A Matter of Priorities

One recent suvey by the Barna Group reveal that 62% of Americans identify themselves as being "deeply religious." A second survey showed that 34% of the adult population (76 million people) "has not attended any type of church service or activity, other than a special event such as a funeral or wedding, during the past six months."

Perhaps it is a matter of priorities as the first survey also found that 51% percent of Americans place their highest priority on family with just 16% making faith that top priority. It is understandable that many would make that choice. I place a high priority on my family as well. By the way, the other priorities were: health (7%), lifestyle (5%), vocational matters (3%), money (3%), achieving success (3%), friendships (1%), leisure pursuits (1%), and having influence (1%). But scripture tells us that God must come first, and that this will help create a better family. So the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you."
—Matthew 6:33
In our archives, you will find pro-church-attendance religion columns:
Create a sense of community in church,
Why a non-believer may want a church,
Christianity is a team sport,
The dollar value of attending church, and
We are the messy, mystical Body of Christ;
and the sermons
Baptism and Community and
Why bother with church?
Apparently I preach and write about little else.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church