Researcher questions Pew report on declining US Catholic population

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A senior research associate for the Center of Applied Research in the Apostolate disputed the Pew Research Center’s recent report on a decline in the US Catholic population.
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Citing other statistics, Mark Gray asked, “How sure can we be that this shift actually occurred? After reviewing other available data sources, not very sure.”
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“A really big survey, such as the one Pew conducted, is helpful, but it is still only one poll,” he added. “In a sea of other studies that disagree, the safer bet is still to go with the aggregate. This implies no recent decline in the Catholic population.”
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catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=25009
 
While there is nothing wrong with a bit of optimism I think this article is a bit more than optimistic. Certainly there are regions, particularly in the US with a strong Catholic Church attendance but for most it’s at all time lows.

When it comes to belief in Dogmas I don’t think anyone could disagree few are in alignment with Church teaching on matters such as fertility treatments, contraception or divorce.
 
The “Catholic population” may not be declining but it doesn’t take a poll to see that the number of Catholics who actually practice their faith is dwindling.
 
Things like identification make for complicated numbers considering that a large portion are non practicing, non caring, and not sure people who in my view could easily sway a report like this by 5 or so percent based on how the question was worded or how the interview was conducted for answers…

A Much more practical important number is the weekly church going population (practicing catholics) since they are really the living functioning church. I don’t think using church membership would be accurate, I’m not registered and hardly anyone who I go to masses with is either.
 
boar2roar said:
Things like identification make for complicated numbers considering that a large portion are non practicing, non caring, and not sure people who in my view could easily sway a report like this by 5 or so percent based on how the question was worded or how the interview was conducted for answers…

A Much more practical important number is the weekly church going population (practicing catholics) since they are really the living functioning church. I don’t think using church membership would be accurate, I’m not registered and hardly anyone who I go to masses with is either.
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It’s good to know what is going on, but I think it’s important to emphasize quality over quantity.

The Church should not be popularity contest. A lot of folks miss the boat on that. They say things like “the only problem I have with the Catholic Church is how it treats women” and the like.
 
R_H_Benson said:
The “Catholic population” may not be declining but it doesn’t take a poll to see that the number of Catholics who actually practice their faith is dwindling.
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I agree, its sad to see so many people who think only physically being in church for one hour a week…somehow think they are fulfilling their duties and consider themselves catholics! LOL

Then again, I think Jesus warned there would be a falling away from the church, so shouldnt be that much of a surprise if its true, its bound to happen at some point.
 
mikekle said:
I agree, its sad to see so many people who think only physically being in church for one hour a week…somehow think they are fulfilling their duties and consider themselves catholics! LOL

Then again, I think Jesus warned there would be a falling away from the church, so shouldnt be that much of a surprise if its true, its bound to happen at some point.
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In defense of us “one hourers” its better than the large amount of ones who don’t go at all and not everyone has time for daily mass, The one hourers are fulfilling an obligation and its the engine of the church that keeps it going. Churches can’t stay open for those who only come twice a year or for an occasional wedding, baptism, funeral…
 
boar2roar said:
In defense of us “one hourers” its better than the large amount of ones who don’t go at all and not everyone has time for daily mass, The one hourers are fulfilling an obligation and its the engine of the church that keeps it going. Churches can’t stay open for those who only come twice a year or for an occasional wedding, baptism, funeral…
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Precisely. I was a one-hourer myself for years and thought I was a good Catholic, at that time.
 
R_H_Benson said:
The “Catholic population” may not be declining but it doesn’t take a poll to see that the number of Catholics who actually practice their faith is dwindling.
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This might be a regional issue. I’m in the DFW area and our Catholic Churches are full and the faith is vibrant. I think there is a growing trend of Catholics taking their faith more seriously. We see many large young families. As for this part of the country, I believe the future is bright.
 
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