Comments on: The good ship “No Worries” is sinking

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 22 May 2017 10:29:20 +0000

In reply to Lucy. They have self-selected as not actively practicing their faith.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Sun, 21 May 2017 23:50:49 +0000

I can see the sentiment behind this article, but I think you need to take some care with the view; “You can then shave off another 23% who never attend church …” You don’t know the reasons why people chose – or aren’t physically able – to attend church. People can be committed Christians without going to a church building. To simplify it by saying ‘shave them off the stats’ is convenient, but not necessarily fair.

By: Lisa Knight

Lisa Knight — Fri, 12 May 2017 09:08:04 +0000

Always the optimist, I say the research is timely and a reminder that with only a handful of genuine, passionate disciples, the world was changed!

Thank you for sharing the research Mike. It’s a wake-up call alright.

I wonder if similar findings would come out of America?

By: Tania Harris

Tania Harris — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:02:50 +0000

This is fascinating research. Thanks for sharing. Reflecting on it in light of the movie Hacksaw Ridge – as you say, it was an ordinary person living out a genuine faith that made such a profound impact.

By: Nils von Kalm

Nils von Kalm — Wed, 10 May 2017 11:30:54 +0000

Makes sense I suppose. There is something deeply touching about genuineness. The early Christians did it and they changed the Roman Empire.

By: Stephen McAlpine

Stephen McAlpine — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:57:05 +0000

Great post Mike. I have a particular concern with the apologetics cottage industry because its arguments are convinced – for the already convinced.

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Wed, 10 May 2017 05:38:06 +0000

In reply to James Alley. The 7% figure are those people who self identify as "active practisers" who are "extremely involved". I was assuming the best about them.

By: James Alley

James Alley — Wed, 10 May 2017 05:23:25 +0000

“Only 7% of the population are committed to living out a genuine faith.”

I would think a large proportion would be more likely to equate “living out a genuine faith” with church attendance, daily prayer and bible reading, moral behaviour and conservative politics more so than with a call to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, champion the voiceless, and share their faith with others.”

Not that it’s one or the other, it’s both (politics aside).

What I’m wondering is…

What fraction of the 7% are actually “living out a genuine faith”?

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 10 May 2017 04:14:15 +0000

I find that finding very encouraging. It means being faithful in a normal life and in a normal church can still reach people with words of faith and encouragement. Sometimes seeing the big stories and shiny celebrity christians can be discouraging. So hearing of this survey is good news as it highlights something what one has wondered all along.
I just wonder whether there is a difference in those normal genuine christians sharing their face in person or in a digital way. Probably depends on how genuine that is in their general use of social media.