Think Christianity is dying? Think again

Mark Bode is entitled to his personal opinions, whether as an individual or as a journalist, but he should try to find something more than hyperbole to rely on, especially in the case of the latter. 

About 75 per cent of Americans continue to believe in the Bible, either as the inspired or the actual word of God. Meanwhile about one in five Americans view the Bible in purely secular terms – as ancient fables, legends, history and precepts written by man.

Thus, in the absence of facts to support his argument, it appears Mr Bode is condescendingly impugning something he knows nothing about. 

If you think Christianity is dying, or that America’s next president couldn’t or shouldn’t possibly be Ben Carson – one of the most famous and well known Christians in recent times – think again.

According to Pew Research, “As of 2010, Christianity was by far the world’s largest religion, with an estimated 2.2 billion adherents. Islam was second, with 1.6 billion adherents.” (http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050)

I guess that helps explain Ben Carson’s popularity and his status as frontrunner, ahead of Republican presidential rival Donald Trump, a billionaire whose social commentary has been roundly criticised and who is also busily tearing Mr Carson apart from almost every angle imaginable, with the notable exception of his religious beliefs and affiliations.

Nice company you keep, Mr Bode: One rung below a carnival-barker would-be president who appeals to the insecurities and racial divisions of a shunted US middle class, and a distasteful role model of arrogant pride who eschews civility or anything resembling intelligent debate in favour of an atmosphere of political circus.

Niels Jeffreys