Christians are no different
A recent study by Barna Research made the news. I'm not sure why exactly it made the news, it only tells us what Barna Research, and other studies, has told us for years : Christians are no different than other people, despite claims to the contrary.
The study, published in September 2002, draws a number of conclusions, the most important being that only a minority of born-agains believe in absolute moral truths. Desire to have a personal relationship with God is sixth out of 21 goals for born-agains. All in all, it is unclear how even being born-again reflects a higher state of faith. Also, divorce rates are the same for born-agains and non-religious people.
This is not news. Barna has already released a review of data from 2000 in December 2000, which showed that :
* Only 44% of born-again adults and 9% of born-again teens believe in absolute moral truths.
* Only 8% of born-agains tithe to their church and only 84% give money to their church in any manner.
* Only 44% of born-again teens say they are absolutely committed to their faith.
* Born-agains are 3% more likely to divorce than other people.
* Born-agains spend 7 times more time on entertainment than on religion (I suppose there isn't much difference).
* No born-again considers his commitment to follow Jesus Christ as the most important goal in his life.
Being a born-again is not about personal change. We knew that already. In my article "Religion's Devils", I give a number of statistics on this subject :
"However a survey, conducted by the Roper Organization, has found the exact contrary (6) - [the] behaviour [of born-agains] deteriorates. 12% of the respondents have claimed to driving intoxicated after being-born again, compared to 4% before. Same result for drugs - 5% were drug-users before they converted, and 9% take drugs now. Also, interestingly, illicit sex was also more frequently done by born-agains (the percentage after being born-again jumps from 2% to 5%)."
"Statistics given in [George Barna's] book, The Second Coming Of The Church, include :
Took medication for depression in the past year - born-agains 7%, non-christians 8% Feel completely or very successful in life - born-agains 58%, non-christians 49% Impossible to get ahead because of financial debt - born-agains 33%, non-christians 39% Have not figured out the purpose of your life - born-agains 36%, non-christians 47% Satisfied with your life - born-agains 69%, non-christians 68% Personal financial situation is getting better - born-agains 27%, non-christians 28%"
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