Reversing Our Biblical Illiteracy

The Biblical illiteracy rate in our nation is sky-rocketing.  This can be easily confirmed through watching the direction of our nation's moral code (or lack thereof), and by doing simple surveys.  For example,

Some of the statistics are enough to perplex even those aware of the problem. A Barna poll indicated that at least 12 percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife. Another survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that over 50 percent thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. A considerable number of respondents to one poll indicated that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham. We are in big trouble.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Even for those of us within the church, there is a tremendous need to rebuild a Biblical literacy.  If we do not know even some of the more trivial things (like the Sodom and Gomorrah reference above) how are we supposed to know the deeper things of scripture, of life, and of God?

This coming year (2006) our church as a whole is making a New Year's Resolution to read through the Bible in the course of the year.  Following the same reading plan will help each of us to encourage each other (and yes, to hold each other's feet to the fire) in staying on track and disciplining ourselves to read the Word of God.

The purpose for this is not for the gaining of a badge of completion, but rather for the equipping of our hearts and minds so that we can live life and know God.  As the scriptures say,

"...and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NIV)

If you do not currently have a Bible reading plan functioning, please consider joining us in our New Year's Resolution.  We will, together, reverse our Biblical illiteracy and become more fully equipped for living life to its fullest in Christ.

Thanks for reading.  Have a GREAT day!