I recently read a rather lengthy article about how the Presbyterian Church was infiltrated and eventually “destroyed.” Fundamentalist–Modernist Controversy showed the steps humanistic infiltrators used to take that denomination from being fundamentalist (conservative) to being Modernist (liberal). Today I read another article that reminded me of the expose’.
According to a 2014 Barna Group survey, 46% of Americans do not read their Bibles. “Roughly half of all Americans feel the Bible strongly discourages prostitution (58%), homosexual or same-sex relationships (57%), pornography (52%) and gambling (49%)”–meaning that roughly half of all Americans do not think the Bible discourages such practices. Well over half (57%) cannot correctly name the first five books of the Bible. Half of Americans do not agree strongly with the idea that “the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life.” A 2013 Barna Group survey indicated that 22% of Americans believe that Noah was married to Joan of Arc or are not sure whether he was or not; 36% believe Sodom and Gomorrah were married or are not sure whether they were or not; and 52% believe that John the Baptizer was one of the apostles.
Turning that survey on the other side, about 1/2 of Americans do read their Bible, which is far more than other nations might claim, and even though 22% believe Noah was married to Joan of Ark, 78% knew better. Taken the right way, this survey is excellent testimony to how many Americans would like a government that would not squelch Christianity!
It is all in how you cook the numbers, or how you evaluate the statistics. If one wants to discourage and damn the Christians, he shows how stupid and lazy they are. Supposedly the article written as an evaluation of the Barna Groups’ findings was meant to encourage young children to read their Bibles. How so? Would it have encouraged you to read, or would it cause you to say, “I sure don’t want to be friends with one of those ignoramuses.”
Today I received an email from one of our granddaughters who talked about a family with five children, who were visiting. One little visiting girl, who was too short to reach the kitchen sink, had stood on a chair to help wash dishes after all three meals. Has someone trained that child to please the Lord by doing good works? You can believe they have! Why does Barna Group not survey people like you and me or this family whose children are so tenderhearted and helpful? Why do they deliberately look for the minority of citizens who have no knowledge of Christianity or the Bible? Their intent is to discourage!
Believe me! Christianity is still alive and well (Dan. 2:44). Don’t let anyone discourage you!
Excellent article. I read this survey. You are absolutely right. It’s all in how you cook the numbers. Love this article and well said!
Thanks! The first three times I tried to open this comment it gave me an automated statement and a link. Has that happened to anyone before?
The sign said: Copy and paste the following information to link this Christian woman blog to your web site or blog!