When people suggest that they don't have enough time to read the Bible, study matters like theology and church history, and get involved in other such activities, keep in mind how much time they find for other things. They spend a few hours every day on activities like watching television and sports. In the study I'm citing, something like "garden care" or "planning a party" is categorized as a "household activity" rather than leisure activity. And so on.
I suspect that the actual numbers are worse than what people are revealing to researchers. One factor to keep in mind is multitasking. When people do more than one thing at a time, like listening to something while fixing a meal or driving a car, what do you think they listen to? Material related to the Bible, philosophy, church history, apologetics, etc.? Or things that are less important, sometimes even immoral? Again, I suspect that the situation is even worse than the Department of Labor's study indicates.
From the page here, we see the following average number of hours per day spent on leisure and sports: 5.37. And the average spent on religious and spiritual activities: 0.15.
But don't nearly half of Americans attend church or other religious services regularly? No, a lot of Americans lie by claiming to attend religious services more often than they actually do. See here.
Remember, a majority of Americans can't name the four gospels, and more than forty percent can't name the current vice president. See here. Such numbers suggest widespread ignorance not only of subjects like religion and politics, but also related topics, like history and current events.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Thanks, Jason. A great reminder.
ReplyDelete"...we see the following average number of hours per day spent on leisure and sports: 5.37. And the average spent on religious and spiritual activities: 0.15."
ReplyDeleteThe real difference is between those who view this as an either/or rather than a both/and. When leisure isn't part of one's spiritual life, leisure is pursued for only temporary gain and doesn't include spiritual growth. I spend most of my vacation from work doing mission work, for example and often put on debates and theological podcasts instead of music in the background at work.