The Jehovah’s Witnesses up 2.12% from the year before.
According to the 2009 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, only four churches reported an increase in converts for the year 2008. These churches were:
Jehovah’s Witnesses (1,092,169 members, up 2.12 percent )
Church of God of Cleveland (1,053,642 members, up 2.04 percent)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (5,873,408 members, up 1.63 percent)
Assemblies of God (2,863,265 members, up 0.96 percent)
The LDS church remains the 4th largest denomonation behind the Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic churches but is quickly approaching the number 3 spot and will the Methodist church within the next 2 -3 years. For the past few years the only churches to consistently gain in membership include the LDS and Jehovah’s Witness churches. The LDS church maintains around 1.6% growth whereas the Jehovah’s Witnesses gain over 2% on average and have doubled in size in the last 5 years. (However, I’m not sure how accurate these numbers are because according to the 2006 report the LDS church had 5.9 million members and now only reports 5.5 million but the report stated the growth was maintained each year at 1.5%) For a more detailed statistical analysis of the LDS church check out the post over at Times and Seasons that was postes a few weeks ago.
IF these statistics are even close to being accurate this shows an overall decline in Christianity as a whole in the United States. According to Mormon Metaphysics, there has been a decrease of 10% overall in Christianity. Also, those churches such as the LDS and J.W. churches show significant gain, but they have a very aggressive missionary effort as well. It does raise the question though of why those two particular churches are attractive to people. Even with the missionary efforts if they churches didn’t have something to offer and if there wasn’t a need out there people wouldn’t join their organizations.
So in conclusion I ask the following questions.
1. Why do you think Chrisitanity is on the decline?
2. Why do you feel those religions such as LDS and J.W. see growth each year?
3. What could be done to bring retention and conversion rates up?
Grace for Grace 
36 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 5, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Eric Nielson
1. Why do you think Chrisitanity is on the decline?
If it were not for the Mormon church, I do not think I would be religious at all. If I picture myself being brought up in some evangelical church, I imagine raising my hand as a teenager and asking ‘So all I have to do is admit that Christ is the Savior, and that is it?’ And when they say ‘yes’, I say ‘bye’. I see lack of meaning, purpose and substance.
2. Why do you feel those religions such as LDS and J.W. see growth each year?
Missionary efforts. I, of course, see more substance in the LDS view, but I give credit to the JW’s for trying.
3. What could be done to bring retention and conversion rates up?
I think true conversion is a special thing, something of a miracle. It can only come through religious experience. And the spiritual wind bloweth where it listeth. I think for retention, that baptism requirements should be raised. We should be more sure that people know what they are getting into, and that their conversion is more than just social.
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May 5, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Craig W.
1. I am like Eric, mainstream christians, to me, are undesirable.
2. two reasons, First, the missionary effort. Second, they require something from the membership. Other religions, IMHO, do not require significant sacrifices from the membership. Most sincere seekers see through that.
3. A more concerted effort by the members, myself included, would help.
Interesting post. Thanks
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June 29, 2009 at 9:20 pm
me
For all of you out there who think of “mainstream” christian religions as protestant christian religions, I ask you to consider the original, and I believe, the one christian church, the Catholic Church.
Most of what people hear about the Catholic Church is told from the protestant point of you. If you are interested or curious, The Catechism of the Catholic Faith is the resource for any questions you might have about the catholic faith. It is a huge book, but it is a reference book, so it’s fairly easy to find any subject you might be interested in. As someone who learned about my faith as a child, and therefore in a simplistic way, the book has been an invaluable resource.
Go to the source. It’s the best way to find real answers to real questions. Only then can a person make a real choice without anyone else’s interference. First, to understand. Then, to choose.
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July 8, 2009 at 3:10 am
tina
Dear me, if you really did your research you would know that the catholic church is not the original religion. I was a catholic for about 20 years and I can tell you the the catholic religion practices very unorthodox practices such as praying to idols, taking communing one at a time, confirmation, baptizing of babies and so on. I you would read the King James Bible or (New King James bible) you would see that all this practices are not written in it. You must seek the truth and free your self from such teachings, people like the jw’s, lds, lutherans, catholics and many more tend to interpret the bible to their liking or better yet someone comes along and claims that they saw God and He told them to write another gospel. do you all not care enough about your salvation as to search for the truth? As I have said remember Pauls warning about people who try to bring you new gospels! You must adhere to those warnings and stand firm on His word. Think about it, all the new books or additions people claim are basically saying that God forgot to give us more info, this sounds dumb right? And far as saying that Christianity is falling because it has become mainstream your are right in a sense but it is because people are not reading, studying and applying the word of God to their lives, this does not mean that we write additional books in order to try and control people better especially when the teachings are against Gods word. Look up, our redemption is near, these are the last days it might be tonight in a month, a year, 10, 20, 50, 100, or 200 years you must be ready!!!
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July 9, 2009 at 3:49 am
ama49
Tina,
Your comments here do not appear to be very Christian-like. I understand you may have some differing opinions, but how do you think you could have rephrased your comments to be a bit more respectful?
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May 6, 2009 at 6:47 pm
ezra
Overall, Christianity is on the decline, while other organizations are growing.
Yes, I think the greatest factor probably is immediate contact via their missionary efforts. Nothing better than personal contact.
But secondarily, I think you should consider that “overall” is the key word. Overall, mainline churches have become very liberal and trend that way; and liberals have no absolutes, no set view of right and wrong. (More accurately, the only absolute they believe is that everyone else’s opinion is wrong and needs to be corrected by force of law!)
It’s interesting that in the late 1950s, Christian Century (a very liberal clergy publication) had an author proclaim that he had no problem with where Christianity was headed. The author observed that given the direction of the mainline churches they all would end up being unitarian and univeralistic in nature–both in substance and practice. He had no problem with that, since he was a Unitarian himself.
Note that the opposite of this licentiousness is legalism. Perhaps the reaction is to run to groups which insist on strict adherence to groups like the JWs and Mormons. Islam is also a very vigorously growing religion in America.
At the same time, some people dislike the idea of structure and the confining limits of Scripture. That might explain the boom of the pentecostalist churches, like the Mormons and Assemblies, where Scripture is treated as a foundation, but one that is essentially buried with their own revelations or interpretations. So, ironically, that which is thought to be conservative is actually liberalism in a different form.
True Christianity is that which proclaims Jesus Christ as the Lord of life, whose death and resurrection is the only basis of salvation. It is a narrow path, not a broad one, that leads to salvation, as Jesus said.
How do you keep people active in the faith?
You could add more regulations, more open testimonials, more varied worship and servant events, as people will urge. This is a “Law” approach, which condemns.
But while morals and moralism, laws and legalism, subjective and esoteric mysticism seems to be a better path to holiness, remember that the Bible tells you there is only “one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is over all, above all, and in all”–and the blessings are only there by the work of Jesus Christ, and him alone. Salvation is by grace alone (from the Father), through faith alone (from the Spirit), by Christ alone (from the Son), as found in Scripture alone. This is the Gospel approach, which saves.
Bottom line: Forsake everything but Christ, find forgiveness and salvation in him alone, and everything else will be added unto you.
Blessings in Christ,
Ezra
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May 15, 2009 at 7:52 pm
gloria
Ezra,
I second your thoughts ” Forsake everything but Christ, find forgiveness and salvation in Him alone”
Amen!!!
That is precisely what I did when I left the LDS church – I ran strait into the arms of Jesus!
Regards,
gloria
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July 8, 2009 at 3:13 am
tina
Ezra, thank you for your comments, I wish more people would read, study, and apply Gods words to their hearts. It seems to me that you have being doing just so. God bless!!
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May 7, 2009 at 12:12 am
dmt
1. Rising secularism, backlash against conservatism and the Religious Right, lack of need for religion in a busy world, spiritual dissatisfaction, the pride cycle, etc — take your pick. I think that many factors are at work.
2. One constant throughout American religious history is that as churches approach mainline status, they start dropping in fervent members. Eventually, they flatline or even decline as they retain the hardcore faithful but start losing many others. An excellent treatment of this phenomenon is the book “The Churching of America, 1776-2005” by Roger Finke and Rodney Starke.
Churches that do well are the upstarts – the new, the radical, the ones that are at odds with the society around them. JWs and Mormons still fall into these categories, though I’ve heard one BYU religion professor suggest that the Church’s attempts to be seen as mainstream may end up costing it membership growth if Finke and Starke’s hypothesis holds true. Given concerns over decline in converts, this may be happening already.
3. Conversion will continue in new parts of the globe (Africa and Eastern Europe especially). At this point Western Europe’s virtually a lost cause, and North America may soon follow. Latin America… well, all those “baseball baptisms” that unwittingly propped growth stats are forcing some institutional repentance on the Church’s part, IMHO.
I think that the missionary program’s in something of a much-needed retrenchment mode. Hopefully it will emerge revitalized; the new missionary manual is certainly an improvement.
As for retention, I believe we’ve received some much needed counsel from the Brethren in the last decade. Whether we’re implementing it as well as we should be is open to question. Again, that ties back in to the changes in the missionary program. Like Eric, I think that we need more focus on true conversion and firmer doctrinal understanding first.
I also feel that correlation needs to be eased up and the international character of the Church better understood. It’s increasingly difficult for members outside of the US to find breathing room in a church that appears squarely zeroed in on what happens along the Wasatch Front. The Gospel is true, but actual church attendance still needs to be relevant and inclusive for members, and the institutional side of the Church can stifle things for many.
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May 9, 2009 at 3:03 pm
jackg
Eric,
Your comment reveals that you do not understand evangelical Christianity and the true grace God offers through the Work and Person of Jesus Christ. It’s not about raising your hand, accepting Christ, and then doing nothing. Obviously, you are referring to a works-righteousness theology versus a theology of salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ on the cross. It would be great if you would understand something before you make such comments. Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ, which means we are justified solely by our faith. This is all over the New Testament, which you neglect to acknowledge. Works are our response to God’s grace in our lives. If we do not show forth works, then you can say that we really don’t believe in Jesus Christ at all. “Faith in Jesus Christ is not real until it is connected to how you live day to day. This is what living faith is all about” (Paul Chilcote, ‘Recapturing the Wesleys’ Vision,’ page 25). The discussion on faith and works is not the purpose for this thread, but I wanted to respond to your inaccurate remarks.
Peace and Grace!
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May 12, 2009 at 4:58 am
carmen
Eric, sorry for my bad english but I wanna response to what you wrote.
Why you think there are so many mormons inactive and people leave the church? It is not about numbers it is about a true and alive relationship to jesus. I thought it is intresting that you said you : “if it isnot for the Mormonchurch i would not be religious at all”. There is nothing said about jesus and you having a relationship and thats is the reason why you are a moromon. We can do so many thing even religious things but when it is not build on us having a livivng relationship to god it is invain. I was a mormon but i left the church and i know many churchmembers who are insidly dead.
Jesus said that in the last days the true believer will be a view, so guess to get numbers out and look who has the most memebers doesnt say anything about there true spiritual condition !
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May 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm
gloria
Carmen,
I just wanted to post and say “hello”, as a former mormon now sold out for Christ – it is always a joy to find a former mormon who has embraced the Lord!! Praise Him!
I also agree — it’s not about religious. Jesus didn’t preach religion – He preached himself. The reason why religions fail so often is they lead people to religious acts, but often times they forsake the personal, the sacred, the intimate walk with the Lord. That is truly what the pharasees were like …. on the outside they were all so ‘holy’ and “rigteous” but where did it get them?
Grace & peace,
gloria
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May 13, 2009 at 3:29 pm
ama49
Eric and Craig,
Your comments about Christians being undesirable aren’t going over well with our fellow Christian friends. However, I do think I understand your point when you say that many Christian churches have lost their “religion” so to say and therefore they’re undesirable. Perhaps you could have rephrased it a little better so it’s not attacking people personally.
In a similar sense though our Christian friends Eric and Carmen bring up some good points. Many Mormons lose their spirituality by being too religious as Carmen points out. If we don’t have a relationship with God/Jesus everything we’re doing is in vain.
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May 15, 2009 at 7:51 pm
gloria
For true born again believers , it’s not about “religion” or a church, it’s about a personal relationship with the Lord. Many Christians are worshipping in non denominational fellowships. I certainly am. After leaving the LDS , I had had enough of ‘religion’ and wanted something so much deeper than that. To me having a close relationship with the Lord is ultimately the goal — not a religious membership.
Sincere regards,
gloria
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May 15, 2009 at 7:48 pm
gloria
I am not suprised. The top 3 religions are not traditional/biblical christianity. So yes, of course they are growing the fastest. I am suprised to not see the Christian Scientist on there. I must say the Church of God has made some good changes as of late — dropped some of it’s non biblical teachings and trying hard to drop it’s image of a “cult”. I can’t say the same for the other 2 churches listed. They are both teaching things that are not biblical. The bible tells us that in the last days there would be a falling away and that truly is happening as more christians are not grounded in God’s word and therefore open and prey to other teachings. That is what happened to me.
Sincere regards,
gloria
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May 16, 2009 at 4:11 am
ama49
Gloria,
You stated:
“I am not suprised. The top 3 religions are not traditional/biblical christianity. So yes, of course they are growing the fastest.”
Why do you think non-traditional/biblical christianity would be growing faster than traditional biblical christianity?
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May 18, 2009 at 6:58 pm
gloria
Hi, ama. Here is the answer to your question:
“Why do you think non traditional/biblical christianity would be growing faster than biblical christianity”:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
” This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, …. ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim 3:1,2,7
“Even our Lord warned us that there would be many false teachers, prophets,even if possible to deceive the very elect of God. Matt 24:24”
These passages speak for themselves, so I will leave it at that.
Kind regards,
gloria
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May 19, 2009 at 5:01 am
ama49
Gloria,
I understand your point you are trying to make with the non-traditional/biblical christianity vs. “biblical” christianity.
What exactly is your definition of biblical christianity? Also, what were the original Christians called who didn’t have the Bible? They too would be considered non-biblical christians as well right?
I think the point you’re trying to make is a good one, but not valid. Original Christians didn’t have the Bible as we know it today for hundreds of years.
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May 19, 2009 at 5:06 am
ama49
Gloria,
One more point. You mention non-traditional Christianity. What exactly is traditional Christianity? I think we’re safe to say it is Catholicism is “traditional” Christianity (starting around the time of Constantine anyways). Therefore, according to your statement pretty much everyone on this list is hosed from #2 on down because Catholics are the largest religion and denomonation of Christianity.
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May 19, 2009 at 1:51 pm
gloria
Ama,
The early christian church consisted of a body of believers who worshipped primarily in their homes ( called house churches today) . We read about their expereinces in the book of Acts. The focus was on the message of Christ and the spreading of the good news . The church in the early days grew rapidly. As you well know the first 3 centuries of christianity was met with great opposition and persecution. During this time the early Christians relied on the hebrew writings of the OT and of course the writings of early church leaders ( such as paul and peter) . They most definatley had access to the word of God. Peter and Paul did indeed write a great deal as did others, who were eye witnesses to the life of our Lord ( such as matthew and john). I am actually in the midst of a study on the reformation and it’s facinating to read church history. God truly preserved His truth even thru the difficult and trying times.
I would say “traditional christianity” relies solely on the words of our Lord, meaning the Bible as our authority vs. man made religious systems. Traditional Christianity aligns itself closely to the NT early Church vs. the man made systems and denominations we see today.
Kind regards
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May 20, 2009 at 5:34 am
ama49
Hi Gloria,
I agree with you on what you say about early Christians relying on the words of the apostles that were revealed to them as being early Christianity and also that the words of the apostles were the revealed word of the Lord.
I disagree with you on the Bible being the authority. The bible doesn’t have authority. Jesus has authority and his leaders have/had authority as you already alluded to with Paul and Peter. Paul and Peter didn’t have the Bible to rely on as authority, rather as you already stated, they had previous revealed words that were given through prophets and they had the Lords word given to them through direct revelation.
I think people that believe that the Lord isn’t restricted to a few Books in the Bible, but that He is the source of authority, are those who choose Christian religions such as the JW or Mormons who also beleive God isn’t limited and that he can still give revelation today.
Whether or not one believes what is revealed is another story, but one that can be revealed to all people who have desires to know for themselves from God.
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May 20, 2009 at 2:16 pm
gloria
Hi, ama. I appreciate the chance to exchange thoughts about this with you. I believe that God’s words — found in the Bible are the ultimate authority or truth. I agree with the great reformers like Wycliff who also believed and challenged the religionists of his day, and also beleived that God’s Word is to be our authority, not man or man made religions. ( and for me all religions are man made, as Christ did not preach religion but a personal relationship with God ).
I do believe that Peter and Paul and many others had authority to preach God’s word, as I believe that men today also have been given authority by Christ to go to the ends of the world and preach and baptize. As believers we have been comissioned by Christ and are partakers of His royal priesthood and most definately are to share the good news. ( found in the Bible)
I also agree that God does reveal Himself to us. I just spent an hour this morning with my Lord and He most definately speaks today to His people. He reveals Himself to me on a daily basis in a wonderful and beautiful way. I hear His voice and He speaks very clearly. God sits on the throne, and His will has been plainly been set forth in His Word, and it shall not return void and shall prosper and be preserved for generations to come. Ps.12:6&7
Grace & peace,
gloria
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May 16, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Eric Nielson
Why would anyone assume that because someone is religious then they do not have a relationship with Christ? That is much more judgmental and a personal attack than anything I said.
My view is that most Evangelicals are Calvinists or near Calvinists. This is not a personal attack in the least. It is a simple disagreement about theological beliefs. Nothing personal at all. My opinion is that there is more fluff than substance in many churches, and that is my opinion as to why there is a decline.
I am baffled as to why a simple opinion and observation would not go over well, and why the response would be that religious people lack a personal relationship with God.
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May 18, 2009 at 6:50 pm
gloria
I am a Christian, and not a calvanist. Wow. That is a big assumption. I go to church with many wonderful Christians and they aer not calvanists. We are christians first and foremost , disciples of Christ the Lord.
I just had to say something as it’s one of my pet peeves to name folks by their religious denominations… if one is truly a disciple of Christ why not call themselve so, Why the other names? I am sure it doesn’t bother others, but it’s gets under my skin. How many Christians do you know to say that most christians are calvanists? Why do you say that? Is it because Christians believe God is sovereign? Just interested in knowing how you came to this conclusion?
Kind regards,
gloria
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May 18, 2009 at 6:52 pm
gloria
oops.. I meant to say why do you think most “evangelicals are calvanists? Isn’t an ‘evangelical” a person who believes in sharing the good news of Christ Jesus? ( from the root word : evangelize)
Kind regards,
gloria
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August 22, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Bob
1. Why do you think Chrisitanity is on the decline?
Jeffersonian separation of Church and state was an improvement at the time but since the 1960s it has proven it’s unsatisfactory effects in the modern age; the more advanced people become, the more advanced we need lead including one unique Christian standard and in agreement with one unique law functioning properly together (reference GodMath.com / ICCDBB PCS [this in definition sense per-se does not refer to personal computers]); so the proper solution is to best distinguish the Church state relationship instead of wrongful separation.
2. Why do you feel those religions such as LDS and J.W. see growth each year? LDS is very advanced (ibid.), current through to at least the 1800s; J.W. is a little similar to LDS in that it sends people to homes, and virtually everyone knows word-of-mouth is a great sales technique and is Biblical.
3. What could be done to bring retention and conversion rates up? PCS (ibid.) does it, as ICCDBB is an example of many fold exploding online church growth, and on TV INSP is reaching globally, as you can see for yourself in modern Christian patterns and rather unique Holy PCS Trend terms as these two increase as currently a long time Test is drawing near conclusion at this site: http://www.angelfire.com/nb/38/test.html.
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September 2, 2009 at 6:55 am
Lauren
Dear All,
I am a Christian. I follow the teaching of Christ. I read the scriptures and I pray everyday. I go to church every week, even when on holidays in a very foreign country I try to find a chapel to attend. I serve others. I repent. I am an honest & trustworthy citizen. I am a dedicated wife. I am a caring neighbour, I am LDS.
The reason why the LDS has good conversion rates is not for the numbers…it is because we truly love the Lord our God, our Saviour and our fellow brothers and sisters, everyone that has ever walked the face of the planet….if only for numbers in society then why do we truly care about those who have passed on from this world.
We do not believe in beating another persons religion.
I am sad by all those who feel a need to disparage good, honest & loving people but I am most sad that you do not have the beautiful testimony which I have been blessed with…not because my religion told me to have but it is something my loving Heavenly Father has blessed me with.
You might consider me simply indoctrinated, but I was an inactive memeber for 10 years, I am blessed to be intelligent, analytical, scientific and logical. I have my own mind and ability to ponder and understand things for myself. I CHOSE to return to the church because I knew it was true and I could not deny it.
I know that my church is true, I love my Heavenly father for blessing me with a personal testimony and I my hope for you all is that someday you will pray for the truth in your life.
With love to all my brothers and sisters.
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September 17, 2009 at 10:56 am
faryad Younas
On the night of 30th July 2009, a mob (about 2000 Muslims) attacked Christian community on the accusation of blasphemy by Mukhtar Masih, Talib Masih and his son Imran Masih of village Korian (7km from Gojra), District Toba Tek Singh. During the violent attack, armed mob torched 57 homes of Christians, looted their belongings and desecrated the churches and religious books. On 31st July 2009, a case had been registered in Saddar Police Station, Gojra u/s 148/149/153-A/295/380/436 PPC 7ATA, against 21 nominated persons and hundreds of unidentified people for burning 57 houses and plundering their belongings.
On 1st August 2009, a mob (about 3500 Muslims) attacked Christian Colony in Gojra city in reaction to alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in Korian Village. They burnt down 68 houses and killed 7 Christians including three women and two children, plundered their belongings and ransacked churches. On 2nd August 2009, a case had been registered in City Police Station, Gojra u/s 302/148, 324/149, 436/295, 380 PPC 7ATA, against 17 nominated persons and 800 unidentified people for burning 68 houses and 7 Christians alive.
Detail:
On 24th July 2009, there was a marriage ceremony (Mehndi Function) of a Christian in village Korian Chak 362 J/B, Tehsil Gojra, District Toba Tek Singh in Punjab province. During the ceremony, some children were throwing papers in the air for celebration. Some Muslims accused three Christians Mukhtar Masih, Talib Masih and his son Imran Masih that they had torn down the papers inscribed with Holy Quran verses at a wedding ceremony.
On 25th July 2009, a jury (Muslim and Christian elders) called Talib Masih to offer apology over the incident. The issue was resolved harmoniously by jury members with the apology of Talib Masih over the desecration issue. But in the evening of 30th July 2009 at 6:00 p.m., announcements on loudspeakers from the mosques of Korian and nearby villages started inciting Muslims to attack Christian community for protecting accused of blasphemy. After the announcements, most of Christian families left the area for safety.
At 8:00 p.m., a large Muslim mob assembled, they chanted slogans against Christians and blocked Gojra-Faisalabad Road to block the entrance of rescue teams to the village. Armed mob attacked Christian community, burnt down 57 homes of Christians and reduced them to ashes, looted their belongings (cattle, T.V., cycles etc.) and desecrated two churches and religious books.
On 31st July 2009, a case had been registered in Saddar Police Station, Gojra (FIR No: 429, under sections 148/149/153-A/295/380/436 PPC 7ATA) against 21 nominated persons and hundreds of unidentified people, who burnt 57 houses and plundered their belongings.
In the evening of 31st July 2009, Ulema announced from the mosques to observe a strike against the incident of desecration of Quran by Christians, and asked Muslims to assemble together at Malkanwala Chowk in Gojra. On 1st August 2009, at 9:00 a.m. local Muslim Ulema along with Anjuman-e-Tajiran took out a procession against the sacrilegious act and arrived at railway track nearby Christian colony. The protesters started pelting Christians with rocks and set the house of Riaz Masih on fire. Then, Christians pelted Muslims with rocks and opened fires to disperse the enraged Muslim mob and to stop entrance of mob in the Christian locality to avoid the loss of lives and properties, which injured few Muslim protesters. During this incident, many Christian families fled the colony for saving their lives, but some of them locked themselves at their homes.
At 2:00 p.m., some well-armed, well-organized and well-trained masked men (belonging to banned religious organization Sipah-i-Sahaba from Jhang) led the mob. The police failed to control the mob and protesters entered the Christian locality. They attacked Christian colony with machine guns and inflammable chemical. They set ablaze 68 houses of Christians, burnt six Christians alive and killed Hameed Masih with gunshot, looted their belongings (cash, gold jewelry, T.V, air condition, computer etc.) and ransacked two churches.
The dead were identified as Hameed Masih (75) s/o Punno Masih, Akhlas (40) s/o Hameed Masih, Asiya Bibi (22) w/o Mohsin Masih, Asifa Bibi (30) w/o Almas Masih, Umia Bibi (10) d/o Almas Masih, Musa (7) s/o Almas Masih and Parveen Bibi (50) w/o Victor Masih.
On 2nd August 2009, local Christians, relatives of victims from Punjab province, Christian religious & political leaders and human rights activists blocked the Multan-Faisalabad railway track and traffic for several hours from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. by placing the coffins of the killed people on the railway track. They protested against attackers and demanded F.I.R against them for brutal killing of Christians and torching of their houses.
The protesters ended the blockade of the railway track only when a case had been registered in City Police Station, Gojra (FIR No: 462, under sections 302/148, 324/149, 436/295, 380 PPC 7ATA) against 17 nominated persons and 800 unidentified people, who burnt 68 houses and killed 7 Christians. Later, final rites of the seven deceased were performed in the Church, Gojra and the bodies were laid to rest in a local cemetery.
All Houses are burnt. People are sleeping on roads, they have not even a single resource to survive. We are providing for what we could do. Now we want to provide them beds, furniture, cloths, toilets, food and shelter, these are basic things which they deserve.
The Affected people really look forward for some donations and prayers.
Faryad Younas s/o
Younas Javed
Director
Shining For God’s Glory Ministries Pakistan ,(SGGMP)
Christian Colony , Latief High School Road ,
Toba Tek Singh, 36050.Punjab.Pakistan.
Ph.+92-46-2515930,+92-300-8793608.
Email addresses.
Faryad_younas@yahoo.com ,
Ribca1432342@yahoo.com ,
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March 30, 2010 at 4:41 am
St. Frances Fan
tina wrote:
“Dear me, if you really did your research you would know that the catholic church is not the original religion. I was a catholic for about 20 years and I can tell you the the catholic religion practices very unorthodox practices such as praying to idols, taking communing one at a time, confirmation, baptizing of babies and so on. I you would read the King James Bible or (New King James bible) you would see that all this practices are not written in it.”
Dear Tina, I have been Catholic for much longer than 20 years, and I have Never prayed to an idol. If YOU were praying to idols, you were not obeying Catholic teaching, which PROHIBITS praying to idols.
I have no idea what you mean by “communing one at a time”.
Confirmation is found in Bible passages such as Acts 8:14–17, 9:17, 19:6, and Hebrews 6:2, which speak of a laying on of hands for the purpose of bestowing the Holy Spirit.
As for infant baptism, in Acts 16:33 and 1 Corinthians 1:16 whole “households” were baptized. There is no reason why that wouldn’t include infants, indeed it’s likely that it would. In Acts 2:38–39, Peter speaks of the promise arising from repentance and baptism also including children. He doesn’t say ‘children who can speak for themselves.’
So you see, things Catholics do and believe ARE found in the Bible, not that it’s required that all articles of the faith be found in the Bible; the Bible certainly doesn’t require that.
And if you really did your research you would know that the Catholic Church established the canon (the list of contents) of the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible does it say what should be included in it. That was established after some debate at the Synod of Rome in 382 under Pope Damasus I; it was confirmed by a number of other synods and finally by the Council of Trent. That synod established the New Testament that you find in the so-called “King James Version”, which was completed in 1611, over 1200 years later. And every Bible after that had the same books in the Old Testament the Catholic Church has until Martin Luther took out 7 books in the 1500s.
There’s more that could be said, but that will do for now.
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April 19, 2010 at 7:58 am
Pastor Asif Mubark
My name is Pastor Asif Mubark . Me and my younger Brother Evangelist Kashif Mubark Runing Catch The Holy Fire Ministery here in Pakistan for 8 Years. We have 20 home churches all around Pakistan. As you know serving in A Islamic country is not easy way to go but we are very thankful to our Lord for His protection that we are still safe and serving. Please always keep us in your prayers as now a days persecution is very high in Pakistan. Last year the Muslim Mob burned down 3 Differents Christian colonies Inculding Our Christian Colony Gojra . Other 2 Christian Colonies are just on 10 miles away from my Hometown. Please pray for the persecuted church of Pakistan. May God bless you abundantly and your work! Your fellowship will be a privilage for me.
Your Brother
Evangelist Kashif Mubark
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December 5, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Marty
I have never commented on any of the articles that I normally read. But I have to comment on this one. So many of you keep saying The Jehovah’s witnesses are not bible based. They are growing because they are Bible Based! They follow the bible completely. Look up their beliefs in the dictionary if you don’t believe alot of their teachings. Most of their teachings that are not accepted are the holidays. All the Holidays are PAGAN! Check history books check anything but at least do your homework. Jesus talked to His Father not to Himself. All of His teachings were about how to Worship His Father. Which is Jehovah. Jehovah is Gpod’s Name. You praise it in the Our Father Prayer. You Praise His name everytime you say Halleluja.Which ( Translated is Praise Jehovah) By the way. Know me is Loving me. In the Bible is says that yet You don’t even know your God’s name or use it. I’m not educated but at least I have read my Bible and they are the only religion that follows the Bible. Jesus is the Son Of God. Common sense Jehovah is His Father! Why don’t you people read the Bible front to back not pick scriptures. Check the encyclopedia for explanations. Jeremiah chapter 10 says don’t follow the traditions of man. Read the whold Chapter. By the way christmas is the biggest Pagan based holiday you people celebrate. Shame on you all for not being more educated on the one subject that could save your life! I am not affiliated with any religion. I just read the Bible.
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December 6, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Cal
Hi Marty!
I’m glad you read your Bible. You said, “Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 4:15 says, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” Therefore, I’m accepting you as my brother in the Lord until I learn otherwise.
One thing about your view of Christmas—at least you’ll never drift into Santa Clause hype!
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December 6, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Cal
To Pastor Asif Mubark: Thanks for your report! I do pray for Pakistan & other Islamic countries. You guys are my heroes!
Be strong in the might of He who sits at the right hand of the Almighty until His return. You will be greatly rewarded!
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December 16, 2011 at 1:19 pm
MJ
1.) Christianity is on a decline because they are consistently being exposed for their hypocritical actions, demanding money at every church service every half and hour and are shown to teach doctrines other than what the scriptures clearly indicate.
2.)I can’t speak much on LDS bit for J.W’s, I think it’s kinda obvious. J.W’s have single handedly exposed false Christianity for what it is: a money hungry domain. They also strictly adhere to bible laws and principals and are very helpful in the community, particularly when it comes to their ministry. They never force their members to give any donations nor do they pass around collection plates. They don’t celebrate non scriptural holidays and they also don’t believe in non scriptural doctrines such as the Trinity, Hell Fire and all good people going to heaven. They don’t foster sex abusers. Also, if ever they have made a mistake, they are quick to admit it and then readjust to clearer bible thinking. Most importantly, they actually use God’s name as shown in many bible translations while others omit it. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have exponential growth while other religions continue to decline in membership.
3.) The church needs to clean up it’s act as a hold. They are so far off from the bible and what God expects, it’s sad.
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April 11, 2013 at 7:39 am
charla troyano
I agree with MJ. Your comment was posted in 2011. It is now 2013 and Jehovah’s Witnesses have increased to almost 8 million and growing. The truth has a ring and persons who really want to know what that truth is will recognize it as such realizing they are not under obligation whatsoever. Individuals are not forced to become Jehovah’s Witnesses but it is strongly encouraged that they at least study the Bible and then make an intelligent choice rather than go along with what others say about this religion. Wisdom is proved righteous by its works so when applied the Bibles laws and principals benefit that individual tremendously thus making the person a better wife, husband, mother, father and child. I have seen it. I have lived it. It works. God is our heavenly Father so he is the one teaching us the way we should live our lives because he loves us.
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April 18, 2013 at 11:11 am
Doug Dwyer
Having studied the teachings and beliefs of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and knowing Jehovah’s Wittiness’s I do not hesitate saying that it is a non-prophet organization (and that is not a typo!) It has posted so many false dates for “the end of this present age” that the leadership should be ashamed. While many of the regular members appear to be very nice people this has been a sect which has repeatedly used date setting (and then denial) over and over again to both control its people, manipulate, and attract converts. Their crazy doctrine regarding blood transfusions based on a misreading of Leviticus have cost many a wittiness’s life. Yes-Christianity has some blemishes-but they do too.
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