There have been a few comments from people claiming that the real reason for Christianity's decline is because of the spread of science. I've, since, made a video that addresses that topic: th-cam.com/video/5KorkKjE7zA/w-d-xo.html
Brian Holdsworth - I agree completely. The church has lost its worth by diluting its messaging and tradition. It also lacks the education of its adult members to engage them in the catechism. Once you complete CCD, you're pretty much on your own.
And you are right about the strong tie between "modern science " and Christian theology as Rodney Stark (has explained in many books. One of the best on that topic is " For the Glory of God". And your explanation of the decline of Christianity in the West is very similar to the one Starks gives in one of his books. Bravo. You are doing a good job and I really like your videos. Although I have moved away from all the requirements of Christianity, I have fond memories of my Christian upbringing and it continues to influence my behavior often. And I am appalled by the incredible present ingratitude towards Christianity to which the West owes so much. Fortunately, researchers of the importance of Rodney Stark have begun to open our eyes and remind us of certain historical realities. He certainly helped to change my view of Christianity.
Brian Holdsworth if your main argument: a religion that costs more is more successful were true, then Scientology actually would be the fastest growing religion in the world.
It would if that were the entirety of my argument. This video is aimed, primarily, at a Christian audience, who has already adopted the notion that Christianity is true. So, it s the pairing of truth with the diligence of not watering down that truth that I'm arguing for here, in which case, the Scientology analogy doesn't work.
Ok, right. Then I mostly agree. I would also say that it's when Christianity is not the cultural norm that it truly shines. I live in France, and I can see the dying out of much of the nominal cultural Roman Catholic world, and the living growth of Protestant Evangelical Churches, despite all of the cultural pressures against them. As the rabbi Gamaliel said, if it isn't of God, it will come to nothing.
Partially true: however, sexual and financial scandals too have played a dramatic role in eroding Church membership. The clergy ( especially Catholic) has lost much of its previous prestige. Not even the most traditionalist groups seem scandal- free nowadays
@@arolemaprarath6615 My point is that you were just assuming a whole lot of stuff which makes your estimate possibly inaccurate. But yeah I don't really have a good idea of either number of practicing Muslims or Christians.
@C Xtzin The OC is too liberal on marriage for me. At least *in theory* Rome isn’t, appallingly lax as it is in practice. I’m not convinced changelessnness is an ideal for a Church, though failthfulness to what one has received.
@@arolemaprarath6615 “Christian” countries will probably become Mahometan, while some Mahometan countries go atheistic. Atheism is probably where all countries will end up eventually, in the long run. And by then, Christianity will likely be long forgotten. All things die eventually - including religions. The question is whether these things happen in cycles. One of the recent developments is the revival of ancient pre-Christian religions - I wonder what will become of them. But once RCism dies, it can’t possibly come back, unless it is willing to drop/re-interpret its understanding of its doctrine of its Apostolicity & perpetuity & visibility. At present, it can with some show of plausibility claim to be in direct institutional continuity with the Church of the Apostles - if the CC ever dies, that continuity will be over, severed, done for, dead.
I went to a Christian private school as an international student in Chicago from 2008 - 2011. I had a horrible experience. For me, they are just a bunch of hypocrites. They can do all the big talk they want, but at the end of the day, action speak louder than words.
What kind of argument is that? You expect them to be perfect and if there not perfect they are not allowed to make moral judgements? Hoe about any decision or judgement? Emotional?logical? Moral? Should they not be allowed to make it because they are human? Also what does that have to do with christ or the bible?
@@aaronruss6331of course they are fallible but you can't discount the fact that the lessons from fallible people who don't walk the talk are often overlooked or not taken seriously
@@standard-user-name Dont proclaim that as a fact. That's just something you believe, based on your religious views. Which is fine. But for most of human history, people didnt hold these views. For most of it, christianity wasnt even a thing. Religions come and go.
I know I'm late to the game on this, but here is my input. My family is Catholic. I grew up Catholic. But my family didn't take it all that seriously. The church I went to didn't do a good job of educating children about what Catholics actually believe. When I was 16 I fell away. I didn't set foot in a Catholic church for 12 years at least. I didn't even really know what Christians believed. Why? Because the loudest Christian voices I heard weren't educated, theologically trained people. No, no. They were the type of people who would show up on college campuses waving signs about how you're going to hell if you don't believe EXACTLY as they do. All I heard was "so and so musician sold their soul to the devil, their music is Satanic." That sort of crazy stuff. And because I wasn't properly educated, I thought pretty much all of Christianity was the same and they only really differed on the Pope or Purgatory. It wasn't until my mid 20s that I realized "Protestant" was an umbrella term for all kinds of different churches. I honestly thought there was a leader of all the Protestants and there were church buildings that just said "Protestant Church" on them. If you want to stop the decline of Christianity, start educating people better. Then get a larger megaphone for the theologically trained and educated types so they can drown out the crazies who keep telling everyone they're going to hell for dying their hair.
There's the Bible... God's Inerrant Word.... people need to study it...not expect others to teach them! Ultimately everyone is responsible for their own souls and lives.
@@christiankhoury9343 I considered coming back last year, but I decided to join the Eastern Orthodox Church instead. I don't want to go back to Catholicism after the way my family treated me growing up. I don't want to be reminded of them, and I don't want to make them happy.
Id argue its the history actually, the church has always supported the war spreaders. Did the church get in their way? Did they protest? Or did they simply call it God's work like all the pedophiles who work for the church today. If they did nothing how can you call them people with good souls?? A kind hearted soul would have died to stop them. I guess if you pay the church enough gold they will be happy right? Or build the fanciest buildings on top of ancient sacred locations. Or maybe you can really keep the church out of interfereing by simply protecting their child loving servants??? Wake up my friend. Have you heard the news? The system lies
The roots of education begin in your home and the responsibility is with the parents, first and foremost. So many catechism teachers, Catechists, are used as the 'family' to teach the child everything in the classroom setting when the parents and family do not practice actively as part of their lives. The parents just drop them off and expect it to happen like magic when they are not leading the family as the primary teachers of the faith. It's like dropping your kid off for 8th grade Sacrament of Confirmation prep and they have not practiced the faith since they received their First Holy Communion 6 years before; you wouldn't take Calculus after only having first grade math!
I think you’ve left out something important: the rise of a hyper-consumerist, work-obsessed culture. I think the church has given concessions precisely because this kind of lifestyle takes up so much time and energy in people’s lives, and they don’t even realize it. The church needs to articulate to people why this lifestyle is bad for them, and why their alternatives are better.
Wow! That was very insiteful. I'm a devout Baptist,. My mother is Catholic, my father Baptist. I went to Catholic school. As a young man I did a lot of study about what I should and shouldn't believe. I invested a lot of time and energy studying church history (and not just from my Catholic school religion class perspective), the Bible and various doctrines that separate Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Mainline protastant and Evangelical Churches. I knew and believed Christ's resurrection was indeed an historical fact. That his death was not in vain and his Resurrection prooved it. But why the divisions, schisms, and different doctrines that divide denominations? Because mankind is finite, and we try to comprehend the incomprehensible God. Also because mankind is fallen we are sinners in need of a sinless saviour. We are finite sinners trying to obey and follow, the best way our consciences will allow, an infinite and Holy Lord. In the end, by my late twenties, I knew I would be Baptist, and lead my family and rear my children as Baptists. I'm now forty-eight years old I continue to study and learn. My faith is valuable to me, I have invested heavily in it, it is worth everything. You and I have different theological and denominational beliefs,. but you are oh so right on this point. I agree wholeheartedly with you here. If one thinks that Jesus is risen indeed, then he/she needs to find out why. Jesus paid with his life and blood, therefore what should one's Christianity cost? I so enjoyed this, thank you.
How did the real Jesus of Nazareth get transformed into the mythical Jesus Christ? Pretty much started with the “apostle” Paul, stirring up trouble in his attempt to create a new religion. Completed by Constantine at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE. Jesus was a perfect candidate to be at the center of this new religion. Initially just another “pretender to the throne” of Israel, the rightful heir according to his Hasmonean lineage, proclaimed the Messiah, like many others before and after him. And like the others he made his bid to usurp the Roman authorities and assume the position of King and High Priest of Israel, which, like all the others, failed. What made Jesus special is that he escaped execution by staging his crucifixion. He survived, when all the others were put to death by Rome. But a secret that big would be hard to keep. Surely he was at times recognized and over the years the gossip about him took on monumental form. “I seen him feed 5000 people one time.” “I seen him walk on water.” “I…I saw him raise the dead!” “Surely he was the son of God!” “He was God incarnate!” All manner of miracle and impossible feat were attributed to him. None of them with any basis in reality, of course. Yet one thing could not be denied. He was alive. He did survive the “crucifixion.” How he survived was a closely guarded secret. Paul wasn’t in on it, so he felt free to create the resurrection myth. Something worthy of the central figure in his new religion, plus, he (Paul) could now put words in his mouth. Paul can have Jesus, after the resurrection, say take the gospel to the Gentiles, spread it throughout the land. When in fact Jesus was concerned only with his lost sheep of Israel and, while alive, preached against just such behavior. Paul had no luck preaching to the Jews and was pretty much forced to deal with the Gentiles, so it was imperative that He have Jesus instruct others to do the same. The whole circumcision business was a bit too messy for Paul also, so he had Jesus proclaim baptism as the way to go. Something Jesus never practiced while alive. All these things, taken together, was the creation of the mythological Jesus. But there was so much and so diverse and so confusing that finally, over a couple hundred years later, Constantine got all the bishops from the different sects together at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE. to decide a creed that could be agreed upon. This was where it was decided that Jesus was in fact, divine, the son of God. (Though it should be noted- the vote was not unanimous.) And all the stories and writings were gone through, most tossed out as apocrypha, the remainder set in book form, 50 copies made and given to each bishop to take back to their respective territories, so that all could preach a uniform canon, and voila- The New Testament is born. A wholly mythological text appropriated by the Romans to use as a tool to control and manipulate the masses for the last 1700 years. Extremely effective.
@@TheMrpalid Sure! I thought the masses were already controlled by the Romans? Unless the historians are wrong, they blamed Christianity on the demise of Rome, so how did the control part come into play? Newsflash, every super power make their conquered areas adopt their religion, so why would the Romans need to create a 'mythical Jesus' for further domination? Paul being a faithful and fervent follower of the Jewish religion, wanted to stir up trouble so that he would spend the rest of his life in tribulation and then executed? You seem to know a lot about what Jesus practiced, were you with the ' non mythical Jesus'? Just curious! Mythical Jesus? Hmmmm, just like your mythical intelligence?
The doctrines and traditions of men contain enough truth to allow the enemy to lead us away from the narrow path just far enough, that our pride will keep us from seeking the way back. As a result, most Christians are unable to express or experience the fullness of the Father’s love. Break free of your denominational doctrines and consume the Word of God! Visit our channel to watch our video called: "Walking in the Spirit and Truth", where we explore what it means to be the type of worshiper the Father seeks, one who worships in the Spirit AND Truth (John 4:23). Blessings!
If you have to study the Bible for years then you're missing the mark on the simplicity of what it is tying to tell you. You are creating your own reality and when your life sucks and you face obstacles to what you want then you'll realize you'll need to surrender to god's love to improve your life and transcend your conditioned ego. That simple folks....
It might also be pointed out that when churches run their operations in a corporate manner, concerned with the bottom line, like any large business, that for some of us creates an enormous gulf from what we expect a church to actually be.
@@dowhateverfree lolz holy shit i forgot all about this video. thank you for your comment and bringing me back to this so i coul--- THIS IS WHERE I WENT TO SCHOOL I NEVER SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN BEEN THAT COOL...AND SOMEONE SAID SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN IN HIGHSCHOOL THEN, AND WHAT THE HELL IS STILL ON JIMMY'S HEAD OOOOOOOHHHHH EVERY MEMORY LOOKIN OUT THE FROONT DOOOOOOORRRRRR
Hello from Spain! You are absolutely right, I see this happening in Spain and I myself have experecied it...I love your channel, keep up the good work. Gld bless you!😇
I’m not Catholic, but this is exactly what Jordan Peterson brings up with Bishop Barron in their recent talk a couple of weeks ago. It’s so interesting but true.
It's true. Making it too easy. It's an odd balance to strike because I think the church wants all people to know they can come to Christ as they are. But what happens next?
Sadly, Bishop Barron is part of the watering down of our faith... instead of promoting "hope" we can all make it to heaven he should be teaching the road is narrow, and I would argue that if all it took was a little bit of hope, Jesus' excruciating death was unnecessary.... but it wasn't...His excruciating death was necessary bc our sins were, are, and will continue to be so offensive to God, and are leading us down the wide road and Bishop Barron's soft stand on this subject is doing nothing to properly shepherd his flock, for which, sadly, he will suffer as well as those who are listening to him.
Even though I'm Atheist, I don't like seeing some of the comments. I thought this was a great analogy and as a result a great video. A large part of a religion is tradition and repetition, so when that is taken seriously, its members will cling on to it more. I do believe, however, that there are more factors involved in the decline of christianity. The advent of modern day science is one of them. Anyway thanks for giving your perspective, it was interesting indeed.
I think there is truth to this idea - as someone whose whole life was built around my faith for 33 years and was incredibly invested before losing my faith, I would say that yes, the more you're invested in a belief or practice the harder it is to walk away. I spent two years trying to convince myself it was true, begging God to reveal himself to me and show me he was there. However, I wouldn't say this is the reason people are leaving. I think the spread of information, especially via the internet, is really the root cause.
Completely agree. People want truth and facts. Most of humanity will always wonder about life after death, god, profits, transcendence, but passing “one religion,” as “the truth,” is somewhat childish and creepy. I’ve been praying most of my life, but never accepted any religious version of god as anything but man made fables adopted from older man made fables. I have no idea what I am praying to, but don’t really care. The simple act of prayer to be better, for all people to be better, more content and peaceful, seems to work wonders.
I feel the same way. I am a cradle Catholic that only viewed my faith as just family tradition and until my late 20's I came back to the Sacraments, I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it. I had a conversion in my own faith and changed my life around, and them my lifestyle, my attire, etc. I wish my parish would not be so protestant and be more of what we are Catholics. They have told us not to kneel during consecration, and we should not be wearing a veil, etc. I pray for my parish and my priest every day. 🙏
"I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it" I would have admired you for it and agree with the rest of your comments. God Bless.
Teresa Patino Wow you really close to truth you love doing some things that was ordered by God (not the church) I pray that allah to guide you to the truth
Totally agree! Investment breeds investment. You see this in every aspect of life yet the moment we start talking about spirituality we act like like this no longer applies. Thanks for making this video Brian!
No, this is called manipulation. You are advocating people being emotional and mentally manipulated into staying with the church cause they've already invested so much into it. It's THIS attitude you are showing off! Where you are happily committing evil in the name of supposedly "saving" people that is killing your religion!
This is very precious what you said and very eye-opening. I myself am an example of this. Some years ago our former Pastor retired and the new one is very liberal and I had to leave the church as I couldn't agree such lenient approach to Jesus teaching. My faith is still strong but I don't belong to any church now. I read the Bible.
All you need is Jesus and His Word the Bible! It's the fountain of all Truth! Also on TH-cam. . please check out John MacArthur'...he is a true man of God who preached the Word! Also Irwin Lutzer!
I just went to a church today, and appalled how empty it is. I presently live in Hilversum, Netherlands. This is not only happening in the West, it's creeping into Africa as well.
What you’re talking about is the sunk cost fallacy, feeling you can’t just walk away from something you’ve invested a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears into. I have a Mormon friend who believes the church is a sham, but doesn’t leave because his entire life has been built on it
@@MichaelTheophilus906 Same could be said for all of us, including you. If Yahweh is actually 'Baal' -- as many Torah associated sources of transcriptions indicate; then would worshipping the Canaanite God who was associated with child sacrifice by incineration really lead the God Fearing, deluded Christian to heaven? I very much doubt it.
I have recently come back to Roman Catholicism, or Catholicism in general from Orthodoxy. I had converted not liking what happened to my Catholic Church looking for answers in Orthodoxy but all the while learned that I was missing out on my own Catholic faith, And figured out that if all good Catholics leave in the church will be left is nothing more than a hollow shell.I have since found a fraternity of Saint Peter Parish where I live that is very traditional, and I couldn’t agree with you more and your point! I have found joy in the Catholic Church and true universality, all through it’s traditions and maintaining the traditions. Thank you so much for this!
God bless you brother. Even knowing that we need to be part of a group in order to grow and develope some of us tread a lonely path but love the Lord. I hope to be together with others and soon
Kenway Tree 1700's asatru is making a comeback in Iceland and parts of England and Norway, this is the belief in Norse mythology aka Viking religion, they’ve even started not he first temple in Iceland proving that people are Turning away from Christianity and moving back to there ancestors roots
@@centurionyt4472 actually it's not about a religion...it's not about Christianity...it's about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.....
That's a really good analogy to be honest. So other conclusion might be "the churches did changes the rule to make it easy to be a Christian with the intention to retain followers, yet that effort seems to be a wrong decision causing a lot of people don't care about the religion." The problem is at the church. Shouldn't change anything at the first place. Just preach whatever in the bible. That's basically what Islam teaches. Muslim scholars teach whatever the Qur'an say and whatever Prophet Muhammad said to the Muslims. Not adding or subtracting anything from it.
CHRISTIANITY IS LEAVING BECAUSE WE ARE LIVING IN END TIMES. People reject Christ more than ever and the Bible makes it clear that these spirits grow stronger in the end times
Hello Brian! I personally am Agnostic, and I greatly appreciate the tone of your video and presenting Valid points about your Community. I originally came looking for some Evangelist Malice ranting about how the world is going to hell, (honestly to scoff at the idea) and am actually very lucky to find your video first. Perhaps I should go and think upon my own mindset of looking for hate to help fuel my own. I don't think I can sway towards Christian belief, but I can help you out with a like and a subscribe. I hope you have a great day, Brian.
@Mansoor Ahmad Dear Ahmad, the end of your comment is the end of your argument. Jesus is not a prophet of God but God himself made human flesh, as He told in many different ways. Many religions/churches speak of God and pretend to worship the one True God but God Himself only founded one Church: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Thus, and using your own words: May I kindly and lovingly invite you to Catholicism. Catholicism is the beautiful religion of worshiping the uniquely one True God (the unseen Creator and Sustainer) of the universe - The Holy Trinity. The Bible was revealed by Himself. Once you get to know it you will become a believer in Catholicism. We Catholics believe in Jesus as God mas human flesh.
@Mansoor Ahmad the verse you describe here is not finished? Jesus himself continue by saying " the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent into the world" "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased" Almighty God speaking of His own self made flesh, Jesus Messiah
Thanks for the comment. I'm Agnostic as well. I see a lot of comments in response to yours where each person is either trying to convert you or fight each other 😆. No, I could never go back to religion. Now, when I see people of faith passionately debating things I once though we're important, but now realize are irrational, I can't believe I was ever a believer. You will never see so much hate and anger than you will from a devout person of faith when you tell them you're Agnostic and happy. For whatever reason, they just can't accept that there are people who exist outside of their faith. If they truly were at peace because they found their true system of belief, why would my personal choice make them so upset?
My father was a convert deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, very affected after Vatican Ii and spent most Sundays after that at a traditional Latin Mass.... the Church isn't changing for the Protestants; the Church is changing to deny Catholics of the teachings and practices of this beautiful faith, the One, True Faith.... and, sadly, many Catholics are allowing it to happen... it's easy to sit with a cup of coffee in hand and listen to a teaching with a few jokes sprinkled in for 20 minutes vs an hour + in devotion, on our knees at times in remembrance of the sacrifice at Calvary, receiving the True Presence of Our Lord in Holy Communion as He instructed us to do if we are to have life within us. I attended an Evangelical Church for 20 yrs, having left the Catholic Church bc it was easy to do so...I didn't KNOW my faith... Came back in 2014... and I'm here to stay... at a Latin Mass nearly every Sunday for an hour and a half participating in the most beautiful, holy, reverent, sacred, deeply affecting, sacrifice of the Mass....
I forgot to conclude with....MANY converts are leading the charge for the traditional teachings and practices of the Catholic Church...bc they also know "from whence they came".... Protestantism... where they may have received partial truth, and now as Catholics they have the full truth of the teachings of Christ in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church...
Islam doesn't change. The Quran hasn't been touched or changed. As you read it today as it was revealed 1400 years ago. To the letter. And no contradictions found in it.
@@adamdilem941 ok. I may be a sinner, but I love Jesus enough to not leave the church. I know Truth when I see it. It is fruitless to try to convert me, but I know you mean no harm. Have a nice day tho
I agree with what you say Brian. My roots are Roman Catholic and I was married in the Church. My wife, children and I have since become “born again” but my heart still goes out to my brothers/sisters in the RC church. First off: where people get the idea that “science” disproves God is false; science doesn’t deny the Godhead, rather it explains intelligent design and the complex order of our universe. Second: yes, without cost- true value is often marginalized and minimized. Third: the time is coming and is now here where an “awakening” (final?) for the Church (all Believers) will occur. I pray the conviction that guided you to make this video will bear much fruit as it reaches those who are truly at a crossroad and are earnestly seeking The Truth. Blessings!
Apostates are funny when they post on Catholic videos. No Orthodox Catholic cares what your think. You're wrong and sinning against the Holy Spirit. You might need to thump your bible to find out what that means.
This is the first video of yours I've found a few years ago when I became Christian. I just read the cost of discipleship by bonhoefer and his teaching on cheap grace and now im in love with your channel and am considering becoming catholic. So glad I found this again. God bless
Islam is the logical next step after christianity, just as the christianity was the logical next step after judaism I hope you will read Quran to discover the truth about prophet jesus and God who prophet jesus himself prayed to.. In Bible.. And sure Satan will not makes it easy for you.. But Ask God for guidance to find the truth.. I know it is not about the topic But I want to convey the message for you And I want you in hevean with me and with our prophet jesus.. And it is your decision! May God bless and guide you🌹
Islam@@xmuhmd is not logical to me my friend.. muhammad really bad shepherd.. he believes in paganism rocks hajar aswad can erase sins too bro.. Jesus Inside Father and Father inside Jesus (JOHN 14÷9-11).. I don't hate muslim you know.. you are my neighbours.. but i really don't agree with muhammad teachings..
Thanks Brian. 40 years ago my wife and I had our marriage turned around when we decided to act as if we believed. In a material sense, good things and bad things happened, but we tried to believe that God had a reason for them, and we learned about our moral deficits and we learned about the struggles of other people. I thank God that none of my plans to be someone successful never worked out.
This is right on the money. Sociologically, it is the concept of high boundaries. Organizations that are difficult to get into and difficult to stay in are the ones that tend to survive and thrive. Easy in leads to easy out. When the church does not have clear boundaries from the world, it sends a message that it is essentially a social, feel-good club. Conversely, when the church has strong theological and moral expectations, people will be repelled by this but those who adhere to the church will tend to be very highly motivated. This is why the Latin Mass is growing.
Thanks for the video - interesting topic. I am from New Zealand, a modern secular country, although traditionally a Christian country that is now very multicultural. I believe the single biggest reason for the decline in Christianity in the west is actually mainly due to secularism- let’s face it, we’ve relegated God to something we roll out if/when we feel like it and for increasing numbers of people that’s well - never! I’m actually a Muslim revert but I have respect for all people from any/all walks of life. To live as a practicing Muslim is a commitment that requires learning, time, prayer (5x daily), giving to charity, fasting etc. the rewards are well worth it, but as you say - the investment into it means we value it highly. In Islam we believe that EVERYTHING is God centred and that fosters an acknowledgement, gratitude and humility for simple things - the sun came up this morning- Alhamdulilah!☀️ Our modern western secularism admittedly has its benefits-freedom of choice is a positive. But in the process, most have simply removed God from their daily lives and this has caused the drastic decline of Christianity and the churches. I came to Islam after some months spent in Indonesia, a majority Muslim country. For all of their challenges of being a developing nation the biggest thing that struck me is that God and faith are at the centre of their daily lives - it’s not “religion” , it’s LIFE! I loved that and for the first time I realised that sadly, most westerners - including in my own country - have abandoned God...
Harry McNicholas sure - many times. Then I decided that the idea that this universe, humanity, nature etc is all just an epic fluke was LESS believable than believing in God 😁
You used bad reasoning. Nobody in science asks you to believe anything. Science is based upon facts. You check out the facts. God is not a fact but only a superstition with no validity.
Harry McNicholas coolio Harry - I accept that that’s your view, each to their own. Our differing views dont hurt each other so we can agree to think differently, all good! I accept your views I’m sure your able to accept mine too 🙂
100% agreed! Ur right on every word man! As I've grown older, I've noticed that people that aren't disciplined jus seem to wander around mostly depressed and seemingly lost. My wife and I speak of this often. As she is a nurse/c.o. in a fed. Med. Prison. She's tough on every patient/ inmate under her area. And u know what, they freakin luv her 4 it!! They tell her all th time " ur tough, but ur fair to each 1 of us and u don't play favs." A black shot caller on her area told her also " I'm glad u keep them inline, they need it! An if shit ever goes sideways in here, we got ur back." I really think th sad but true moral of this story is that when people are free 2do anything, they end up doing nothing!
I’m glad I clicked on this. It wasn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for “Why I Left Christianity” videos and this one popped up with them. This was a good watch. 👍🏼
Fasting for lent has always made me feel connected to the observance of Easter. Eating fish on a Friday has never felt like fasting. What started as abstaining from meat on a Friday was gradually watered down to you must eat fish. Now even that has faded. The ritual of a family meal can play a central roll in bonding a family and making religion part of life. All that is required is a simple meal, no need to make fish compulsory. It could even be a meat and fish free meal (and no I am not a vegetarian). Fasting has the added benefit of focusing on what is important and acting as antidote to modern materialism.
How does "fasting for lent" bring us to an awareness that God is our Father and He loves us? Fasting is all about "earning God's love" by fasting. To me it is immature, unnecessarily and completely off the subject of the love God has for His children and the fact we do not need to earn that love. So much of Catholicism is about "earning" and "earning" is not the message Christ came on Earth to deliver. Catholicism is the Pharisee's version of coming to God, not the Publicans. Read the parable and you will see.
@@leoinsf I didn't embrace any form of fasting until a few years ago. I find it very useful in terms of spiritual discipline in temporarily denying one the pleasures of the world and helping to stay focused on Christ's sacrifice for us and not giving in so easily to temptation of sin in its many forms. I find it to be a useful tool in the spiritual warfare battle. I think the Orthodox are far too strict on their fasting requirements and frequency/duration, while the Catholics are far too lenient. Not to mention the Protestants who don't do it all. It has to be done in conjunction with prayer and/or scripture reading. Otherwise, it is just a diet. My fasting routine, falls in between the Catholic and Orthodox.
He speaks to a consumerist public of which I am part. Perhaps growing a vegetable patch would be a better analogy. When you sow seeds and run outside every morning to make sure your seedlings are growing, protecting them from wind, heat/cold and rain and and then from the birds and the bugs, you really do appreciate your harvest. When you buy a bag of spinach in the store and it goes bad at the back of your refrigerator, it's a case of 'just dump it'. Easy come, easy go. It's about commitment.
Great perspective! If you invest in something that is important to you, your involvement will remain strong. If the thing you do requires little effort, your attachment will be weak and you will drop it with very little pretense..
I am really enjoying your videos. Really thoughtful and cerebral insights into the Catholic Faith. You have given me lots of aha moments and I appreciate that.
First time I watched the video thought it was good. I’ve already watched 3 times and I’m convinced it’s a master piece. Every time I watch it I see the point more clearly. Keep the good work! Thanks for the video!
I think a lot of clergy from the main branches of professing Christianity view their position as just a job with a salary. Their heart is not in the faith, and they don't have the best interests of the people in mind.
I think there is some truth to that statement, but I believe it applies a thousand times more to politicians and serving the public interest (rather than their own), especially those with a "D" behind there name.
I visited Belgium a few years back and we ate in a Chinese restaurant for dinner. The people beside us, the average Belgian adults (a few of them were old) began looking and staring at us as my family and I decided to recite a prayer before the meal. A lot of their facial reactions were both of surprise and bewilderment as if we were performing some strange or foreign religious custom. It's appalling that the lack of religiosity in the West has declined to such a state that prayer before meals appears weird and strange to the eyes of the same people who helped its spread.
@@brumboru U.K is melting into a cesspool. I feel sorry for the Welsh, Irish, Scottish. Your Protestant/Anglican kings fought for centuries against invaders and enemies, just to have your capital run by a Muslim that endorses shaming fellow citizens and persecuting good men who defend themselves against violent attacks.
I'm a Protestant Christian from India. I agree with you 💯 percent.Thank you so much. Protestant churches and the Catholic Church too have so much to learn from this video. God bless you Brian Holdsworth. Keep making such valuable videos.
Was invited once to a Christian seminar wherein a video was shown with a minister I had never seen before preaching that we are making it too difficult for outsiders to come into the Church and we need to make it simpler. After the video, there was a discussion period where everyone was in agreement with his thesis. (If it’s in a book or on a video it seems to infer some worst of authority, I guess) After listening to the speeches and not being able to take it anymore, I spoke up and suggested that this man’s idea was 180 degrees out of reality and, not that we need to make it more difficult, but that we need to stress the importance of understanding the commitment and to make sure that anyone wishing to “be saved” be willing to make that commitment. The ensuing disagreements, including from pastors, spoke volumes about the direction the Church is heading. This young man, although I do not share his Theology, has it exactly correct.
As a Christian, I totally agree, but (I am not saying you did) don't say something controversial about Christianity and then get mad when a Christian tries to defend their point.
THANK YOU! as a Christian the biggest problem I'm seeing is people don't know how to agree to disagree and calls each other retards smh why I don't like to participate in religious debates
I agree that Christians are not supposed to be pushy about their beliefs. Although we are supposed to preach the gospel to everyone. But if someone does not want to hear it then we are to let it go. Jesus said be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
@@UriPhoneCrackerReligious people (Christians and Muslims) are the only groups that continue to produce more than 2 kids per family (minimum necessary to make the population not disappear) while atheists in the west are having a hard time finding purpose in this world and refuse to procreate. Atheists will disappear in the West before the next century, it’s simply mathematics.
@@GigaNietzsche Yeah those are other factors too I know it's not just one thing it's just my opinion that that's one of the main reasons. Also not all people like to be told what to do some want to live how they please and be happy that way, ya know what I mean?
The Roman catholic church is a false pagan and apostate church and Cult that leads people to hell! All you need is Jesus Christ and His Word the Bible! Here's Truth: "cbcg.org Roman catholism vs Biblical Christianity"
@@lydiapetra1211 Haha, it was the Romans that made up the cult of Jesus, turning him into a man-god-spirit thing, ever thought it’s you worshipping false idols?
@@curbroadshow The Bible is God's Word...and God the Creator is found in it... once you have a relationship with God your eyes will open up to who He is!
I feel this video told me almost nothing about the question being begged; which is, WHY is the "watering down" occurring in the first place? Absolute strictness in adhering to tradition can have its points, but in these days where we have a choice of where we worship (unlike older Europe did in its past), such strictness can also attract certain types for the wrong reasons and are not always healthy alternatives. I don't have the answers; and I also can understand how it's foolish to think a 6-minute video can help me to even begin to find an answer, but thanks for trying.
I think that’s an appeal to the very casualized culture around us. And it happens with a lot of things. We don’t hold people to anything because somehow the west has internalized the idea that demands for quality are going to scare people away. It’s true of almost anything. You don’t enforce dress standards because you are afraid of people not coming. Or you don’t insist on quality art before joining an art club, because you want people to come. But nobody gets anything from things that have no standards.
Nobody has said spiritual growth yet, and that’s literally all Jesus taught. In a secular materialist culture it’s too high concept, it seems like woo woo
Plain and simple. Once you see the man behind the curtain, you can't unsee it. It's not that I just don't believe in religion. I literally can't anymore.
In my country Uruguay, one of the most agnostic / atheist countries in Latin America, many Christian holidays such as Easter, Christmas has changed its name to a holiday week or a beer week, and Christmas for a family day Even older people don't pay much attention to everything that is the church And the young people, I included are developing their own creeds and joining old beliefs For example, some of my friends prefer to believe in the Nordic gods and Valhalla, others in the Olympics and other larger ones do not care about religion, What is rare is that despite this every time there are more private churches of which their communities are mostly Colombian or Venezuelan Cuban, who are trying to convert Uruguayan society And here is the funny part, one of my classmates at the university, of Venezuelan origin has told me that his family is stopping to go to church, because they say they have adapted to think like Uruguayans with a thought of / I don't know / I don't care / whatever it is I am a good person /
Welp, it is not often to find such a testimony from South America. In fact, me being a Panamanian (Central America), it's hard to believe such a thing could happen here (the shift towards a broader and different point-of-view when we steer strongly to Christian beliefs), but it is worth noting the effects of such a change in the social script of your nation. I might not know your age but, is there a way you could share with us what is going on there socially? I am very curious about it. P.D.: the age might be important if you could reach back in time and connect the dots on these changes' outcomes.
@@soycarlosalexis I am 22 years old born in an agnostic family with education in Catholic schools (baptized communion) as the vast majority of my relatives Uruguay my country has always been very unrelated to the region since it was never of much interest to the missionaries at the time of the colony And many believe that this is thanks to being one of the first secular states of the continent, but with freedom of worship, and the great arrival of Europeans during the late 19th and mid 20th century They created a society very similar to knowledge and relfecion My grandfather is 88 years old and he is as a believer as I am, he always believe that the churches are like political parties, they only serve to indoctrinate, and kill freedom of thought and my 79-year-old grandmother believes more in San Expedito, but does not believe in divine creation or in the miracles of God. When I started studying evolution in my Catholic school, she was very interested in the subject, so much so that I even studied biology with me and began to read all my books about Megafauna Dinosaurs and human evolution. I really don't know that the people of Uruguay are so little like the church, many believe in God or gods in their own way (especially the older ones) But as Charles Darwin said, I have never known a people so ignorant, but at the same time so knowledgeable PD Sorry for my english
@@Dante_-cg3fq That's so cool! To be honest, my native language is Spanish, but the thread started in English, so I just went with the flow. haha Thanks for sharing your insights on the subject Dante. I got a bit confused when you said "I even studied biology with me". Do you mean your grandma started studying the subject with you?
@@soycarlosalexis Yep, despite the fact that she never finished high school, my grandmother was fascinated with the matter, she could not believe that such animals ever lived, she simply says if we had Gliptodontes instead of the armadillos, she would never have gone hungry in her childhood And despite the fact that she believes in the saints and God (in her own way), she believes that the evolution happened that the dinosaurs existed and that in some times there were armadillos of the size of her car XD
You sir own the greatest book ever written besides of course the Bible and perhaps the Church Fathers! I am of course speaking of The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton. It is my favorite book, I have read it hundreds of times and honestly believe the errors in thinking many fall victim to would disappear if everyone was required to read this book at least ten times and study it chapter by chapter. Also a similar benefit could be achieved by reading another book I saw on your shelf, Orthodoxy also by Chesterton. I'm also convinced that this clarity of thought would virtually raise everyone's IQ score by at least fifteen points.
Thank you for your content, and the spirit in which you present your findings. I think it’s a sad thing to see The Church in decline. Many, many legacy churches are declining, but at the same time Christianity is growing and thriving. The main cause for one aspect of our religious expression being in decline is the traditional churches spent all their resources on maintaining old buildings, buying high-dollar technology and paying enormous salaries for roles everyday believers could fill as volunteers, if ever given the opportunity. They rarely use their resources to assist in community projects or help those who are most vulnerable. People are weary of the wasted human and financial resources by today’s church. I will say the Catholic charities are among the most generous on the planet, and their generosity touches every-day people where it’s needed the most. Unfortunately, they have been among the highest in abusing there flocks with scandal and then hiding and protecting the violators. People aren’t leaving Christianity, they are simply leaving the buildings and the clergy behind and flowing into smaller gatherings called house churches. Here they feel equipped, empowered and engaged at every level. There is transparency, accountability and intimacy that hasn’t been present for centuries in our traditional churches. While the buildings are emptying out, houses are filling up all over the world. More money is being invested in people’s lives, volunteers are being mobilized and the laity are “Being” the church instead of “going” to church! According to Simple Church Journal (mid 2021) at least 22.6 million house churches exist with over 300,000 million attenders, and the boom continues gaining worldwide-wide momentum. Yes the main-line churches are declining, but Christianity is not only growing, but soaring. People are tired of religion but love the fresh new expression of gathering together. Many estimate that over 20 million adults are currently meeting in house churches in America, not including children. The impact being felt is a tsunami that is still unseen but is nearing the shore of this world with huge impacts! Acts 2:42-47.
I may disagree with your theory but the reality of Shrinking Christianity is not to put value in the message. Christianity is about the transformation of one's life, not information. The Christian values and principles receded to the private lives and public life is no longer being practiced. The original context of the Gospel is, Christianity should both in private and public exposure. It is also important that each and every Bible-believing Christians must be congruent to their faith. Otherwise, we will fall into the statistic of a dying church. Blessings❤️🤝❤️✌️
@Stasis Field You are right, "Christianity has failed the world" but the true message never and has never failed to those who seek God in spirit and in truth. None of us can rehab themselves because we are all sinners and fall short to the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need a redeemer to rescue us from our by nature original sin. If you study the original sin, God has turned his face away from us. Unless we look at and believe in his Son Jesus. We will still deal with the consequences after we die on this planet earth.
I heard this somewhere, "if you don't give 100% to God, you can't receive 100% from Him either." There's only value if the effort has been made. Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy! Preach!
There is one paradox in all of this. Even though the organized Christian religion in the west seems to be on the decline, the overwhelming majority of people still declare themselves Christians. Even more interesting is the fact that the Bibles have never been sold in such huge numbers than in the last few years, especially in the west. Christian books in general, too. What does it mean is that there is a decline in organized denominational expressions of faith, yet an increase in the interest in the mystery of faith. I also agree with your comment around "reducing the costs of being Christian". Excellent video, as always:)
We live in a world of instant gratification. Instant coffee - Play the piano in one day etc etc. Christianity is about relationship, with God and one another. Any relationship, like marriage for example does need work and a day by day re-commitment. In the UK, David Beckham, the famous soccer player was unfairly critised for daring to say as such in relation to his marriage. You can't pay your tythes or give to a tele- evangelist and think you are done. Our faith is hard work but.... glorious.
It's not that people don't want to work for relationships, they don't believe a god exists to have a relationship with. That is the issue, at least for atheists.
th-cam.com/video/y29-toHGjtE/w-d-xo.html Ok, so Christian Missionaries have fallen to such an extent that now they are using Hindu names, Hindu songs, Hindu music to convert people. They are desperate to convert as many Hindus into Christianity as they can because they know in western countries Christianity failed utterly to answer questions posed because they don't have any truth. They are becoming so cheap and using other belief system content to beg people to join their religion. Christianity is dying to be frank. They cant answer questions asked by people so they call questioning BIBLE is blasphemy. They know Christianity is nothing about spirituality and its just propaganda to control masses similar to ISLAM. But Islam is much better compared to Christianity because it won't use other religion music or content, instead, it creates its content either it is true or false. But Christian missionaries can get to any low level to convert people. In initial days they use to force people, kill people, threaten, rape women if not converted to Christianity. Now times changed so they cant use force so using other means to convert people. How long such religions survive on lies? Remember lies may look like winning but they collapse in end due to lack of proper base, now they don't have a strong base, so they are trying to use Hindu content to support their falling religion. Anyone will little common sense will immediately quit such cheap religion and stay atheist instead.
But people undertook that "hard work" for centuries. Today they're not. What the churches are offering isn't attractive as it once was. I agree with you about it being a lifetime work in progress, but in a lot of cases that work is surrounded by and exists in a framework of contentions and beliefs that people don't want anything to do with anymore. And that has to do with changing societal attitudes toward people and groups who were traditionally either persecuted or at best marginalized by the faith. That's just a small part of why people are no longer interested. But the church is finding people aren't willing to throw their "unacceptable" family members or friends under a bus anymore to gain the approbation and acceptance of their fellow congregationalists.
Thank you, Brian. You said what needed to be said. I've seen that whenever people get stuff for free, they don't value it. Case in point: When I was young and even more foolish than I am now, I enrolled in a couple of tuition0free courses at San Francisco Community College. I got lazy and just walked away from them. What the hell, I didn't pay for it, right? This happens a lot in the U.S. and most likely in Canada as well. Municipalities and states offer "free" college tuition - and incur a huge drop-out rate because, after all, students don't have to pay for their classes.
I wonder if that is always true when you get something free, you don't appreciate it. It enables you to try many classes, whereas when you have to pay for it, you tend not to take chances. I would say it is very individual. Motivation plays a big part. Free colleges are a good thing for the most part and it helps more people than not. However, there is some truth to this for some people that become ungrateful for the gift they have been given. Not sure why some people become ungrateful throughout their lives and take things for granted.
I have mixed feelings about this approach. Because if the stakes are too high I am discouraged and I even can no longer do as I could before. So if you don´t put this in perspective to God´s grace and love it will simply not work. What I mean is this "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
@@joeymontanaa It's literally a mortal sin. Chastity is for all, including those afflicted with same-sex attraction (who are called to celibacy, not priesthood).
Most Muslims are only nominally Muslim. If you pick up almost any Muslim and transplant them into the West, after a decade or so they will probably leave Islam because their roots in it were only cultural. The same thing is true of all religions. About 85% will always believe, while the rest could lose faith if the culture changes. Here in the West, the culture has changed big time!! Charles Darwin's work offered a secular view of life, and over time it has destroyed the nominal Christian faith of many. It will keep doing so until only true believers remain.
@@saadrizvi6630 lol Hinduism is the biggest capitalistic religion in the world. That's why they don't spend money after poor because what they earn in one life is only theirs and none else have a right on it.
The real reason IMO, is after 1000 years, religion exists on faith and faith alone, still with not a shred of evidence for the god of the bible, it would surely eventually leads to it's demise. Remember, Faith is NOT a pathway to truth
It's not about money, it's about religion's pureness and clearness! Trinity is not pure and clear that many sincere Christians understand it and become Muslim! Know that Jesus (may peace be upon him) is only a prophet, not God or son of God! The only one God is Allah!
If the doctrine of the Trinity is wrong because the Trinity is "not pure and clear", where are we getting the idea that a doctrine needs to be "pure and clear"?
4:55 It sounds like Apple Jokes aside it sounds like everything is polarizing; the economic middle class is disappearing, the broader Christian Church is apparently disappearing...more things I can't really think of...
In the Western world, we can say that Christianity has weakened but if you go to Africa, Asia and Latin America, its very much alive. These three are the future of the Church.
John Daedalus If you do your research, Christianity, in particular Catholicism is really not opposed to science. Some of the greatest scientists were Christians.
@@Dave-qj1vx allow me to explain the difference between a scientist who holds religious beliefs, and a religious scientist. The first one, holds true to science in 99% of their beliefs, but due to the amount of their self they have tied to their beliefs they never reevaluate them. They can be legitimate scientists of world renown, but hold religious beliefs. It's why science doesn't rely on people and their biases. The data does the speaking, and the person discovering things is largely irrelevant beyond the need for a vehicle of discovery. The second is an oxymoron.
I recently learned about Goodhart's law: "when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure". I found this to apply to some organizations I was involved in, specifically that we tried to measure our success by the extent of buy-in we could generate often as represented as attendance at our events, rather than their applicability of our services to the members. I think this may be somewhat at play here as well.
I've met some ex-priests that arrived at the conclusion the evidence for a deity is absent and yet it took some of them over fifty years to realise. Imagine the sense of regret regarding time wasted? It'd be like selling alternative medicines under the impression they worked and when you realised you'd built a career around a harmful institution, the sense of shame and regret must be immense.
I will not walk away from my faith. The reason is God loves me, His Son died for me on the cross, saved me from the penalty of sin, and promised me I will spend eternal life with Him in heaven. Not based on how big (or little) my investments are . . . . in short it's all about how we respond to the love of God given to us. . . . . . . . 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. We can have big investments but will count them later as lost . . . Philippians 3:8 "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."
Islam is the logical next step after christianity, just as the christianity was the logical next step after judaism I ask you to read Quran And it is your choice But in hereafter You have no excuses if Islam Is the last message from God and you choose this life rather than hereafter, 🤚 Ask and pray for God guidance May God guide us to the true path of God 🌹🙏🏼
My thought there is that those who genuinely love Christ and want to be a part of the church, which He instituted, would commit themselves to improving the institution, rather than abandoning it. Any institution primarily managed by humans is fallible - we don't judge the validity of the Gospel solely by the goodness of its adherents (though true faith produces good works). We judge the validity of its adherents by the goodness of the Gospel. If they're in egregious error, we correct them.
@@bradyhayes7911 The Catholic Church is also a monarchy, there is no simple way to solve any of what happened and what's happening, it's extremely hard to get the Pope and the episcopate to move and act, it's easier to get a thick fortress wall to budge.
"My investment in my faith has cost me so much and transformed me in undeniable ways that it would be really hard for me to let go of because I’d have to admit that it was all for nothing." It's weird that you recognize this but don't find it alarming. Do you care whether or not what you believe is true? Or would you rather continue to hold unsupported beliefs in order to avoid having to stomach a sunk cost?
That street goes both ways, pal; assuming you're an atheist/agnostic: do _you_ care whether or not what you believe is true - and how much did _you_ invest in figuring it out?
@@thstroyur I investigated the origins of my own religion, realized that there wasn't sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that I held, and stopped holding those conclusions. I care very highly about whether my conclusions are correct, and hold them tentatively, subject to revision on receipt of new evidence.
@@KrikitKaos The very language you use here is highly suggestive that scientism is in the background, involved in the decision-making; mind telling me about your investigation, and why wasn't there "sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that you held"?
@@thstroyur If scientism is 'an excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and beliefs' and I am aware of the limits of science (it is after all a human endeavor, subject to all our human limitations) then I don’t think scientism is an accurate descriptor for me. However, I can easily state that for me, methodological naturalism is in the forefront, not the background. That said, the moment I encounter any demonstration of how to reliably interact with any supernatural realm or entity in order to describe its characteristics and understand how it interacts with our reality, I am happy to shift to a new methodological ‘ism’ that incorporates that new knowledge. I have epistemic, logical and moral objections to the religion I was raised in (Catholicism). Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in? They are listed in most to least foundational, in terms of how and when they impacted my understanding of my religion.
@@KrikitKaos "If scientism is"--and indeed it is; just because you're intelligent enough to call that, you get a skyward thumb "Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in?" Truth be told, _all_ of them, since worldviews are infallibly holistic. Let's start, then, with God's existence. Here's my fave argument, contingency: 1. A contingent being is one that does not contain in itself the cause of its existence. 2. The Universe exists and is a contingent being. 3. Therefore, the cause of the Universe's existence must be in a Necessary Being outside of itself. 4. The Necessary Being is identified with God, or is what we call God. So, this may or may not be right--but if it isn't, another problem rises: When I look at this 'reality' thing, I see, i.a., physical stuff, consciousness, uniform phenomenology. So, atheists are still in the race, eh? Very well: assume there is no God, and no such thing like God; now, explain to me how we get the things I just mentioned, and how that explanation not only isn't isomorphic with God but also superior Thoughts?
The craziest thing is how people who have little knowledge of true Christianity blindly bash the faith. People who couldn’t cite a single parable or teaching of Jesus, try to refute the very foundation of the faith by pointing out flaws in the people who claim the faith. That’s like saying “I knew someone who was an atheist and he killed someone, therefore atheism can’t be true.” That doesn’t address the claim. Address the teachings of Jesus, and we may have a better conversation.
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The reason Christianity is failing in the West while other religions in the Middle East are not has nothing to do with science or materialism and everything to do with freedom of choice and the ability to leave your inherited faith without fear of being either killed or ostracised by your family or friends. The up side for Christianity is at least those who still follow it do so because they want to rather than because they have to.
The desire to get back to the way things once were is an indication of a dying consensus. It also never works, the way things were changed for good reasons at the time and the majority of people will not tolerate turning back the clock. And so, getting back to the good old days would require the imposition of tyranny. All religions eventually die and are replaced by other religions. Christianity has had a good run and it certainly won't be gone anytime soon. But it is ultimately just another religion, and religions die.
The Book Dragon The crusifixion of Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Catholics couldn't care less what the Bible says. There reasons for being there are now fulfilled elsewhere for them.
But Christianity on the global level is not dying but rising.... Christianity gains millions of converts every year in Asia, Africa and South America...Though the west is dying it doesn’t mean Christianity on the whole will die out... Christianity is no longer white man’s religion.... I am an ex Hindu from India... even in my country(unlike China where people are converting to Christianity in droves) Christianity is gaining huge converts after the arrival of large scale tv broadcasting... and social media.....
In Nigeria, we still hold pretty fast to the old ways. In the Lagos diocese, the days of obligation are the feast of the immaculate conception, ascension, the nativity, and the feast of all saints day. If there are no kneelers you kneel on the floor.
I get the overall "cost" argument. That makes sense to me. You lose me when you throw Christianity into the mix. There's enough cost to living the way you chose to live already, and especially if you're trying to do something special with your life, there will be a lot of cost that comes with it, there will be sacrifices you'll have to make. For yourself. To better yourself in the long haul. Why add a fairytale to that?
Christ dying on the cross paid for our sins. He bled, tortured, flogged, forced to carryy a cross that would kill Him and after having nails driven through His hands and feet. He hung there for 3 hours bleeding, suffering and having a very hard time breathing, He died. I would say that cost a lot. Most will never have to suffer much for our faith. Others in the world are put in jail and tortured and some are killed for their faith. It has been happening for 2 thousand years. It is not going away. The more we invest in Him the better it is for us.
@@bcalvert321 That's what the story says, but were you there to see it so you know its not just a 2000 year old legend like the 1400 year old legend of Mohammed? Do you believe a Jewish rabbi was actually the Creator or our universe? You believe Jesus was born of a virgin? Walked on water? Did magic tricks? That Jesus floated up into the sky? Is that what God wants us to believe and if we don't God will torture us?
You make a good point, that in a more permissive environment, people feel more permission to investigate or question the doctrine that they believe and either revise or reject it. Additionally, I know that correlation isn't causation, but I would guess that the internet has a lot to do with it. Whereas in the past, if people had doubts, they might talk to their local clergy, or take a trip to the library. Now, if someone has a doubt, they have ready access to a literal world of information which can lead to much more profound doubts and/or total erosion of their faith.
Keep people stupid is the name game of your faith. More information means less blind faith. Is the Devil is Knowledge destroying “belief” than I am a fan.
We are some protestans who will never loose our love and zeal, even if the head of your false outfit were to burn us, like they did our forerunners. True Christianity eill never die.
@@lydiapetra1211 No, that's not ALL we need. We mostly need and instituon capable of defending our culture and civilisation. Faith is a collective experience or is nothing.
Wow! Your explanation is really spot on. Your examples all fit together so well. I would have to say this will provoke a much needed paradigm shift for me in my own Christian journey. The greater the cost to you for what you desire, the more it will be appreciated and valued. That principle has been well known in psychology and marketing forever. But I never before considered how it applied to the cost of my Christian faith. The greater the cost (sacrifice), the more precious it will become. Thank you so very much.
Nobody gets to 'walk away', as nice as that would be. God still exists, the truth is still the truth, even if you're an atheist Hitchens fanboy who's acting like none of it is real.
@@Joeonline26 None of those things are definitive. God isn't real just because you say so. He isn't a fiction just becase someone else says so. Hitchens fanboy. Funny. Mature. Cutting. But I'll stick with my agnosticism. All you people claiming to know can keep your certainty. The only thing I absolutely know is that revealed truth is some bullshit. Whatever there is or isn't hasn't been communicated to this guy on a mountaintop or that guy in a cave. Those tales should be regarded no differently than unverifiable claims are today. Reptilian overlords, angels, aliens, sacred gardens, Atlantis, Mandela effect. It's all the same to me.
@@stthomasaquarius May be there is no way to verify whether "A Truth was revealed on mountain top 3500 years ago or in a cave 1400 years ago" because nonone have a time machine. But what you can verify is whether that Truth/Book can or can not be written by a man 1400 years ago or 2000 years ago or 3500 years ago. Pass every revelation under the microscope, check for authanticity, contradictions, possibility of being invented by a human being or not. If I showed a doll and told this is made by an extra terrestrial you've laugh at me. But if I showed you a dear and told you this was made by God and made to procreate and multiplay autonomously you stop and reflect.
@@adamdilem941 All right. But if we're looking at a historical text with a critical eye, we have to look for what's wrong with the text, not what's right. Otherwise we're just cherry picking. The Egyptian enslavement of the Jews, for example, is a claim with literally zero supporting evidence. And a lot of elements that suggest the story isn't true. And if Exodus isn't true, then the entire Mosaic law is just something somebody made up. And if Judaism isn't true, then none of the monotheisms derived from it can be. They're all based on a false first cause. Plus, your explanation of life is... lacking.
@@stthomasaquarius You made few conclusions there based on either false or not necessarily true assumptions: 1- You assume that Absence of Evidence is Evidence of Absence. Regarding the claim that Jews were enslaved by Egyptians. That's a common false assumption. 2- That if a claim made by Judaism is false, then Christianity and Islam are False. That's another false Assumption. 3- You assume that Judaism is the source of Christianity and Islam. Which is another assumption not necessarily true. The claim is that revelation comes down vertically not horizontally as you assume. But then it is passed down from generation to generation horizontally. The Chinese whisper is a good example of horizontal revelation. If there was a false claim after 30 generations from the original message. It doesn't mean the original message is false. Both the Torah and The NT have been changed throughout the centuries. Not the Quran. Even then It doesn't necessarily mean that the initial message of Judaism or Christianity are false. Also Christianity takes on the Old Testament and builds on too of it. But the Quran doesn't. It's totally Indépendantly written. In fact it corrects it when it's evidently wrong.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
There have been a few comments from people claiming that the real reason for Christianity's decline is because of the spread of science. I've, since, made a video that addresses that topic: th-cam.com/video/5KorkKjE7zA/w-d-xo.html
Brian Holdsworth - I agree completely. The church has lost its worth by diluting its messaging and tradition. It also lacks the education of its adult members to engage them in the catechism. Once you complete CCD, you're pretty much on your own.
And you are right about the strong tie between "modern science " and Christian theology as Rodney Stark (has explained in many books. One of the best on that topic is " For the Glory of God". And your explanation of the decline of Christianity in the West is very similar to the one Starks gives in one of his books. Bravo. You are doing a good job and I really like your videos. Although I have moved away from all the requirements of Christianity, I have fond memories of my Christian upbringing and it continues to influence my behavior often. And I am appalled by the incredible present ingratitude towards Christianity to which the West owes so much. Fortunately, researchers of the importance of Rodney Stark have begun to open our eyes and remind us of certain historical realities. He certainly helped to change my view of Christianity.
Brian Holdsworth if your main argument: a religion that costs more is more successful were true, then Scientology actually would be the fastest growing religion in the world.
It would if that were the entirety of my argument. This video is aimed, primarily, at a Christian audience, who has already adopted the notion that Christianity is true. So, it s the pairing of truth with the diligence of not watering down that truth that I'm arguing for here, in which case, the Scientology analogy doesn't work.
Ok, right. Then I mostly agree. I would also say that it's when Christianity is not the cultural norm that it truly shines. I live in France, and I can see the dying out of much of the nominal cultural Roman Catholic world, and the living growth of Protestant Evangelical Churches, despite all of the cultural pressures against them. As the rabbi Gamaliel said, if it isn't of God, it will come to nothing.
Partially true: however, sexual and financial scandals too have played a dramatic role in eroding Church membership. The clergy ( especially Catholic) has lost much of its previous prestige. Not even the most traditionalist groups seem scandal- free nowadays
The sad thing: Its the way the culture has seeped into everything. Disgusting.
Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children
@@arolemaprarath6615 My point is that you were just assuming a whole lot of stuff which makes your estimate possibly inaccurate. But yeah I don't really have a good idea of either number of practicing Muslims or Christians.
@C Xtzin The OC is too liberal on marriage for me. At least *in theory* Rome isn’t, appallingly lax as it is in practice. I’m not convinced changelessnness is an ideal for a Church, though failthfulness to what one has received.
@@arolemaprarath6615 “Christian” countries will probably become Mahometan, while some Mahometan countries go atheistic. Atheism is probably where all countries will end up eventually, in the long run. And by then, Christianity will likely be long forgotten. All things die eventually - including religions. The question is whether these things happen in cycles. One of the recent developments is the revival of ancient pre-Christian religions - I wonder what will become of them. But once RCism dies, it can’t possibly come back, unless it is willing to drop/re-interpret its understanding of its doctrine of its Apostolicity & perpetuity & visibility. At present, it can with some show of plausibility claim to be in direct institutional continuity with the Church of the Apostles - if the CC ever dies, that continuity will be over, severed, done for, dead.
I went to a Christian private school as an international student in Chicago from 2008 - 2011. I had a horrible experience. For me, they are just a bunch of hypocrites. They can do all the big talk they want, but at the end of the day, action speak louder than words.
What kind of argument is that? You expect them to be perfect and if there not perfect they are not allowed to make moral judgements? Hoe about any decision or judgement? Emotional?logical? Moral? Should they not be allowed to make it because they are human? Also what does that have to do with christ or the bible?
@@aaronruss6331of course they are fallible but you can't discount the fact that the lessons from fallible people who don't walk the talk are often overlooked or not taken seriously
@@aaronruss6331 cope
@@blackmamba9950 I mean sure, but we are literally all sinners and that includes the church. We try to be better and that is what matters.
@@standard-user-name Dont proclaim that as a fact. That's just something you believe, based on your religious views. Which is fine. But for most of human history, people didnt hold these views. For most of it, christianity wasnt even a thing. Religions come and go.
I know I'm late to the game on this, but here is my input. My family is Catholic. I grew up Catholic. But my family didn't take it all that seriously. The church I went to didn't do a good job of educating children about what Catholics actually believe. When I was 16 I fell away. I didn't set foot in a Catholic church for 12 years at least. I didn't even really know what Christians believed. Why? Because the loudest Christian voices I heard weren't educated, theologically trained people. No, no. They were the type of people who would show up on college campuses waving signs about how you're going to hell if you don't believe EXACTLY as they do. All I heard was "so and so musician sold their soul to the devil, their music is Satanic." That sort of crazy stuff. And because I wasn't properly educated, I thought pretty much all of Christianity was the same and they only really differed on the Pope or Purgatory. It wasn't until my mid 20s that I realized "Protestant" was an umbrella term for all kinds of different churches. I honestly thought there was a leader of all the Protestants and there were church buildings that just said "Protestant Church" on them.
If you want to stop the decline of Christianity, start educating people better. Then get a larger megaphone for the theologically trained and educated types so they can drown out the crazies who keep telling everyone they're going to hell for dying their hair.
There's the Bible... God's Inerrant Word.... people need to study it...not expect others to teach them!
Ultimately everyone is responsible for their own souls and lives.
@@christiankhoury9343 I considered coming back last year, but I decided to join the Eastern Orthodox Church instead. I don't want to go back to Catholicism after the way my family treated me growing up. I don't want to be reminded of them, and I don't want to make them happy.
Id argue its the history actually, the church has always supported the war spreaders. Did the church get in their way? Did they protest? Or did they simply call it God's work like all the pedophiles who work for the church today. If they did nothing how can you call them people with good souls?? A kind hearted soul would have died to stop them. I guess if you pay the church enough gold they will be happy right? Or build the fanciest buildings on top of ancient sacred locations. Or maybe you can really keep the church out of interfereing by simply protecting their child loving servants??? Wake up my friend. Have you heard the news? The system lies
Lol. I thought usually imam, ulama, ustaz (islamic priest) that love to say about hell but Christian too😂
The roots of education begin in your home and the responsibility is with the parents, first and foremost. So many catechism teachers, Catechists, are used as the 'family' to teach the child everything in the classroom setting when the parents and family do not practice actively as part of their lives. The parents just drop them off and expect it to happen like magic when they are not leading the family as the primary teachers of the faith. It's like dropping your kid off for 8th grade Sacrament of Confirmation prep and they have not practiced the faith since they received their First Holy Communion 6 years before; you wouldn't take Calculus after only having first grade math!
I think you’ve left out something important: the rise of a hyper-consumerist, work-obsessed culture. I think the church has given concessions precisely because this kind of lifestyle takes up so much time and energy in people’s lives, and they don’t even realize it. The church needs to articulate to people why this lifestyle is bad for them, and why their alternatives are better.
Wow! That was very insiteful. I'm a devout Baptist,. My mother is Catholic, my father Baptist. I went to Catholic school. As a young man I did a lot of study about what I should and shouldn't believe. I invested a lot of time and energy studying church history (and not just from my Catholic school religion class perspective), the Bible and various doctrines that separate Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Mainline protastant and Evangelical Churches. I knew and believed Christ's resurrection was indeed an historical fact. That his death was not in vain and his Resurrection prooved it. But why the divisions, schisms, and different doctrines that divide denominations? Because mankind is finite, and we try to comprehend the incomprehensible God. Also because mankind is fallen we are sinners in need of a sinless saviour. We are finite sinners trying to obey and follow, the best way our consciences will allow, an infinite and Holy Lord.
In the end, by my late twenties, I knew I would be Baptist, and lead my family and rear my children as Baptists. I'm now forty-eight years old I continue to study and learn. My faith is valuable to me, I have invested heavily in it, it is worth everything. You and I have different theological and denominational beliefs,. but you are oh so right on this point. I agree wholeheartedly with you here.
If one thinks that Jesus is risen indeed, then he/she needs to find out why. Jesus paid with his life and blood, therefore what should one's Christianity cost?
I so enjoyed this, thank you.
How did the real Jesus of Nazareth get transformed into the mythical Jesus Christ?
Pretty much started with the “apostle” Paul, stirring up trouble in his attempt to create a new religion. Completed by Constantine at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE.
Jesus was a perfect candidate to be at the center of this new religion. Initially just another “pretender to the throne” of Israel, the rightful heir according to his Hasmonean lineage, proclaimed the Messiah, like many others before and after him.
And like the others he made his bid to usurp the Roman authorities and assume the position of King and High Priest of Israel, which, like all the others, failed.
What made Jesus special is that he escaped execution by staging his crucifixion. He survived, when all the others were put to death by Rome. But a secret that big would be hard to keep. Surely he was at times recognized and over the years the gossip about him took on monumental form.
“I seen him feed 5000 people one time.” “I seen him walk on water.” “I…I saw him raise the dead!” “Surely he was the son of God!” “He was God incarnate!” All manner of miracle and impossible feat were attributed to him. None of them with any basis in reality, of course.
Yet one thing could not be denied. He was alive. He did survive the “crucifixion.” How he survived was a closely guarded secret. Paul wasn’t in on it, so he felt free to create the resurrection myth. Something worthy of the central figure in his new religion, plus, he (Paul) could now put words in his mouth.
Paul can have Jesus, after the resurrection, say take the gospel to the Gentiles, spread it throughout the land. When in fact Jesus was concerned only with his lost sheep of Israel and, while alive, preached against just such behavior.
Paul had no luck preaching to the Jews and was pretty much forced to deal with the Gentiles, so it was imperative that He have Jesus instruct others to do the same. The whole circumcision business was a bit too messy for Paul also, so he had Jesus proclaim baptism as the way to go. Something Jesus never practiced while alive.
All these things, taken together, was the creation of the mythological Jesus. But there was so much and so diverse and so confusing that finally, over a couple hundred years later, Constantine got all the bishops from the different sects together at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE. to decide a creed that could be agreed upon.
This was where it was decided that Jesus was in fact, divine, the son of God. (Though it should be noted- the vote was not unanimous.) And all the stories and writings were gone through, most tossed out as apocrypha, the remainder set in book form, 50 copies made and given to each bishop to take back to their respective territories, so that all could preach a uniform canon, and voila- The New Testament is born.
A wholly mythological text appropriated by the Romans to use as a tool to control and manipulate the masses for the last 1700 years. Extremely effective.
@@TheMrpalid Sure! I thought the masses were already controlled by the Romans?
Unless the historians are wrong, they blamed Christianity on the demise of Rome, so how did the control part come into play?
Newsflash, every super power make their conquered areas adopt their religion, so why would the Romans need to create a 'mythical Jesus' for further domination?
Paul being a faithful and fervent follower of the Jewish religion, wanted to stir up trouble so that he would spend the rest of his life in tribulation and then executed?
You seem to know a lot about what Jesus practiced, were you with the ' non mythical Jesus'? Just curious!
Mythical Jesus? Hmmmm, just like your mythical intelligence?
The doctrines and traditions of men contain enough truth to allow the enemy to lead us away from the narrow path just far enough, that our pride will keep us from seeking the way back. As a result, most Christians are unable to express or experience the fullness of the Father’s love. Break free of your denominational doctrines and consume the Word of God! Visit our channel to watch our video called: "Walking in the Spirit and Truth", where we explore what it means to be the type of worshiper the Father seeks, one who worships in the Spirit AND Truth (John 4:23). Blessings!
The good news its dying good ridence
If you have to study the Bible for years then you're missing the mark on the simplicity of what it is tying to tell you.
You are creating your own reality and when your life sucks and you face obstacles to what you want then you'll realize you'll need to surrender to god's love to improve your life and transcend your conditioned ego. That simple folks....
It might also be pointed out that when churches run their operations in a corporate manner, concerned with the bottom line, like any large business, that for some of us creates an enormous gulf from what we expect a church to actually be.
Best comment in the thread.
100%
It is from the Bible that man has learned cruelty, rapine, and murder; for the belief of a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Paine
@@AmitKumar-qz2us Thomas Paine was a satanist. Why should anyone care about what a satanist saids about God?
@@albertsmith6717 He was pure heart human...humanity love him....
LLLOOOOK AT THIS PHOTOGRRRRAPH
I REMEMBER THE TIME THAT IT MAD ME LAUGH. AND HOW DID OUR EYES GET SO RED? AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ON JIMMY'S HEAD
@@dowhateverfree lolz holy shit i forgot all about this video. thank you for your comment and bringing me back to this so i coul--- THIS IS WHERE I WENT TO SCHOOL I NEVER SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN BEEN THAT COOL...AND SOMEONE SAID SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN IN HIGHSCHOOL THEN, AND WHAT THE HELL IS STILL ON JIMMY'S HEAD OOOOOOOHHHHH EVERY MEMORY LOOKIN OUT THE FROONT DOOOOOOORRRRRR
LMAO
Why is this so funny? 😂
@@xDELFYonceagain it’s just universal law ... it MUST be funny therefore it IS funny 😏
Hello from Spain! You are absolutely right, I see this happening in Spain and I myself have experecied it...I love your channel, keep up the good work. Gld bless you!😇
I’m not Catholic, but this is exactly what Jordan Peterson brings up with Bishop Barron in their recent talk a couple of weeks ago. It’s so interesting but true.
It's true. Making it too easy. It's an odd balance to strike because I think the church wants all people to know they can come to Christ as they are. But what happens next?
Sadly, Bishop Barron is part of the watering down of our faith... instead of promoting "hope" we can all make it to heaven he should be teaching the road is narrow, and I would argue that if all it took was a little bit of hope, Jesus' excruciating death was unnecessary.... but it wasn't...His excruciating death was necessary bc our sins were, are, and will continue to be so offensive to God, and are leading us down the wide road and Bishop Barron's soft stand on this subject is doing nothing to properly shepherd his flock, for which, sadly, he will suffer as well as those who are listening to him.
Two of my favorite people
Christianity will never be over it'll be fulfilled.
Please stay away from the false prophet.
Even though I'm Atheist, I don't like seeing some of the comments. I thought this was a great analogy and as a result a great video. A large part of a religion is tradition and repetition, so when that is taken seriously, its members will cling on to it more. I do believe, however, that there are more factors involved in the decline of christianity. The advent of modern day science is one of them. Anyway thanks for giving your perspective, it was interesting indeed.
DIMIX thank you
At least you're respectful.. I can't go anywhere anymore without one of my friends asking me about my "stupid" beliefs
Thanks for being respectful.
Atheist and polite in a Christian video comment section...?
Christmas came early this year.
Agreed as a fellow non believer
I think there is truth to this idea - as someone whose whole life was built around my faith for 33 years and was incredibly invested before losing my faith, I would say that yes, the more you're invested in a belief or practice the harder it is to walk away. I spent two years trying to convince myself it was true, begging God to reveal himself to me and show me he was there. However, I wouldn't say this is the reason people are leaving. I think the spread of information, especially via the internet, is really the root cause.
Completely agree. People want truth and facts. Most of humanity will always wonder about life after death, god, profits, transcendence, but passing “one religion,” as “the truth,” is somewhat childish and creepy. I’ve been praying most of my life, but never accepted any religious version of god as anything but man made fables adopted from older man made fables. I have no idea what I am praying to, but don’t really care. The simple act of prayer to be better, for all people to be better, more content and peaceful, seems to work wonders.
@@davidbolen8982 Chesterton mate.
Very happy to have found this channel. Thank you for your insight and knowledge. God bless you and yours.
I feel the same way. I am a cradle Catholic that only viewed my faith as just family tradition and until my late 20's I came back to the Sacraments, I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it. I had a conversion in my own faith and changed my life around, and them my lifestyle, my attire, etc. I wish my parish would not be so protestant and be more of what we are Catholics. They have told us not to kneel during consecration, and we should not be wearing a veil, etc. I pray for my parish and my priest every day. 🙏
"I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it"
I would have admired you for it and agree with the rest of your comments. God Bless.
Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children
@Lara Gravenor Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children
Teresa Patino
Wow you really close to truth you love doing some things that was ordered by God (not the church)
I pray that allah to guide you to the truth
@luffy 👒👒 Yes, they are going from one cult to another.
Totally agree! Investment breeds investment. You see this in every aspect of life yet the moment we start talking about spirituality we act like like this no longer applies. Thanks for making this video Brian!
No, this is called manipulation. You are advocating people being emotional and mentally manipulated into staying with the church cause they've already invested so much into it.
It's THIS attitude you are showing off! Where you are happily committing evil in the name of supposedly "saving" people that is killing your religion!
This is very precious what you said and very eye-opening. I myself am an example of this. Some years ago our former Pastor retired and the new one is very liberal and I had to leave the church as I couldn't agree such lenient approach to Jesus teaching. My faith is still strong but I don't belong to any church now. I read the Bible.
Lol just leave it
All you need is Jesus and His Word the Bible!
It's the fountain of all Truth!
Also on TH-cam. . please check out John MacArthur'...he is a true man of God who preached the Word!
Also Irwin Lutzer!
@@christiankhoury9343 Wow. Are you another one of those Christians who only believes 'the good bits of the Bible'.
Go to a Catholic or Orthodox Church
I just went to a church today, and appalled how empty it is. I presently live in Hilversum, Netherlands. This is not only happening in the West, it's creeping into Africa as well.
Try the mosque
Where in Africa are you from?
thank god!
Christianity has officially reached its peak. Now it is going down as time passes
So you are apalled that people can educate themselves on topics like Evolution and therefore stop believing in these ridiculous fairy tales?
What you’re talking about is the sunk cost fallacy, feeling you can’t just walk away from something you’ve invested a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears into. I have a Mormon friend who believes the church is a sham, but doesn’t leave because his entire life has been built on it
It's a tool often used by cults.
@@MichaelTheophilus906 Same could be said for all of us, including you. If Yahweh is actually 'Baal' -- as many Torah associated sources of transcriptions indicate; then would worshipping the Canaanite God who was associated with child sacrifice by incineration really lead the God Fearing, deluded Christian to heaven? I very much doubt it.
Ex Mormon here yeah I know a lot of people in that situation
@@jordysavage3363 I suspect it is similar for many catholics as well.
Right, that's not a healthy foundation upon which to build commitment to anything.
I have recently come back to Roman Catholicism, or Catholicism in general from Orthodoxy. I had converted not liking what happened to my Catholic Church looking for answers in Orthodoxy but all the while learned that I was missing out on my own Catholic faith, And figured out that if all good Catholics leave in the church will be left is nothing more than a hollow shell.I have since found a fraternity of Saint Peter Parish where I live that is very traditional, and I couldn’t agree with you more and your point! I have found joy in the Catholic Church and true universality, all through it’s traditions and maintaining the traditions. Thank you so much for this!
The Catholic religion is probably one of the most evil organisations ever to exist
God bless you brother. Even knowing that we need to be part of a group in order to grow and develope some of us tread a lonely path but love the Lord. I hope to be together with others and soon
Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children
@@mongolianfishingvillages1371 why did you feel the need to respond like that?
Kenway Tree 1700's asatru is making a comeback in Iceland and parts of England and Norway, this is the belief in Norse mythology aka Viking religion, they’ve even started not he first temple in Iceland proving that people are Turning away from Christianity and moving back to there ancestors roots
@@centurionyt4472 actually it's not about a religion...it's not about Christianity...it's about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.....
@@mongolianfishingvillages1371 Islam needs a scientific revolution to make people come out of the crap theories.
That's a really good analogy to be honest. So other conclusion might be "the churches did changes the rule to make it easy to be a Christian with the intention to retain followers, yet that effort seems to be a wrong decision causing a lot of people don't care about the religion."
The problem is at the church. Shouldn't change anything at the first place. Just preach whatever in the bible. That's basically what Islam teaches. Muslim scholars teach whatever the Qur'an say and whatever Prophet Muhammad said to the Muslims. Not adding or subtracting anything from it.
Agreed! The old saying,”Easy come, easy go.” would apply here.
CHRISTIANITY IS LEAVING BECAUSE WE ARE LIVING IN END TIMES. People reject Christ more than ever and the Bible makes it clear that these spirits grow stronger in the end times
@@noahm44 Christians are saying this for AGES
@@lenkasustackova4560 Yes because we don't know when will it come, and it is also to remind the younger christians about the end times
Jesus said he would come back 2000 years later it's now been over 2000 years, so he will come very soon
@@hersheylindon7677 where did he said that??
Hello Brian! I personally am Agnostic, and I greatly appreciate the tone of your video and presenting Valid points about your Community. I originally came looking for some Evangelist Malice ranting about how the world is going to hell, (honestly to scoff at the idea) and am actually very lucky to find your video first. Perhaps I should go and think upon my own mindset of looking for hate to help fuel my own. I don't think I can sway towards Christian belief, but I can help you out with a like and a subscribe. I hope you have a great day, Brian.
Wow. Thanks for tuning in. That was a refreshingly candid take.
@Mansoor Ahmad Dear Ahmad, the end of your comment is the end of your argument. Jesus is not a prophet of God but God himself made human flesh, as He told in many different ways. Many religions/churches speak of God and pretend to worship the one True God but God Himself only founded one Church: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Thus, and using your own words: May I kindly and lovingly invite you to Catholicism. Catholicism is the beautiful religion of worshiping the uniquely one True God (the unseen Creator and Sustainer) of the universe - The Holy Trinity. The Bible was revealed by Himself. Once you get to know it you will become a believer in Catholicism. We Catholics believe in Jesus as God mas human flesh.
@Mansoor Ahmad the verse you describe here is not finished? Jesus himself continue by saying " the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent into the world"
"This is my son, in whom I am well pleased" Almighty God speaking of His own self made flesh, Jesus Messiah
@Mansoor Ahmad you and Alfonso should get in a wrestling match to see which god is the true god. 😝
Thanks for the comment. I'm Agnostic as well. I see a lot of comments in response to yours where each person is either trying to convert you or fight each other 😆. No, I could never go back to religion. Now, when I see people of faith passionately debating things I once though we're important, but now realize are irrational, I can't believe I was ever a believer. You will never see so much hate and anger than you will from a devout person of faith when you tell them you're Agnostic and happy. For whatever reason, they just can't accept that there are people who exist outside of their faith. If they truly were at peace because they found their true system of belief, why would my personal choice make them so upset?
It is indeed a sad thing that the Church changes for the converts, when the converts are supposed to change for the Church.
My father was a convert deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, very affected after Vatican Ii and spent most Sundays after that at a traditional Latin Mass.... the Church isn't changing for the Protestants; the Church is changing to deny Catholics of the teachings and practices of this beautiful faith, the One, True Faith.... and, sadly, many Catholics are allowing it to happen... it's easy to sit with a cup of coffee in hand and listen to a teaching with a few jokes sprinkled in for 20 minutes vs an hour + in devotion, on our knees at times in remembrance of the sacrifice at Calvary, receiving the True Presence of Our Lord in Holy Communion as He instructed us to do if we are to have life within us. I attended an Evangelical Church for 20 yrs, having left the Catholic Church bc it was easy to do so...I didn't KNOW my faith... Came back in 2014... and I'm here to stay... at a Latin Mass nearly every Sunday for an hour and a half participating in the most beautiful, holy, reverent, sacred, deeply affecting, sacrifice of the Mass....
I forgot to conclude with....MANY converts are leading the charge for the traditional teachings and practices of the Catholic Church...bc they also know "from whence they came".... Protestantism... where they may have received partial truth, and now as Catholics they have the full truth of the teachings of Christ in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church...
Very solid observation
Islam doesn't change. The Quran hasn't been touched or changed. As you read it today as it was revealed 1400 years ago. To the letter. And no contradictions found in it.
@@adamdilem941 ok. I may be a sinner, but I love Jesus enough to not leave the church. I know Truth when I see it. It is fruitless to try to convert me, but I know you mean no harm. Have a nice day tho
As a devout Catholic, I appreciate your videos.
I agree with what you say Brian. My roots are Roman Catholic and I was married in the Church.
My wife, children and I have since become “born again” but my heart still goes out to my brothers/sisters in the RC church.
First off: where people get the idea that “science” disproves God is false; science doesn’t deny the Godhead, rather it explains intelligent design and the complex order of our universe.
Second: yes, without cost- true value is often marginalized and minimized.
Third: the time is coming and is now here where an “awakening” (final?) for the Church (all Believers) will occur.
I pray the conviction that guided you to make this video will bear much fruit as it reaches those who are truly at a crossroad and are earnestly seeking The Truth. Blessings!
Apostates are funny when they post on Catholic videos. No Orthodox Catholic cares what your think. You're wrong and sinning against the Holy Spirit. You might need to thump your bible to find out what that means.
This is the first video of yours I've found a few years ago when I became Christian. I just read the cost of discipleship by bonhoefer and his teaching on cheap grace and now im in love with your channel and am considering becoming catholic. So glad I found this again. God bless
Islam is the logical next step after christianity, just as the christianity was the logical next step after judaism
I hope you will read Quran to discover the truth about prophet jesus and God who prophet jesus himself prayed to.. In Bible.. And sure Satan will not makes it easy for you.. But Ask God for guidance to find the truth..
I know it is not about the topic
But I want to convey the
message for you
And I want you in hevean with me and with our prophet jesus..
And it is your decision!
May God bless and guide you🌹
In christian just be your self.. love God and other with all your heart.. happiness and blessing from God is always with you and fam.. GBU..
Islam@@xmuhmd is not logical to me my friend.. muhammad really bad shepherd.. he believes in paganism rocks hajar aswad can erase sins too bro..
Jesus Inside Father and Father inside Jesus (JOHN 14÷9-11)..
I don't hate muslim you know.. you are my neighbours.. but i really don't agree with muhammad teachings..
Just believe in Humanity, god is just a plague
@@momosaidnineisfine2194 Humanity is a plague, god is just a catalyst.
Thanks Brian. 40 years ago my wife and I had our marriage turned around when we decided to act as if we believed. In a material sense, good things and bad things happened, but we tried to believe that God had a reason for them, and we learned about our moral deficits and we learned about the struggles of other people. I thank God that none of my plans to be someone successful never worked out.
This is very sad to read. "We decided to act as if we believed." Ouch, that's got to hurt right in the faith, right?
This is right on the money. Sociologically, it is the concept of high boundaries. Organizations that are difficult to get into and difficult to stay in are the ones that tend to survive and thrive. Easy in leads to easy out.
When the church does not have clear boundaries from the world, it sends a message that it is essentially a social, feel-good club. Conversely, when the church has strong theological and moral expectations, people will be repelled by this but those who adhere to the church will tend to be very highly motivated. This is why the Latin Mass is growing.
Thanks for the video - interesting topic.
I am from New Zealand, a modern secular country, although traditionally a Christian country that is now very multicultural.
I believe the single biggest reason for the decline in Christianity in the west is actually mainly due to secularism- let’s face it, we’ve relegated God to something we roll out if/when we feel like it and for increasing numbers of people that’s well - never!
I’m actually a Muslim revert but I have respect for all people from any/all walks of life. To live as a practicing Muslim is a commitment that requires learning, time, prayer (5x daily), giving to charity, fasting etc. the rewards are well worth it, but as you say - the investment into it means we value it highly. In Islam we believe that EVERYTHING is God centred and that fosters an acknowledgement, gratitude and humility for simple things - the sun came up this morning- Alhamdulilah!☀️
Our modern western secularism admittedly has its benefits-freedom of choice is a positive. But in the process, most have simply removed God from their daily lives and this has caused the drastic decline of Christianity and the churches.
I came to Islam after some months spent in Indonesia, a majority Muslim country. For all of their challenges of being a developing nation the biggest thing that struck me is that God and faith are at the centre of their daily lives - it’s not “religion” , it’s LIFE!
I loved that and for the first time I realised that sadly, most westerners - including in my own country - have abandoned God...
Did you ever consider there is no God?
Harry McNicholas sure - many times. Then I decided that the idea that this universe, humanity, nature etc is all just an epic fluke was LESS believable than believing in God 😁
You used bad reasoning. Nobody in science asks you to believe anything. Science is based upon facts. You check out the facts. God is not a fact but only a superstition with no validity.
Harry McNicholas coolio Harry - I accept that that’s your view, each to their own. Our differing views dont hurt each other so we can agree to think differently, all good! I accept your views I’m sure your able to accept mine too 🙂
As long as they both are based upon facts and logic.
100% agreed! Ur right on every word man! As I've grown older, I've noticed that people that aren't disciplined jus seem to wander around mostly depressed and seemingly lost. My wife and I speak of this often. As she is a nurse/c.o. in a fed. Med. Prison. She's tough on every patient/ inmate under her area. And u know what, they freakin luv her 4 it!! They tell her all th time " ur tough, but ur fair to each 1 of us and u don't play favs." A black shot caller on her area told her also " I'm glad u keep them inline, they need it! An if shit ever goes sideways in here, we got ur back." I really think th sad but true moral of this story is that when people are free 2do anything, they end up doing nothing!
When I saw what direction the video was going in, I thought that Brian would talk about putting a price on the Eucharist.
I’m glad I clicked on this. It wasn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for “Why I Left Christianity” videos and this one popped up with them. This was a good watch. 👍🏼
Fasting for lent has always made me feel connected to the observance of Easter. Eating fish on a Friday has never felt like fasting. What started as abstaining from meat on a Friday was gradually watered down to you must eat fish. Now even that has faded. The ritual of a family meal can play a central roll in bonding a family and making religion part of life. All that is required is a simple meal, no need to make fish compulsory. It could even be a meat and fish
free meal (and no I am not a vegetarian). Fasting has the added benefit of focusing on what is important and acting as antidote to modern materialism.
John good on you! Fasting is a great way to see different angles on truth. Good travels brother
I’m totally meat free. I don’t understand the big deal of not eating meat on a Friday
How does "fasting for lent" bring us to an awareness that God is our Father and He loves us?
Fasting is all about "earning God's love" by fasting.
To me it is immature, unnecessarily and completely off the subject of the love God has for His children and the fact we do not need to earn that love.
So much of Catholicism is about "earning" and "earning" is not the message Christ came on Earth to deliver.
Catholicism is the Pharisee's version of coming to God, not the Publicans. Read the parable and you will see.
@@leoinsf I didn't embrace any form of fasting until a few years ago. I find it very useful in terms of spiritual discipline in temporarily denying one the pleasures of the world and helping to stay focused on Christ's sacrifice for us and not giving in so easily to temptation of sin in its many forms. I find it to be a useful tool in the spiritual warfare battle. I think the Orthodox are far too strict on their fasting requirements and frequency/duration, while the Catholics are far too lenient. Not to mention the Protestants who don't do it all. It has to be done in conjunction with prayer and/or scripture reading. Otherwise, it is just a diet. My fasting routine, falls in between the Catholic and Orthodox.
Your example in the beginning seems to be a pretty simple situation: you're balls deep in consumerist mindset.
It's funny that you pretend to being above it.
He speaks to a consumerist public of which I am part. Perhaps growing a vegetable patch would be a better analogy. When you sow seeds and run outside every morning to make sure your seedlings are growing, protecting them from wind, heat/cold and rain and and then from the birds and the bugs, you really do appreciate your harvest. When you buy a bag of spinach in the store and it goes bad at the back of your refrigerator, it's a case of 'just dump it'. Easy come, easy go. It's about commitment.
Great perspective! If you invest in something that is important to you, your involvement will remain strong. If the thing you do requires little effort, your attachment will be weak and you will drop it with very little pretense..
You have a gift for teaching. Thanks for your preparedness in speaking on important topics. Love the channel.
Watch this completely please.
th-cam.com/video/q0WSzqnJzRo/w-d-xo.html
I am really enjoying your videos. Really thoughtful and cerebral insights into the Catholic Faith. You have given me lots of aha moments and I appreciate that.
Watch this completely please.
th-cam.com/video/q0WSzqnJzRo/w-d-xo.html
First time I watched the video thought it was good. I’ve already watched 3 times and I’m convinced it’s a master piece.
Every time I watch it I see the point more clearly.
Keep the good work!
Thanks for the video!
I think a lot of clergy from the main branches of professing Christianity view their position as just a job with a salary. Their heart is not in the faith, and they don't have the best interests of the people in mind.
I think there is some truth to that statement, but I believe it applies a thousand times more to politicians and serving the public interest (rather than their own), especially those with a "D" behind there name.
Now hown can you say such a dumb thing, and you not going to see for your self.
@@davidwadsworth8982 It comes from a lot of experience.
GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER ABUNDANTLY IN JESUS NAME AMEN 🙏❤️🙏
LOVE FROM INDIAN SYRIAN CHRISTIAN ❤️☺️
I visited Belgium a few years back and we ate in a Chinese restaurant for dinner. The people beside us, the average Belgian adults (a few of them were old) began looking and staring at us as my family and I decided to recite a prayer before the meal. A lot of their facial reactions were both of surprise and bewilderment as if we were performing some strange or foreign religious custom. It's appalling that the lack of religiosity in the West has declined to such a state that prayer before meals appears weird and strange to the eyes of the same people who helped its spread.
I live in 5he UK you would get some strange looks here too...
Lol
@@brumboru U.K is melting into a cesspool. I feel sorry for the Welsh, Irish, Scottish. Your Protestant/Anglican kings fought for centuries against invaders and enemies, just to have your capital run by a Muslim that endorses shaming fellow citizens and persecuting good men who defend themselves against violent attacks.
Becuse it's wird and you shoukd keep it at home
That's because Europeans are tired of being abused as cannon fodder for wars for their rich lords.
Your amazing! Brilliant observation and discernment, great analogy. Thanks for sharing.
I'm a Protestant Christian from India. I agree with you 💯 percent.Thank you so much. Protestant churches and the Catholic Church too have so much to learn from this video. God bless you Brian Holdsworth. Keep making such valuable videos.
You are not indian brother you are slave without his master
Was invited once to a Christian seminar wherein a video was shown with a minister I had never seen before preaching that we are making it too difficult for outsiders to come into the Church and we need to make it simpler. After the video, there was a discussion period where everyone was in agreement with his thesis. (If it’s in a book or on a video it seems to infer some worst of authority, I guess) After listening to the speeches and not being able to take it anymore, I spoke up and suggested that this man’s idea was 180 degrees out of reality and, not that we need to make it more difficult, but that we need to stress the importance of understanding the commitment and to make sure that anyone wishing to “be saved” be willing to make that commitment. The ensuing disagreements, including from pastors, spoke volumes about the direction the Church is heading.
This young man, although I do not share his Theology, has it exactly correct.
Very inspiring.Thank you for having reminded me of the beginning love for our faith.
as an atheist im fine about what you believe, just don't push it on others
edit: OH SHIT DONT CLICK READ MORE, ITS CANCER DOWN HERE!
As a Christian, I totally agree, but (I am not saying you did) don't say something controversial about Christianity and then get mad when a Christian tries to defend their point.
@@samuelgeorgi9533 im surrounded by christans so im used to them and respect what they believe
THANK YOU! as a Christian the biggest problem I'm seeing is people don't know how to agree to disagree and calls each other retards smh why I don't like to participate in religious debates
I agree that Christians are not supposed to be pushy about their beliefs. Although we are supposed to preach the gospel to everyone. But if someone does not want to hear it then we are to let it go. Jesus said be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
I’ll push it over if you start a debate with me
Amen, and I say that as an Anglican. Bonhoeffer called it 'cheap grace'
SPOT ON MY DUDE! Thax for the encouragement.
The church has lived through 2000 years of ups and downs. It will live on.
The level of delusion is unreal
@@UriPhoneCrackerReligious people (Christians and Muslims) are the only groups that continue to produce more than 2 kids per family (minimum necessary to make the population not disappear) while atheists in the west are having a hard time finding purpose in this world and refuse to procreate. Atheists will disappear in the West before the next century, it’s simply mathematics.
No
I think it boils down to the fact that people don't like being told what to do in life.
@@tomasmccauley569 My point exactly
You sure about that? It seems as though corporate propaganda and materialism seemed to have taken that role. People love being told what to do
@@GigaNietzsche Yeah those are other factors too I know it's not just one thing it's just my opinion that that's one of the main reasons. Also not all people like to be told what to do some want to live how they please and be happy that way, ya know what I mean?
@@GigaNietzschenot this person.
Yes that is true. However they select other beliefs that tell them what to do. So I am not sure it is the case here.
Me: “Oh nice video. I wonder what the comment section looks like.”
*A few seconds later*
Me: “Welp now I have cancer.”
The Roman catholic church is a false pagan and apostate church and Cult that leads people to hell!
All you need is Jesus Christ and His Word the Bible!
Here's Truth:
"cbcg.org Roman catholism vs Biblical Christianity"
@@lydiapetra1211
Haha, it was the Romans that made up the cult of Jesus, turning him into a man-god-spirit thing, ever thought it’s you worshipping false idols?
@@curbroadshow The Bible is God's Word...and God the Creator is found in it... once you have a relationship with God your eyes will open up to who He is!
@@lydiapetra1211
What colour is your Jesus?
Lydia Petra
How could I have a relationship with your god? Where is he, why doesn’t your god show himself to me?
I feel this video told me almost nothing about the question being begged; which is, WHY is the "watering down" occurring in the first place? Absolute strictness in adhering to tradition can have its points, but in these days where we have a choice of where we worship (unlike older Europe did in its past), such strictness can also attract certain types for the wrong reasons and are not always healthy alternatives. I don't have the answers; and I also can understand how it's foolish to think a 6-minute video can help me to even begin to find an answer, but thanks for trying.
I think that’s an appeal to the very casualized culture around us. And it happens with a lot of things. We don’t hold people to anything because somehow the west has internalized the idea that demands for quality are going to scare people away. It’s true of almost anything. You don’t enforce dress standards because you are afraid of people not coming. Or you don’t insist on quality art before joining an art club, because you want people to come. But nobody gets anything from things that have no standards.
@@TheresaReichley Truer words never spoken!
These comments are just sad.
But true
Nobody has said spiritual growth yet, and that’s literally all Jesus taught. In a secular materialist culture it’s too high concept, it seems like woo woo
Plain and simple. Once you see the man behind the curtain, you can't unsee it. It's not that I just don't believe in religion. I literally can't anymore.
Lmao plebitor spotted
Some would say, It's not about religion. It's about a relationship.
@@Allin1Xavi Strange you say that, because the atheist countries have the highest death record in the entire history
Wow, I've never thought about it this way! Loved the little anecdote at the beginning by the way.
Delcy Mansour the popes claimed to be God all of them
Dylan Goh Nope :)
There is only one criator, the father, the son of man is a man. John 17 3, 1 Tim 2 5, heb 2 17.
How much do I appreciate you and your voice of reason and authentic faith. May Christ bless and fortify you.
In my country Uruguay, one of the most agnostic / atheist countries in Latin America, many Christian holidays such as Easter, Christmas has changed its name to a holiday week or a beer week, and Christmas for a family day
Even older people don't pay much attention to everything that is the church
And the young people, I included are developing their own creeds and joining old beliefs
For example, some of my friends prefer to believe in the Nordic gods and Valhalla, others in the Olympics and other larger ones do not care about religion,
What is rare is that despite this every time there are more private churches of which their communities are mostly Colombian or Venezuelan Cuban, who are trying to convert Uruguayan society
And here is the funny part, one of my classmates at the university, of Venezuelan origin has told me that his family is stopping to go to church, because they say they have adapted to think like Uruguayans with a thought of / I don't know / I don't care / whatever it is I am a good person /
Welp, it is not often to find such a testimony from South America. In fact, me being a Panamanian (Central America), it's hard to believe such a thing could happen here (the shift towards a broader and different point-of-view when we steer strongly to Christian beliefs), but it is worth noting the effects of such a change in the social script of your nation.
I might not know your age but, is there a way you could share with us what is going on there socially? I am very curious about it.
P.D.: the age might be important if you could reach back in time and connect the dots on these changes' outcomes.
@@soycarlosalexis
I am 22 years old born in an agnostic family with education in Catholic schools (baptized communion) as the vast majority of my relatives
Uruguay my country has always been very unrelated to the region since it was never of much interest to the missionaries at the time of the colony
And many believe that this is thanks to being one of the first secular states of the continent, but with freedom of worship, and the great arrival of Europeans during the late 19th and mid 20th century
They created a society very similar to knowledge and relfecion
My grandfather is 88 years old and he is as a believer as I am, he always believe that the churches are like political parties, they only serve to indoctrinate, and kill freedom of thought and my 79-year-old grandmother believes more in San Expedito, but does not believe in divine creation or in the miracles of God. When I started studying evolution in my Catholic school, she was very interested in the subject, so much so that I even studied biology with me and began to read all my books about Megafauna Dinosaurs and human evolution. I really don't know that the people of Uruguay are so little like the church, many believe in God or gods in their own way (especially the older ones)
But as Charles Darwin said, I have never known a people so ignorant, but at the same time so knowledgeable
PD Sorry for my english
@@Dante_-cg3fq That's so cool! To be honest, my native language is Spanish, but the thread started in English, so I just went with the flow. haha
Thanks for sharing your insights on the subject Dante. I got a bit confused when you said "I even studied biology with me". Do you mean your grandma started studying the subject with you?
@@soycarlosalexis Yep, despite the fact that she never finished high school, my grandmother was fascinated with the matter, she could not believe that such animals ever lived, she simply says if we had Gliptodontes instead of the armadillos, she would never have gone hungry in her childhood
And despite the fact that she believes in the saints and God (in her own way), she believes that the evolution happened that the dinosaurs existed and that in some times there were armadillos of the size of her car XD
Não existe Natal no Uruguai? Que estranho
You sir own the greatest book ever written besides of course the Bible and perhaps the Church Fathers! I am of course speaking of The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton. It is my favorite book, I have read it hundreds of times and honestly believe the errors in thinking many fall victim to would disappear if everyone was required to read this book at least ten times and study it chapter by chapter. Also a similar benefit could be achieved by reading another book I saw on your shelf, Orthodoxy also by Chesterton. I'm also convinced that this clarity of thought would virtually raise everyone's IQ score by at least fifteen points.
Went "black Friday" shopping today and nearly bought a pair of black & gum Vans... but opted for a better sale discount in the end
Thank you for your content, and the spirit in which you present your findings. I think it’s a sad thing to see The Church in decline. Many, many legacy churches are declining, but at the same time Christianity is growing and thriving. The main cause for one aspect of our religious expression being in decline is the traditional churches spent all their resources on maintaining old buildings, buying high-dollar technology and paying enormous salaries for roles everyday believers could fill as volunteers, if ever given the opportunity. They rarely use their resources to assist in community projects or help those who are most vulnerable. People are weary of the wasted human and financial resources by today’s church. I will say the Catholic charities are among the most generous on the planet, and their generosity touches every-day people where it’s needed the most. Unfortunately, they have been among the highest in abusing there flocks with scandal and then hiding and protecting the violators.
People aren’t leaving Christianity, they are simply leaving the buildings and the clergy behind and flowing into smaller gatherings called house churches. Here they feel equipped, empowered and engaged at every level. There is transparency, accountability and intimacy that hasn’t been present for centuries in our traditional churches. While the buildings are emptying out, houses are filling up all over the world. More money is being invested in people’s lives, volunteers are being mobilized and the laity are “Being” the church instead of “going” to church! According to Simple Church Journal (mid 2021) at least 22.6 million house churches exist with over 300,000 million attenders, and the boom continues gaining worldwide-wide momentum. Yes the main-line churches are declining, but Christianity is not only growing, but soaring. People are tired of religion but love the fresh new expression of gathering together. Many estimate that over 20 million adults are currently meeting in house churches in America, not including children. The impact being felt is a tsunami that is still unseen but is nearing the shore of this world with huge impacts! Acts 2:42-47.
Christianity is declining rapidly
I may disagree with your theory but the reality of Shrinking Christianity is not to put value in the message. Christianity is about the transformation of one's life, not information. The Christian values and principles receded to the private lives and public life is no longer being practiced. The original context of the Gospel is, Christianity should both in private and public exposure. It is also important that each and every Bible-believing Christians must be congruent to their faith. Otherwise, we will fall into the statistic of a dying church. Blessings❤️🤝❤️✌️
@Stasis Field You are right, "Christianity has failed the world" but the true message never and has never failed to those who seek God in spirit and in truth. None of us can rehab themselves because we are all sinners and fall short to the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need a redeemer to rescue us from our by nature original sin. If you study the original sin, God has turned his face away from us. Unless we look at and believe in his Son Jesus. We will still deal with the consequences after we die on this planet earth.
Thank you
❤&🙏 from scotland
Your name should be Kathy or Cathy not Kathi
I heard this somewhere, "if you don't give 100% to God, you can't receive 100% from Him either." There's only value if the effort has been made. Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy! Preach!
No XD
Religion will never die. It will continue to change, adapt and evolve just as we do.
Yeah unfortunately there will always be stupid people.
There is one paradox in all of this. Even though the organized Christian religion in the west seems to be on the decline, the overwhelming majority of people still declare themselves Christians. Even more interesting is the fact that the Bibles have never been sold in such huge numbers than in the last few years, especially in the west. Christian books in general, too. What does it mean is that there is a decline in organized denominational expressions of faith, yet an increase in the interest in the mystery of faith. I also agree with your comment around "reducing the costs of being Christian". Excellent video, as always:)
We live in a world of instant gratification. Instant coffee - Play the piano in one day etc etc. Christianity is about relationship, with God and one another.
Any relationship, like marriage for example does need work and a day by day re-commitment. In the UK, David Beckham, the famous soccer player was unfairly critised for daring to say as such in relation to his marriage.
You can't pay your tythes or give to a tele- evangelist and think you are done. Our faith is hard work but.... glorious.
It's not that people don't want to work for relationships, they don't believe a god exists to have a relationship with. That is the issue, at least for atheists.
th-cam.com/video/y29-toHGjtE/w-d-xo.html Ok, so Christian Missionaries have fallen to such an extent that now they are using Hindu names, Hindu songs, Hindu music to convert people. They are desperate to convert as many Hindus into Christianity as they can because they know in western countries Christianity failed utterly to answer questions posed because they don't have any truth. They are becoming so cheap and using other belief system content to beg people to join their religion. Christianity is dying to be frank. They cant answer questions asked by people so they call questioning BIBLE is blasphemy. They know Christianity is nothing about spirituality and its just propaganda to control masses similar to ISLAM. But Islam is much better compared to Christianity because it won't use other religion music or content, instead, it creates its content either it is true or false. But Christian missionaries can get to any low level to convert people. In initial days they use to force people, kill people, threaten, rape women if not converted to Christianity. Now times changed so they cant use force so using other means to convert people. How long such religions survive on lies? Remember lies may look like winning but they collapse in end due to lack of proper base, now they don't have a strong base, so they are trying to use Hindu content to support their falling religion. Anyone will little common sense will immediately quit such cheap religion and stay atheist instead.
But people undertook that "hard work" for centuries. Today they're not. What the churches are offering isn't attractive as it once was. I agree with you about it being a lifetime work in progress, but in a lot of cases that work is surrounded by and exists in a framework of contentions and beliefs that people don't want anything to do with anymore. And that has to do with changing societal attitudes toward people and groups who were traditionally either persecuted or at best marginalized by the faith. That's just a small part of why people are no longer interested. But the church is finding people aren't willing to throw their "unacceptable" family members or friends under a bus anymore to gain the approbation and acceptance of their fellow congregationalists.
Thank you, Brian. You said what needed to be said. I've seen that whenever people get stuff for free, they don't value it. Case in point: When I was young and even more foolish than I am now, I enrolled in a couple of tuition0free courses at San Francisco Community College. I got lazy and just walked away from them. What the hell, I didn't pay for it, right? This happens a lot in the U.S. and most likely in Canada as well. Municipalities and states offer "free" college tuition - and incur a huge drop-out rate because, after all, students don't have to pay for their classes.
I wonder if that is always true when you get something free, you don't appreciate it. It enables you to try many classes, whereas when you have to pay for it, you tend not to take chances. I would say it is very individual. Motivation plays a big part. Free colleges are a good thing for the most part and it helps more people than not. However, there is some truth to this for some people that become ungrateful for the gift they have been given. Not sure why some people become ungrateful throughout their lives and take things for granted.
So should people capable of excelling in studies be denied that opportunity because of lack of money?
I have mixed feelings about this approach. Because if the stakes are too high I am discouraged and I even can no longer do as I could before. So if you don´t put this in perspective to God´s grace and love it will simply not work. What I mean is this "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Awesome and great insight. I am returning to the church in part for the rules and discipline. I am sad that it seems watered down.
Interesting perspective! Great video!
liked looking at your bookshelf. Can't go wrong with those books.
Islam is the only religion that is here to stay.
Because it stands for what it believes in.
Christianity is changing by day.
Catholicism is the true religion of Christ. It is as unchanging as truth is.
@@nomnombr yeah that's why homesexuality is accepted now right?
How unchanged Catholicism is 😂
@@joeymontanaa It's literally a mortal sin. Chastity is for all, including those afflicted with same-sex attraction (who are called to celibacy, not priesthood).
@@joeymontanaa And being non-chaste is for certain a path to hell.
@@joeymontanaaHomosexuality is not accepted in Catholic Churches, but it’s accepted by the non religion state.
Very interesting how Muslims never soften their commitment to fasting or Shariah and seem to go from strength to strength.
If westernism comes to India, Hindus would also become irreligious, capitalism kills religion
Most Muslims are only nominally Muslim. If you pick up almost any Muslim and transplant them into the West, after a decade or so they will probably leave Islam because their roots in it were only cultural. The same thing is true of all religions. About 85% will always believe, while the rest could lose faith if the culture changes. Here in the West, the culture has changed big time!! Charles Darwin's work offered a secular view of life, and over time it has destroyed the nominal Christian faith of many. It will keep doing so until only true believers remain.
@@saadrizvi6630 HAHAHA right.
@@saadrizvi6630 lol Hinduism is the biggest capitalistic religion in the world. That's why they don't spend money after poor because what they earn in one life is only theirs and none else have a right on it.
Not a Christian but this is a very good video, and the psychology in play here is universal.
The real reason IMO, is after 1000 years, religion exists on faith and faith alone, still with not a shred of evidence for the god of the bible, it would surely eventually leads to it's demise. Remember, Faith is NOT a pathway to truth
Not a shred of evidence for any other theory for the universe forming sooo....
Seth Hansen yep no one knows for sure, there is no real answer to any of it. But i dont care, we wont find out in my lifetime anyway LOL
And you're ok walking in confusion?
MDKArtist
You just claimed that you don't know the absolutes
MDKArtist
Do you have faith?
It's not about money, it's about religion's pureness and clearness! Trinity is not pure and clear that many sincere Christians understand it and become Muslim! Know that Jesus (may peace be upon him) is only a prophet, not God or son of God! The only one God is Allah!
If the doctrine of the Trinity is wrong because the Trinity is "not pure and clear", where are we getting the idea that a doctrine needs to be "pure and clear"?
4:55 It sounds like Apple
Jokes aside it sounds like everything is polarizing; the economic middle class is disappearing, the broader Christian Church is apparently disappearing...more things I can't really think of...
In the Western world, we can say that Christianity has weakened but if you go to Africa, Asia and Latin America, its very much alive. These three are the future of the Church.
Christianity (and all religion) thrives on uneducation, poverty and ignorance.so yes, you are correct.
Christianity (and all religion) thrives on uneducation, poverty and ignorance. So yes, you are correct.
John Daedalus If you do your research, Christianity, in particular Catholicism is really not opposed to science. Some of the greatest scientists were Christians.
imemine7 So was C.S. Lewis an ignorant stupid person? Was Tolkien ignorant? Come on. There have been many intellectuals in Christianity.
@@Dave-qj1vx allow me to explain the difference between a scientist who holds religious beliefs, and a religious scientist. The first one, holds true to science in 99% of their beliefs, but due to the amount of their self they have tied to their beliefs they never reevaluate them. They can be legitimate scientists of world renown, but hold religious beliefs. It's why science doesn't rely on people and their biases. The data does the speaking, and the person discovering things is largely irrelevant beyond the need for a vehicle of discovery.
The second is an oxymoron.
Very interesting insight. Keep up the good work!
Nightcrest There is only one criator, the father, the son of man is a man. John 17 3, 1 Tim 2 5, heb 2 17.
I recently learned about Goodhart's law: "when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure".
I found this to apply to some organizations I was involved in, specifically that we tried to measure our success by the extent of buy-in we could generate often as represented as attendance at our events, rather than their applicability of our services to the members.
I think this may be somewhat at play here as well.
You make a good argument. The more you invest in a stupid ideology or bad idea, the harder it is to give it up.
I've met some ex-priests that arrived at the conclusion the evidence for a deity is absent and yet it took some of them over fifty years to realise. Imagine the sense of regret regarding time wasted?
It'd be like selling alternative medicines under the impression they worked and when you realised you'd built a career around a harmful institution, the sense of shame and regret must be immense.
I will not walk away from my faith. The reason is God loves me, His Son died for me on the cross, saved me from the penalty of sin, and promised me I will spend eternal life with Him in heaven. Not based on how big (or little) my investments are . . . . in short it's all about how we respond to the love of God given to us. . . . . . . . 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. We can have big investments but will count them later as lost . . . Philippians 3:8 "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."
Wonderfully said 🙏🏽
Islam is the logical next step after christianity, just as the christianity was the logical next step after judaism
I ask you to read Quran
And it is your choice
But in hereafter
You have no excuses if Islam
Is the last message from God and you choose this life rather than hereafter, 🤚
Ask and pray for God guidance
May God guide us to the true path of God 🌹🙏🏼
Grew up Catholic and saw the silence surrounding abuse, shaming of victims. I've heard the same story from people of many other denominations.
My thought there is that those who genuinely love Christ and want to be a part of the church, which He instituted, would commit themselves to improving the institution, rather than abandoning it. Any institution primarily managed by humans is fallible - we don't judge the validity of the Gospel solely by the goodness of its adherents (though true faith produces good works). We judge the validity of its adherents by the goodness of the Gospel. If they're in egregious error, we correct them.
@@bradyhayes7911 The Catholic Church is also a monarchy, there is no simple way to solve any of what happened and what's happening, it's extremely hard to get the Pope and the episcopate to move and act, it's easier to get a thick fortress wall to budge.
"My investment in my faith has cost me so much and transformed me in undeniable ways that it would be really hard for me to let go of because I’d have to admit that it was all for nothing." It's weird that you recognize this but don't find it alarming. Do you care whether or not what you believe is true? Or would you rather continue to hold unsupported beliefs in order to avoid having to stomach a sunk cost?
That street goes both ways, pal; assuming you're an atheist/agnostic: do _you_ care whether or not what you believe is true - and how much did _you_ invest in figuring it out?
@@thstroyur I investigated the origins of my own religion, realized that there wasn't sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that I held, and stopped holding those conclusions. I care very highly about whether my conclusions are correct, and hold them tentatively, subject to revision on receipt of new evidence.
@@KrikitKaos The very language you use here is highly suggestive that scientism is in the background, involved in the decision-making; mind telling me about your investigation, and why wasn't there "sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that you held"?
@@thstroyur If scientism is 'an excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and beliefs' and I am aware of the limits of science (it is after all a human endeavor, subject to all our human limitations) then I don’t think scientism is an accurate descriptor for me. However, I can easily state that for me, methodological naturalism is in the forefront, not the background. That said, the moment I encounter any demonstration of how to reliably interact with any supernatural realm or entity in order to describe its characteristics and understand how it interacts with our reality, I am happy to shift to a new methodological ‘ism’ that incorporates that new knowledge.
I have epistemic, logical and moral objections to the religion I was raised in (Catholicism). Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in? They are listed in most to least foundational, in terms of how and when they impacted my understanding of my religion.
@@KrikitKaos "If scientism is"--and indeed it is; just because you're intelligent enough to call that, you get a skyward thumb
"Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in?" Truth be told, _all_ of them, since worldviews are infallibly holistic. Let's start, then, with God's existence. Here's my fave argument, contingency:
1. A contingent being is one that does not contain in itself the cause of its existence.
2. The Universe exists and is a contingent being.
3. Therefore, the cause of the Universe's existence must be in a Necessary Being outside of itself.
4. The Necessary Being is identified with God, or is what we call God.
So, this may or may not be right--but if it isn't, another problem rises:
When I look at this 'reality' thing, I see, i.a., physical stuff, consciousness, uniform phenomenology. So, atheists are still in the race, eh? Very well: assume there is no God, and no such thing like God; now, explain to me how we get the things I just mentioned, and how that explanation not only isn't isomorphic with God but also superior
Thoughts?
The craziest thing is how people who have little knowledge of true Christianity blindly bash the faith. People who couldn’t cite a single parable or teaching of Jesus, try to refute the very foundation of the faith by pointing out flaws in the people who claim the faith. That’s like saying “I knew someone who was an atheist and he killed someone, therefore atheism can’t be true.” That doesn’t address the claim. Address the teachings of Jesus, and we may have a better conversation.
The reason Christianity is failing in the West while other religions in the Middle East are not has nothing to do with science or materialism and everything to do with freedom of choice and the ability to leave your inherited faith without fear of being either killed or ostracised by your family or friends.
The up side for Christianity is at least those who still follow it do so because they want to rather than because they have to.
jeep23862 this is true! 100%
True spiritual discernment is not knowing right from wrong, but knowing right from almost right.
You're almost right.
Ah Dave from the TH-cam comments got it all figured out. Teach us your wisdom Dave.
Love your videos, man.
When we were a child ,we did childish things. When we were adults, we put away childish things.
The desire to get back to the way things once were is an indication of a dying consensus. It also never works, the way things were changed for good reasons at the time and the majority of people will not tolerate turning back the clock. And so, getting back to the good old days would require the imposition of tyranny. All religions eventually die and are replaced by other religions. Christianity has had a good run and it certainly won't be gone anytime soon. But it is ultimately just another religion, and religions die.
The Book Dragon The crusifixion of Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Catholics couldn't care less what the Bible says. There reasons for being there are now fulfilled elsewhere for them.
Hi Zach, Yes I realize that Christianity is your religion, but that doesn't invalidate anything I wrote in the previous comment.
But Christianity on the global level is not dying but rising.... Christianity gains millions of converts every year in Asia, Africa and South America...Though the west is dying it doesn’t mean Christianity on the whole will die out... Christianity is no longer white man’s religion.... I am an ex Hindu from India... even in my country(unlike China where people are converting to Christianity in droves) Christianity is gaining huge converts after the arrival of large scale tv broadcasting... and social media.....
@@desigamer8598 👏 which state are you belong?
thank you for sharing the thought. it is straightforward but somehow i have never thought in that direction
I became an agnostic at 25, and I’ve never looked back.
The Tekksetter come to Islam
muaz ali I think I’ll Pass. I don’t believe in flying horses
The Tekksetter what do you mean?
Become christian?
I hope you come to faith one day. 🙏
In Nigeria, we still hold pretty fast to the old ways. In the Lagos diocese, the days of obligation are the feast of the immaculate conception, ascension, the nativity, and the feast of all saints day. If there are no kneelers you kneel on the floor.
Nigeria is for cavemen
Youre Nigerian thats not your old ways. Those are the ways a British army officer made you do at gunpoint. For goodness sake
I get the overall "cost" argument. That makes sense to me. You lose me when you throw Christianity into the mix. There's enough cost to living the way you chose to live already, and especially if you're trying to do something special with your life, there will be a lot of cost that comes with it, there will be sacrifices you'll have to make. For yourself. To better yourself in the long haul. Why add a fairytale to that?
Awesome!!!Screw Islam...I hate it!!!...
Christ dying on the cross paid for our sins. He bled, tortured, flogged, forced to carryy a cross that would kill Him and after having nails driven through His hands and feet. He hung there for 3 hours bleeding, suffering and having a very hard time breathing, He died. I would say that cost a lot. Most will never have to suffer much for our faith. Others in the world are put in jail and tortured and some are killed for their faith. It has been happening for 2 thousand years. It is not going away. The more we invest in Him the better it is for us.
@@bcalvert321 That's what the story says, but were you there to see it so you know its not just a 2000 year old legend like the 1400 year old legend of Mohammed? Do you believe a Jewish rabbi was actually the Creator or our universe? You believe Jesus was born of a virgin? Walked on water? Did magic tricks? That Jesus floated up into the sky? Is that what God wants us to believe and if we don't God will torture us?
@@torahislife And since you weren't there you cannot say it never happened.
@@torahislife God created the earth. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
You make a good point, that in a more permissive environment, people feel more permission to investigate or question the doctrine that they believe and either revise or reject it. Additionally, I know that correlation isn't causation, but I would guess that the internet has a lot to do with it. Whereas in the past, if people had doubts, they might talk to their local clergy, or take a trip to the library. Now, if someone has a doubt, they have ready access to a literal world of information which can lead to much more profound doubts and/or total erosion of their faith.
Keep people stupid is the name game of your faith. More information means less blind faith. Is the Devil is Knowledge destroying “belief” than I am a fan.
We are some protestans who will never loose our love and zeal, even if the head of your false outfit were to burn us, like they did our forerunners. True Christianity eill never die.
As a born again follower of Jesus Christ...all we need is Jesus Christ and His Truth the Bible!
@@lydiapetra1211 No, that's not ALL we need. We mostly need and instituon capable of defending our culture and civilisation. Faith is a collective experience or is nothing.
Wow! Your explanation is really spot on. Your examples all fit together so well. I would have to say this will provoke a much needed paradigm shift for me in my own Christian journey. The greater the cost to you for what you desire, the more it will be appreciated and valued. That principle has been well known in psychology and marketing forever. But I never before considered how it applied to the cost of my Christian faith. The greater the cost (sacrifice), the more precious it will become. Thank you so very much.
Christian journey? are you travelling through Europe?
It would be impossible for you to walk away because you would have to admit that it was all for nothing...
We call that the sunk costs fallacy.
Nobody gets to 'walk away', as nice as that would be. God still exists, the truth is still the truth, even if you're an atheist Hitchens fanboy who's acting like none of it is real.
@@Joeonline26 None of those things are definitive. God isn't real just because you say so. He isn't a fiction just becase someone else says so.
Hitchens fanboy. Funny. Mature. Cutting.
But I'll stick with my agnosticism. All you people claiming to know can keep your certainty.
The only thing I absolutely know is that revealed truth is some bullshit. Whatever there is or isn't hasn't been communicated to this guy on a mountaintop or that guy in a cave. Those tales should be regarded no differently than unverifiable claims are today.
Reptilian overlords, angels, aliens, sacred gardens, Atlantis, Mandela effect.
It's all the same to me.
@@stthomasaquarius May be there is no way to verify whether "A Truth was revealed on mountain top 3500 years ago or in a cave 1400 years ago" because nonone have a time machine. But what you can verify is whether that Truth/Book can or can not be written by a man 1400 years ago or 2000 years ago or 3500 years ago.
Pass every revelation under the microscope, check for authanticity, contradictions, possibility of being invented by a human being or not.
If I showed a doll and told this is made by an extra terrestrial you've laugh at me. But if I showed you a dear and told you this was made by God and made to procreate and multiplay autonomously you stop and reflect.
@@adamdilem941 All right. But if we're looking at a historical text with a critical eye, we have to look for what's wrong with the text, not what's right. Otherwise we're just cherry picking.
The Egyptian enslavement of the Jews, for example, is a claim with literally zero supporting evidence. And a lot of elements that suggest the story isn't true. And if Exodus isn't true, then the entire Mosaic law is just something somebody made up.
And if Judaism isn't true, then none of the monotheisms derived from it can be. They're all based on a false first cause.
Plus, your explanation of life is... lacking.
@@stthomasaquarius
You made few conclusions there based on either false or not necessarily true assumptions:
1- You assume that Absence of Evidence is Evidence of Absence. Regarding the claim that Jews were enslaved by Egyptians. That's a common false assumption.
2- That if a claim made by Judaism is false, then Christianity and Islam are False.
That's another false Assumption. 3- You assume that Judaism is the source of Christianity and Islam. Which is another assumption not necessarily true.
The claim is that revelation comes down vertically not horizontally as you assume. But then it is passed down from generation to generation horizontally. The Chinese whisper is a good example of horizontal revelation. If there was a false claim after 30 generations from the original message. It doesn't mean the original message is false.
Both the Torah and The NT have been changed throughout the centuries. Not the Quran. Even then It doesn't necessarily mean that the initial message of Judaism or Christianity are false.
Also Christianity takes on the Old Testament and builds on too of it.
But the Quran doesn't. It's totally Indépendantly written. In fact it corrects it when it's evidently wrong.