The Debate About a Post-Christian Era

'The Decline and Fall of Christian America': Many readers responding to our April 13 cover story considered the subject to be needlessly inflammatory. "Why would you offend the Christian community during the most holy week of the year?" wrote one. But other readers, concerned that Christian leaders have given the religion a bad name, expressed hope. Wrote an ordained minister, "I hope my religion might now be seen for what it is: a faith based simply on the love of God, respect for all God's creation and compassionate service to others."

Still a Christian Nation?
Those of us who are called to ordained ministry in the church are not surprised by the decline of America's religious culture ("The End of Christian America," April 13). For 20 years we have watched more and more of our neighbors involved in activities other than worship on Sunday mornings: shopping at Wal-Mart, ferrying children to sports events or just sleeping in. The statistics back up what clergy have been seeing firsthand for two decades. But what is also true about the American church is that there are still many families and individuals who are committed: they still manage to make it to worship on most Sunday mornings, they juggle their schedules so their kids can attend Sunday school and youth-group meetings while still playing sports or taking violin lessons, they make quilts for Africa, build homes for Habitat for Humanity, serve in local soup kitchens or food banks, and spend their own money to go on mission trips. They give of their time, talent and treasure in so many ways, and they make a positive and lasting impact. In my little corner of the world, Christians of all denominations are the ones who are leading these important efforts. They do so with little fanfare and with no thought of recognition. From what I observe in my community, there isn't some great theological or philosophical dilemma among the unchurched. There are just many who are so self-absorbed that they haven't given much thought to what is truly important and lasting for their children, much less for their community and their world. What a shame that there are so many opportunities for service in our Lord's name, and that so few make it a priority.
Rev. John W. Futterer
First Lutheran Church
Albemarle, N.C.

I am one Christian who believes we have never had, nor can we have, a truly Christian nation. But in times past, most people believed themselves accountable to God. Today people react viscerally when the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned beyond the church walls, even more so when his teachings are discussed. Yet we wonder why the family structure has disintegrated, our prisons are full, drug use is rampant and the school dropout rate is sky-high.
Matthew J. Groce
Winter Springs, Fla.

While Jon Meacham's article was nuanced, your headlines ("The Decline and Fall of Christian America" and "The End of Christian America") were both shrill and misleading. It may no longer be true that four out of five Americans is a self-identified Christian. For now, the number is down to three out of four. It is unlikely that this figure will decline significantly further any time soon. In fact, if history is any guide, it may well go back up.
Avi Green
Via Internet

The increase in the number of people with no religious affiliation is equivalent to more and more voters' registering politically as independents, rather than as Democrats or Republicans. Americans are simply discarding labels. Belief in a higher power requires faith, not a bumper sticker. Religions around the world have a long history of dividing themselves into orthodox, conservative and liberal branches, be it Judaism, Christianity or Islam, to name but a few. And, just as with any group of people, it's the extremists who give it a bad name and a reason to leave. We are not born into this world assigned to a denomination. Humans alone make those distinctions for their own purposes, not God's.
Joseph Norton
Millsboro, Dela.

The kindest thing that can be said about Jon Meacham's article is that its cover announcement is premature. And with a black Christian in the White House (to mention only one factor), it might turn out to be totally wrong. Christ's resurrection was a total surprise—to friend and foe. And the resurrection has been surprising folks for 2,000 years.
Joe T. Poe
El Paso, Texas

For years I have tried to be a conscientious mainline Christian exercising his faith while raising children and participating in the political life of my country. I felt abandoned by the Republicans when they were hijacked by self-styled conservative Christians. I learned to vote by candidate, not party, in my quest to find politicians who could put country before ideology. It is great news for me and my circle of believers to know that these Christians are on the ropes. You are correct in your assessment that this country will be better for it. Best of all, I can once again consider myself a Christian without having to declare myself conservative or liberal. Thank you for your insight.
John Liggett
Bartlesville, Okla.

Trade Barriers and China
Robert J. Samuelson rails—with good reason—against China's underhanded economic policies including currency manipulation ("A Global Free-for-All?" April 13). He highlights our alarming trade deficit with China—a result of China's "predatory behavior" and our own overconsumption due to cheap imports. Yet, with a few taps on his made-in-China keyboard, he condemns China's practices while echoing the G20's call to resist more beggar-thy-neighbor trade barriers. To acknowledge our trade problems as they relate to China in one breath, and then attack trade policies that promote domestic production in the next, leaves a reader to wonder what definition of protectionism Mr. Samuelson believes, or if he deliberately engages in ideological whiplash.
Sen. Sherrod Brown
Democrat of Ohio
Avon, Ohio

Correction
A quotation on the perspectives page in the April 13 edition of NEWSWEEK incorrectly attributed an expletive to Peter Orszag, director of the Office of Management and Budget, during his recent appearance on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart." In fact, it was Stewart who uttered the swear word. We regret the error.

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