Some New Statistics

The Barna Group, well known for its surveys and demographic reports on the spiritual condition of America, has released some interesting statistics today. The areas of our countries which have the largest populations are the cities represented in this survey, so those of you who live in smaller towns or rural areas aren't included in the statistics. The report released today is titled, "America's Most (and Least) Bible-Minded Cities." A total of 96 cities or city areas were considered. 

With that title in mind, where do you think you would fit in the statistical charts?  Is your city one that would be considered a Bible-minded city? More important than these questions is one which concerns improving, no matter where we find ourselves.

Here are the top 6 Bible-Minded Cities in America : (in order, 1-6)

Knoxville TN, Shreveport LA, Chattanooga TN, Birmingham(area)AL, Jackson MS, Springfield MO

And here are the bottom 6  Bible-Minded Cities in America: (in reverse order, 96-91)

Providence RI(area), Albany NY(area), Burlington VT(area), Portland ME(area), Hartford CT(area), Boston MA(area)

Since I am from Texas, I wanted to see how my state measured up so here are the rankings from Texas:

Dallas-Ft Worth-27th,  San Antonio-33rd, Houston-39th, Austin-48th, Harlingen(area)-58th, Waco(area)-59th, El Paso-80th

While I know there are faithful Christians in all areas which need to be commended for their diligence and example, these figures give us a picture of how our particular geographic areas have been measured by the statistics. 

The report showed a few more random things you might find interesting. Look at these:  3 out of 4 people in Fresno CA have shared their faith with someone in the past year. Shreveport LA residents are the most likely to pray during any given week. Knoxville TN is 59% Baptist. More people attend church in Chattanooga TN on Sundays than any other American city. 3 of every 10 residents of San Francisco CA do not identify with the term "Christian."

Most of us find ourselves about in the mid-point of all the statistics. My take on all this is that we are prone to find ease in knowing we are average, or perhaps a more accurate word would be mediocre. Our world and more specifically our America, needs, more than anything else, to be more Bible-minded. I encourage people in good times and bad to stay close to the word!  It is the anchor we need in each and every life. A survey can give all kinds of numbers, but God is interested in you, specifically, and your relationship with Him. Aren't we glad he is a God of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness. Look at John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

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