Church Shopping

[421 words] “… the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). It seems that more people today are challenging traditional affiliations. For instance, a 2013 Gallup Poll has determined that 42% of American voters consider themselves to be Independent (www.gallup.com). This is the highest number ever of those not expressing an alliance with the Democratic or Republican Party. This trend toward change from traditional institutions is seen in religion as well. In a 2009 study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, it was discovered that 44% of Americans have changed faiths (Time Magazine, Apr. 28, 2009). The traditional religion of a family is apparently no longer a sound predictor of the religion of its descendants. The church where Mother and Dad were members is no longer as strong of an influence as it used to be. “Church shopping” is…