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Originally Posted by Chris
No, it isn't.
For those that practice a faith - and I mean those that seriously believe and act upon the teachings, not people who wear a nominal label - they do it because they believe there are serious consequences, in this life and in eternity. To call it a "lifestyle choice" puts it in the same category as the brand of coffee you prefer, and that very seriously misses the point.
So far as Christianity goes, evangelical denominations are growing, but the larger, established and in most respects theologically liberal ones (the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, mostly) are shrinking at a greater rate.
This is because society no longer pressurises religious conformity, so those of a nominal belief are less likely to go out on a Sunday and practice what they say they believe.
It is no surprise that religion is less of a thing in rich, Western countries. Those who are rich, have no need to ponder whether they need an eternal saviour. They feel like they're fine as they are so they don't trouble themselves with thoughts of religious obligation.
Jesus himself recognised this when he said "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
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That's exactly how the rabid atheists would like it to be classed as, personally I respect people with a faith, especially when they practice it under fear of persecution or even death. To me it's as much of an insult to say to these people it's a lifestyle choice as when some ignoramus calls being gay a lifestyle choice.