society

The most accurate definition to describe the character of modern Western culture is the word consumerism. The thing that drives nearly every aspect of the way we live our lives and who we understand ourselves to be rests in the dynamics of consumerism.

In January 1964, President Lyndon Johnson declared a "War on Poverty" in his State of the Union address. At the time, nearly one in five citizens, the vast majority of those being children, were living in poverty.

A recent Gallup Poll asked the question: “How important would you say religion is in your life?” In 1992, 58 percent of those surveyed indicated it was "very important." Just 12 percent said it was not very important.

In 2010, those who believed it was very important fell to 54 percent. Perhaps more significantly, those who believed it was not very important rose to 20 percent.

Asked whether, “At the present time, do you think religion as a whole is increasing its influence on American life or losing its influence,” 70 percent said religion was loosing its influence.