Survey: Americans switching faiths, dropping out – CNN.com

This is an interesting article regarding the statistics of many religions, and how many people are either joining, leaving, or remaining in them. This quote is espcially interesting:

Hindus claimed the highest retention of childhood members, at 84 percent. The group with the worst retention is one of the fastest growing — Jehovah’s Witnesses. Only 37 percent of those raised in the sect known for door-to-door proselytizing said they remain members.

At first glance, this might appear to the casual reader to be a negative reflection on Jehovah’s Witnesses. But in reality, it is quite the opposite. Being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses requires a conscious, educated desicion. It’s not something you are just born into or inherit from your parents. To be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses requires a dedication, and action on the part of each individual. While it might be common for someone to claim they are Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant, etc., it cannot be assumed that these people are actually active in their faith, or that they follow it completely and to the full. However, for someone to rightfully claim they are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses requires that they actually be living up to that claim, or at least making their best effort.

The statistic also shows that many from outside the organization are joining, while the opposite is happening elsewhere. Becoming a JW requires a lot of time and effort in Bible study, meeting attendance, etc. It’s not easy, and requires a great deal of changes in lifestyle for most poeple. And yet many are doing it, more than any other religion. Why? Because through their study, they are finding Truth, and it is setting them free, as Jesus said. Free from the false teachings they likely experienced in their former religion. Free from the nonsense and empty promises of the political rulers of our day. Free from the anxieties of this world and it’s present wicked state.

The number of people choosing to server Jehovah will continue to grow, despite increased efforts to stop it.