he would have it so

Apparently, people are showing by some numbers somewhere that satan seems to be gaining ground. I say gaining ground because the belief in his existence as a being is declining, as a study statistically shows. Now, that may sound paradoxical in nature, but re-read that carefully and think of what satan wants to do.

Now, any statistical study can be skewed in many ways. You always have to interpret data and numbers with a grain of salt. So this data may not apply or be true for the entire US or the entire set of "Christians" in America. I'm posting this because I think it's something to be aware about and think about.

This study is published on a website of "a multi-faith group", but the study was done mostly by the Barna research group, which does have Christian affliations. I provide this link to this "multi-fath" group because they offer some interesting interpretations of the data, and note this is done by people who are not necessarily Christ followers. It's here:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_sat4.htm

Two observations strike me most:

a) In looking at the chart comparing belief in satan in varying countries around the world, I think it's interesting to think of the current state of faith in those countries that lack any significant belief in satan. Most of the countries that lack really any belief in satan are virtually bone-dry, faith wise. Regarding this, there is a strong correlation with more than one country profiled in the chart. I know saying these countries are bone dry faith wise is a generalization, but I feel strongly that a statistical study could be done to prove this. This data did come from 1991, so there's also a good chance that things have changed. I hope so, I hope more people are believing in satan's existence as a being.

b) The percentage of people believing in satan's existence as a being in the USA has been declining in the period from 1991-2007. Has our society been declining in the same time frame? Are there any correlations? It could be argued, well, "hell, no! the 1990s and 2000s were some of the most prosperous times the USA has ever seen, with the advent of free trade, revolutionizing technologies, the computer, facebook, and the like!! You're crazy!"

Yes, I'll admit that I'm crazy. But I'm crazy because I'm trying to follow Jesus. That's a discussion for another post however.

In pursuing God and desiring to serve Him and bring Him glory in every way, as individuals and collectively as a nation, is there something we're missing? This doesn't necessarily apply to non-Christians, but to Christians, does not believing, or forgetting that satan is living and active, wanting to destroy, does that cause us to be more complacent in our walk with Jesus?

I think these numbers that offer a stronger "proof" if you will, I guess if that's what numbers in a chart from a scientific study do, are something to really be aware of.

If we are not aware of an enemy who is constantly coming at as, trying to attack, kill, and destroy, or don't believe one exists, then we have no reason to try to put up any defenses. Nor do we have any reason to flee for shelter.

I believe one of satan's most cunning tactics is to make people believe he doesn't exist.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)