In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace

[usaf-vet]

70. TOTALLY RIGHT! They are the movement that drove my otherwise dedicate parents away from church.

My folks were Christian folk until the day the died. That is they went to church on Sunday with all six kids. They lived every day as caring people. Folks who would share what little they had with those in need. We, the whole family helped to clear land for a new church. Every weekend for almost two years we gather with other church members to clear a 5-acre spot for the church and parking.

Jumping ahead to the new church opening. We all celebrated our success. Shortly after that, my folks were told that all church members were going to be REQUIRED to give a fixed amount to the church every year. My mom and dad both worked. My dad was a union worker but still had a part-time job raising six kids. They put what they could in the offering plate on Sunday morning. And they gave of their time. But could not afford a fixed amount each month.

They were hounded with calls and letters and finally an in-home visit by the minister and "church leaders". As kids, we were not privy to the conversation but I know it got tense and my mom and dad stood their ground. It was suggested to them that they were not good Christians if they failed their duty to the church. THAT WAS IT! We never went back to that church.

It took us about a year to find an alternative church. I was married in that church 18 years later.

Now nearly 50 years later my wife and I are still together. Raised 4 kids are active in our new community. Do what we can to help those in need among us. BUT STILL NO CHURCH.