Casual Christians

George Barna is a famous pollster and author of a number of books specializing in Christian topics.

In his most recent book The Seven Faith Tribes, he discusses the seven predominant spiritual groups in America. The group that most captured my attention in his book is the group he calls the Casual Christians.

The Casual Christians comprise about 80 percent of all Christians, roughly 150 million. Although they label themselves as Christians, they do not see Christianity as a worldview; that is, they don't see Christianity as the lens through which to view personal decisions and the world at large. Rather, Casual Christians are comfortable with themselves, perceive themselves as independent thinkers and desire to remain open to a wide array of moral perspectives and lifestyles.

They put personal bonds ahead of ideological convictions and believe that God accepts them for who they are. This group also views themselves confidently, proudly seeing themselves as self-made, self-sufficient individuals. Viewing God as a benign and forgiving deity, they do not get too excited about matters of faith.

What an interesting analysis! Do you also find it interesting that this group of "Christians" makes up 80 percent of all Christians? If they do not make Christ's teachings prominent in their lives, can they really call themselves Christian?

Knowing the characteristics of Casual Christians helps us understand the recent development of the megachurches and the problems they face, such as inconsistent attendance, ministries divided into niche interests, high turnover of members, etc, and the generally independent path many take who call themselves Christian.

Casual Christians view church much like anything else in their lives—fitting in as long as there is room for it and easily discarded if it becomes uncomfortable or inconvenient.

What should we gather from such an analysis as Mr. Barna's? What is (and who is) a Christian then? A Christian is someone who is diligent in keeping himself or herself blameless (2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
See All...) and purifies himself of herself (1 John 3:2-5 [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

See All...). A Christian is someone who has God's Holy Spirit working in and directing his or her life (Romans 8:7-10 [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

See All...) and who does the will of the Father and obeys the words of the Son (Matthew 7:21-27 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

See All...).

A Christian is someone who is developing God's character and emulating Christ (Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.
See All...). A Christian is someone who keeps God's commandments (1 John 3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
See All..., 4:21, Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
See All...), including "remaining" in the Sabbath (Hebrews 4:9-12 [9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

See All...). A Christian is someone who is reflecting Christ in all aspects of His life, not just as a title or a convenient activity.

Rather than George Barna's discourse on Casual Christian's being a reflection on those not living up to God's standards, it should be a call to action and a reminder for true Christians to be ever vigilant to live according to Christ's example (John 13:15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
See All...). Not only will we be truly seeking God, but He will be watching over us (Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
See All...). UN