An Alarming Trend
In a recent survey, a group of Southern Baptist pastors were asked to indicate their agreement with the following statement. “I believe in the divine inspiration of scripture.” 100% of the pastors agreed with that statement. When asked if they believed in the inerrancy of Scripture, 97% of the pastors strongly agreed.
In research for a soon to be published book entitled, “The Shape of Faith to Come”, only 67% of adults who attend an SBC church at least once a month strongly agree that “the Bible is the written word of God and is totally accurate in all that it teaches.” The research also indicated that only 76% of those adults strongly agree that “the Bible is the authoritative source of truth and wisdom for daily living.”
Why the difference in those numbers? Perhaps we have not clearly proclaimed the Word of God. I also believe that one reason that some people do not accept the authority of scripture is because it does not fit their lifestyle. We have a culture that likes to pick and choose what they believe. This is the reason that we hear so much about how Christian we are as a nation and yet do not see that reflected in the conduct of our nation.
It is important for us to proclaim the truth of God’s word in our daily lives. People are looking at us to see how we respond to the truth of scripture. It is not always easy for us but it is always right. As a church we will continue to proclaim the power and truth of God’s Word.
There’s a lot new information (new to me anyway) being taught regarding the scriptures. For example, Hebrew idioms, early cultic & religious cultural practices and other information that archeologists are digging up are spreading new light on the scriptures. Christians, for some reason, are hesitant when it comes to asking and answering questions. I think questions are good . . . our faith needs to be challenged . . . church should be a place where we can ask hard questions and not be made to feel stupid or heretical for asking.
“Lost in Transmission?” by Nicholas Perrin is his response to Ehrman’s book “Misquoting Jesus.” It’s a pretty good book . . . doesn’t answer every question but has some good stuff.
May God continue to bless your ministry. Good post!
Blessings,
Bret