Biblical Ignorance and the State of Theology in America
Bereans,
A couple of weeks ago in a sermon I referenced the 2022 Ligonier Ministries "State of Theology" survey (see link below). Ligonier conducts this survey every two years (since 2016) using a nationally recognized polling firm to gather and report the data. The purpose is to understand the state of biblical knowledge and faith in America. The report groups the responses according to both the general population and those who self-identify as evangelical Christians. The results each time are disappointing, yet not surprising. Each year, the percentage of people in both categories that can give the correct biblical answer gets lower than the previous survey.
The answers given by "confessing" evangelicals are the most concerning. When 56% percentage of so-called evangelicals think there is more than one way to heaven and 43% believe that Jesus was a good man but not God, we have a problem. This clearly indicates that the "evangelical"
churches these people attend are not teaching the gospel. If these people do not understand the gospel, but think they are Christians, they are thoroughly deceived (1 John 2:23; 5:1). You cannot self-identify as a Christian and hold the view that Jesus is not God, or that other religions are valid. These do not mix.
This is why it is so important to know the Word of God. It clearly tells us that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12), and that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Every question in the survey can be answered correctly simply by knowing some of the most basic, clear Scripture passages. That's why it is the job of any true, local church to thoroughly teach the saints to know God's Word. It is fully trustworthy in its authorship, and it equips us for everything we need to obey Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). People who know the word will be grounded and will not be tossed about and deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 4:11-14).
I encourage you to browse through this survey and ask yourself how you would respond to the questions in it. If you have children, survey them as well. If there are any questions you're not sure about, see an elder or deacon, or a church member who is mature in the faith and they can guide you to what Scripture says. Finally, take advantage of every opportunity the church offers to know His Word. It is everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Ligonier "The State of Theology 2022" survey: https://www.ligonier.org/store/the-state-of-theology-epub
Grace and peace to you,
J.W.
A couple of weeks ago in a sermon I referenced the 2022 Ligonier Ministries "State of Theology" survey (see link below). Ligonier conducts this survey every two years (since 2016) using a nationally recognized polling firm to gather and report the data. The purpose is to understand the state of biblical knowledge and faith in America. The report groups the responses according to both the general population and those who self-identify as evangelical Christians. The results each time are disappointing, yet not surprising. Each year, the percentage of people in both categories that can give the correct biblical answer gets lower than the previous survey.
The answers given by "confessing" evangelicals are the most concerning. When 56% percentage of so-called evangelicals think there is more than one way to heaven and 43% believe that Jesus was a good man but not God, we have a problem. This clearly indicates that the "evangelical"
churches these people attend are not teaching the gospel. If these people do not understand the gospel, but think they are Christians, they are thoroughly deceived (1 John 2:23; 5:1). You cannot self-identify as a Christian and hold the view that Jesus is not God, or that other religions are valid. These do not mix.
This is why it is so important to know the Word of God. It clearly tells us that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12), and that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Every question in the survey can be answered correctly simply by knowing some of the most basic, clear Scripture passages. That's why it is the job of any true, local church to thoroughly teach the saints to know God's Word. It is fully trustworthy in its authorship, and it equips us for everything we need to obey Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). People who know the word will be grounded and will not be tossed about and deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 4:11-14).
I encourage you to browse through this survey and ask yourself how you would respond to the questions in it. If you have children, survey them as well. If there are any questions you're not sure about, see an elder or deacon, or a church member who is mature in the faith and they can guide you to what Scripture says. Finally, take advantage of every opportunity the church offers to know His Word. It is everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Ligonier "The State of Theology 2022" survey: https://www.ligonier.org/store/the-state-of-theology-epub
Grace and peace to you,
J.W.
Posted in Church
Tagged with 1 John 2:23, 1 John 5:1, Acts 2:36, Acts 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:11-14, 2 Peter 1:3-4
Tagged with 1 John 2:23, 1 John 5:1, Acts 2:36, Acts 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:11-14, 2 Peter 1:3-4
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