A Faithless Society 

   According to recent polls over a quarter of Americans classify themselves as “nones,” no religious affiliation.  Living an amoral life soon leads to an immoral life which further leads to hatred and evil.  I question whether society can survive a continuing decline in faith and morality.

   Recent polls also indicate that less than one third of self-proclaimed Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis.  Nearly half of them see the Eucharist as only a “symbol” rather than the true presence of Jesus Christ under the guise of bread and wine.  Less than half of Catholics report going to confession at least once a year.  Sadly, these pseudo Catholics have effectively excommunicated themselves by their actions and lack of faith.

   Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope Benedict XVI, predicted that the Church would become much smaller, but more faithful.  A remnant of the faithful will remain, but the Church will suffer a loss of the lukewarm and cafeteria Catholics.  This is disappointing but it is also evident in the Church today.  Perhaps a smaller, more faithful Church is needed to reenergize the faith and help it to begin to grow again.

   Faith has become something people show little or no evidence of in their lives.  I know people who haven’t been inside a church for years but still say they are Christians.  I don’t understand how a true believer can not desire to gather with others of faith to give glory and praise to the Lord.  If I never visited family and friends how could I say I loved them?  Love requires fellowship with one another.

   Without God, civilization deteriorates into anarchy and chaos, breeding hatred and evil.  A faithless nation cannot long survive, it will eventually self-destruct.  Though I love this nation, I fear that it is on the path to perdition.