what is increasing. Here is just a sampling:
Listen to Francis
I am not a statistician. But I do believe there is a connection between the collapse of faith and the increase in so many ills that bedevil our society today. I submit that we are losing our moorings, and the massive retreat from religion in all its forms is a major reason why.
Lord knows, religion has its flaws. I am Catholic, and I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. I also believe that we, the people, are the body of Christ here on Earth, and because we have flaws, so does the church. The Catholic Church’s sex scandal is proof of that.
And, to be clear, let me acknowledge that there are good people who do not attend religious services. They live a life guided by a strong moral code. Some call it ethics or values or, simply, spirituality. We need more such good women and men.
Many years ago, there was a young man who was frivolous, a partygoer and a big spender of his dad’s money. But he was not happy, satisfied or fulfilled. Then something remarkable happened, and his life took a dramatic turn. He found faith. Following his conversion, this young man, named Francis, penned a short prayer. Here is a portion:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt; faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Faith can teach us how to live together
I believe one simple thing ― we become more like the people we spend time with. That’s why we pick up so many habits from our parents.
Similarly, people who spend time with a God of unconditional love and limitless mercy become more loving and merciful people.
People who spend time with a self-sacrificing God will learn to give more of themselves. A good measure, packed together, overflowing.
People who spend time with a God who cares for children, the poor and the stranger become more attuned to the needs of little ones, those who are down on their luck and the newcomers among us.
There’s one more benefit from religion. By gathering together regularly, people form a new family in their congregation. And like the good God they worship, these women and men befriend you, care for you, love you and help you when you need a hand.
If life has thrown you a curveball, if you’re unemployed and looking for work, or lonely and searching for a loving mate, if you’re nursing a grudge or battling some illness ― and, honestly, who among us doesn’t have some cross to bear? ― then come spend some time with a good and loving God.
But I do have to warn you: Possible side effects include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In fact, I am told these side effects are contagious and may be spread to others.
Imagine that ― a world filled with people who really do love their neighbor. Wonder what that would be like?
Contributing columnist Rusty Hills is a past chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and is a lecturer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Church attendance is down, and war is up. Coincidence? | Opinion
Reporting by Rusty Hills, Contributing columnist / Detroit Free Press
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By Rusty Hills, Contributing columnist | USA TODAY Network
