Today’s Headlines:

4 CHINESE BELIEVERS DEMAND RIGHT TO READ BIBLE, HOLD SERVICES IN JAIL

BARNA SURVEY: 20-SOMETHINGS TEND TO DISENGAGE FROM CHRISTIANITY

Today’s Top Stories:

4 CHINESE BELIEVERS DEMAND RIGHT TO READ BIBLE, HOLD SERVICES IN JAIL

Four Chinese Christians in custody in Sichuan province have submitted applications through their lawyers demanding their right to read the Bible and asking for a suitable place to hold Sunday services in the jail. The four Christians were illegally arrested on July, 27 when they asked about two fellow church members who had been arrested earlier that same day by plainclothes police officers. The four were sentenced to two years of “re-education through labor.” The four have been unable to read their Bibles since their arrests and have even been forbidden to use biblical terms, including God and Jesus, when communicating with their families. The four secured the legal aid of Dr. Li Baiguang from Beijing. Li says the goals for the case are to make a statement and educate and enlighten both Chinese officials and citizens as to what the law says. “Though we know that our legal action may have little obvious effect, we will persevere and exhaust all possible legal means to defend our rights and freedom,” he said. (China Aid Association)

BARNA SURVEY: 20-SOMETHINGS TEND TO DISENGAGE FROM CHRISTIANITY

A new study from the Barna Group indicates that most “20-somethings” disengage from active Christian faith during their young adult years, and often beyond, despite strong levels of spiritual activity during the teen years. The study shows that six out of 10 young people in their 20s who were involved in a church in their teens have failed to transition into active spirituality during their early adult years. Barna’s numbers indicate that teens often embrace spiritual things, whether Christianity or alternatives. However, the research shows that once they reach adulthood, 20-somethings have significantly lower levels of church attendance, time spent alone studying and reading the Bible, volunteering to churches, giving to churches, attending Sunday school or small-group Bible studies, and using Christian media (including television, radio and magazines). Only one-fifth of this age group has maintained a level of spiritual activity consistent with their high school experiences, making them one of the most resistant age groups to Christianity. (The Barna Group)