Texas Faith: Will baby boomers be the next source of growth for religion in America?

WILL BABY BOOMERS TURN TO RELIGION UPON RETIREMENT?

We have come a long way on the road to God, and a lot more to go. The exclusive claims of access to God are steadily declining. Indeed, God has become a public property now, and is accessible to everyone in every which way. Unless you live in silos, you cannot claim your path is the only path to salvation. Indeed, religion is losing its monopoly in supplying God - Mike Ghouse

url - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/04/texas-faith-will-baby-boomers-be-next.html


Texas Faith: Will baby boomers be the next source of growth for religion in America?
By Bill McKenzie/ Editorial columnist |  wmckenzie@dallasnews.com  | 4:44 pm on April 16, 2013

Let’s return to Frank Newport’s book, God is Alive and Well: The Future of Religion in America. I did an interview with Newport, Gallup’s editor-in-chief, for our Points section on Easter Sunday. As part of the interview, he talked about the impact baby boomers could have on religion as they retire.

We’ve certainly heard a lot about how those of us who are boomers will affect entitlement programs likeMedicare and Social Security. But I really had not thought much about how this generation of Americans could affect religion.

Newport’s point is this: If boomers become like elderly Americans of the past, they will become more religious as they enter their senior years. Of course, boomers being boomers, they may defy that trend. But if they don’t, they could become a major source of growth for religion in general and various faiths in particular.

That would be interesting since we are reading about the decline of membership in some traditions, like mainline Protestant churches. Could boomers actually reverse those trends?

I don’t know, but I would like to hear your thoughts about this question:

As baby boomers begin to retire, what is it that your faith tradition could offer to those in that generation who do not have a particular religious belief? Or, to put it another way, could boomers be your next source of growth?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas, and Speaker on interfaith matters, diversity and pluralism

We have come a long way on the road to God, and a lot more to go. The exclusive claims of access to God are steadily declining. Indeed, God has become a public property now, and is accessible to everyone in every which way.

I do not see the boomers flocking to churches during their senior years in large numbers, as the elderly Americans of the past did. Many of us have found God without being religious, and there is no going back.

However nothing is absolute, a few weeks ago around Easter, a senior friend whispered in my ears: I don’t need to go to the church, but I go there just to make sure my foot is in the door, in case God is really out there to pounce on me. Much of our generation is not motivated by fear, but rather freedom, we can see the religious right losing out to same sex marriages, gender equality and inclusive attitudes.

There was “one” Christianity a long time ago, so was Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and other traditions, that is no more the truth. Not only our branches have eked out their own existence, but we have also carved out a space for those who do not believe in God.

We have accepted diversity as a way of life, the unheard of interracial, interfaith, and intercultural weddings a hundred years ago are a common place now. I have performed a variety of interfaith weddings; Jewish-Christian; Muslim-Jain, Christian-Hindu, and a Muslim-Jewish wedding is coming up. Instead of conversions, they hear a common sermon extolling their traditions which they long for.

The bride and groom must be admired by one and all, they are setting a new standard, that of respecting and accepting each other’s uniqueness. Religion is internal to them and not a thing to flaunt or a wedge.

The attitude of imposing your belief on others is fading. We have freed Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Krishna, Buddha and others to be available to be respected and honored by anyone. They are no longer exclusive property of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists respectively, and they belong to all.

Unless you live in silos, you cannot claim your path is the only path to salvation. Traditional church puts a restrictive noose around you, and many of those who have lived freely will not join the church where exclusivity is the order.

.To see all the 15 responses, please visit:  
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/04/texas-faith-will-baby-boomers-be-the-next-source-of-growth-for-religion-in-america.html/

..........Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel,India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place. He is committed to building a Cohesive Americaand offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest onSean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly atHuffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal sitewww.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.

TEXAS FAITH: How do we create the common good in Texas?

Texas Faith: How do we create the common good in Texas?
Published in Dallas Morning News on 01/09/2012

Charity does not have to be Godly, noble or a drag on the well to do, but it certainly insures everyone in the society to function effectively. Pulling people up from ditches on to a level playing field can be viewed as an act of charity or an act of responsible investment in human capital. Governor Perry needs to move on with the affordable care act or move away from being a hindrance to the public good.

Texas Faith is a weekly column at Dallas Morning News moderated by Bill McKenzie and Wayne Slater. At least ten panelists contribute each week including Mike Ghouse.

Continue - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/01/texas-faith-how-do-we-create-common.html

So, as we start 2013, and the Texas Legislature begins its every-other-year session, let’s discuss that topic. More specifically: How do you think the state can create a greater sense of the common good?

For some, this will mean greater attention to poverty issues or those left behind. Texas often ranks high among states when it comes to providing various social services, such as mental health care. And high doesn’t mean good. It means we rank 45th, 46th, 47th, etc. in a comparison of states when it comes to spending for a social service.

At the same time, Texas’ economy is in a better place than that of most states. A recent survey of CEOs ranked Texas as the best place to do business. The result of the business-friendly attitude for workers is that Texas has shown a good ability to create jobs. Because we have a fairly robust economy, jobless figures here are better than those of most states.

So, there are two sides to the Texas question. And with those two parts in mind, I’d like to hear how you think Texas can create a greater sense of the common good.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Pulling people up from ditches onto a level playing field can be viewed as an act of charity or an act of responsible investment in human capital. The reality is, it adds to the common good in broadening a consumer base that will propel economic growth, and uplift everyone in the process. Charity does not have to be godly, noble or a drag on the well-to-do, but certainly insures every one in the society can function effectively.

The mother of all good is a good economy. This can be better understood by the housing industry, a barometer of economic health of a nation. There was a time when people could not purchase a home unless they had the cash. All of that changed with the creation of Federal Housing Administration in 1934. With less than 5% down, you could buy your home. Indeed, 20 homes were bought for the same money in place of cash for one.

Everything multiplies with it; the economists call it a multiplier effect. Building 400 homes instead of twenty homes creates jobs, rolls the lumber off the mills, appliances are manufactured, brick runs through the kilns, and masons, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, electricians and others get to work. Add to that the services it generates, such as gas companies, public schools and grocery stores. All those services generate additional tax revenues.

Indeed, our common good was created out of thin air, and we can do more of it in Texas by encouraging and uplifting small businesses through insured loans to otherwise unqualified borrowers but great entrepreneurs. Bangladesh is a story of success through micro-loans, and we can replicate that model. The more people we can have on a level playing field, the better off all of us would be.

We need both short and long term solutions. President Obama has articulated the long term goals as an investment in producing outstanding students in science, math, engineering and medicine to continue to have a lead in innovation to improve our quality of life.

The short term goals include re-training the unemployed and under-employed. Once they get the skills, they can support the services the state needs.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, a good investment in a healthy America will keep Texans working and producing with the least loss of sickness. That will add to the GDP and the state’s revenues. Governor Perry needs to move on with the program or move away from being a hindrance to the public good.

The answer has got to be a comprehensive approach to feeling good about ourselves and those around us. We need to build a society where no Texan – whether that person is a woman, an African- American, gay or lesbian, atheist, Muslim, Jew, Sikh, Hindu or an immigrant — feels threatened in the pursuit of his or her happiness.

Our well-being is nurtured by the well-being of what surrounds us, namely people and the environment.

For other contributions, please visit - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/texas-faith-how-do-we-create-the-common-good-in-texas.html/

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Texas Faith: The future of religion in America

Interfaith friendships are on rise, and so are interfaith marriages. In an informal survey, nearly 35% of Muslims and Hindus marry outsides their faiths. The Pew religious landscape pegs it at 31% for the Jewish community, and the General Social Survey points it to 25 percent for the whole nation. Hence, affiliations with universal places of worship to accommodate their special needs are on rise – continued http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/01/texas-faith-future-of-religion-in.html

TEXAS FAITH: The future of religion in America
Published by Dallas Morning News on 12/31/12

Texas Faith is a weekly column at Dallas Morning News moderated by Bill McKenzie and Wayne Slater. At least ten panelists contribute each week including Mike Ghouse,

For all the responses, please visit - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/texas-faith-the-future-of-religion-in-america.html/

Frank Newport, Gallup’s editor-in-chief, has written a new book, God is Alive and Well: The Future of Religion in America. One of his main conclusions deals with the communal aspect of religion. Here’s what the public opinion analyst writes about the data his organization has collected:

“The religion of tomorrow may increasingly emphasize informal aspects of community and less hierarchy. Growth will come to branded churches to the extent that they emulate nondenominational approaches and highlight community, togetherness, and social fabric ties. Religious leaders will recognize that the social lives of today’s potential parishioners are more and more involved with ad hoc groupings, informal networking, and interaction with those who share affinities. Americans will increasingly recognize that the social and community aspects of religion are very valuable.”

Here, then, is the question for discussion:

How do you see the future for religion in America, especially the communal aspect? If Newport is right, how do you see your tradition adapting to the religion of tomorrow?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Frank Newport has captured the essence of tomorrow’s communal aspect of America very well. Indeed, there is a parallel experience at Facebook, the center of our new universe, where we function in a similar pattern in a different social setting.

The message of Pluralism and inclusiveness in both religion and politics has delivered over 10,000 Facebook friends to me, and the number is still growing with subscribers. While at the same time, Facebook has made it easier for one to create his or her own group to cater to fulfill his or her narrow interests as well, thus there is an explosive growth and formation of innumerable ad hoc groups.

I see the awakening of liberties in each individual to run from exclusive theological teachings and move towards inclusive non-denominational churches.

There is rarely a school, workplace, playground or social settings in urban areas where one is not exposed, and is not connected with people of different faiths and cultures. Indeed, it is comfortable to be a part of a congregation where such values are embraced to fulfill of our communal needs. Indeed, we are built to live in harmony with others and are drawn towards inclusiveness.

Interfaith friendships are on rise, and so are interfaith marriages. In an informal survey, nearly 35% of Muslims and Hindus marry outsides their faiths. The Pew religious landscape pegs it at 31% for the Jewish community, and the General Social Survey points it to 25 percent for the whole nation.

Religion is a part of 85% of Americans. Nearly a 1/3rd of all Americans are marrying outside their faith. Hence, affiliations with universal places of worship to accommodate their special needs are on rise.

There is also the pleasure principle at work, where we are drawn toward our comfort zone for our individual needs. Ad hoc groupings are also increasing to share affinities within religion, social networking, music, politics, cuisines, hobbies, humor, poetry, gun control etc. And Facebook has become instrumental in the formation of smaller self-interest groups.

The shift is toward connecting a piece of an individual with a similar piece of the other. instead of the whole that may come with pain from conflict.

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.