Inspired. Inerrant. Infallible. Unread.
These four words describe with tragic accuracy the way the Scriptures are regarded by many professed believers – intellectually affirmed but practically ignored. This is reflected in a growing deficit in biblical literacy.
FillingerThis is true of evangelical Christians in general and Southern Baptists in particular. The validation of this statement is found in numerous statistics drawn from SBC life. The trend-lines in nearly every aspect of ministry reflect significant decline. The correlation between a deficiency in biblical literacy and organizational decline is inescapable. According to Union University professor George Guthrie, only 16 percent of churchgoers read the Bible daily. He cites statistics that indicate 25 percent of the people who go to church regularly do not read their Bible at all.
It is irrational and unwise to deny this reality and the inescapable consequences. Jesus said, “Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:20 ESV).
What is biblical literacy?
Biblical literacy is the ability and willingness to use reading, listening, speaking and writing to understand the Word of God and be understood by others.
What is the profile concerning biblical literacy among professed believers? Research conducted by George Barna produced the following profile:
– Many professing Christians cannot identify more than two or three of the disciples.
– Five out of 10 believe that anyone who is generally good or does enough good things for others during their lives will earn a place in heaven.
– Four out of 10 believe that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths.
– Seven out of 10 born-again Christians said they do not believe in moral absolutes.
– Only one in 10 Christians bases his moral decision-making on the principles taught in the Bible.
– Fifty-four percent believe truth can be discovered only through logic, human reasoning and personal experience.
This collection of data is “exhibit A” that a significant number of professed believers are largely ignorant of what Scripture declares.
What are some probable causes or reasons for this condition?
– Unregenerate people. Job said: “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). This is the longing of a regenerate life. Regenerate people possess a hunger for the Word of God. The evangelical church has a growing complement of people who may be “members,” but they have never been born again. They have no desire to assimilate truth and no capacity to order their lives by the postulates of special revelation.
– Defective theology. The Word of God is not mere information. “I have watched with growing disbelief as the evangelical church has cheerfully plunged into astounding theological illiteracy,” declares David Wells in his book, “No Place for Truth.” When Stephen was about to be stoned, he told his antagonist that the Scriptures were “living oracles” (Acts 7:38). Scripture has been reduced by many to mere information. Such people selectively pick and choose what parts they will or will not obey. Paul pointed out the dichotomy between professing Christ and genuine conversion: “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works” (Titus 1:16).
– Corrupt metrics. What an organization measures defines and shapes that culture. Effectiveness is most often measured by one-dimensional metrics: attendance, offerings, baptisms and activity. The Great Commission commands us to make disciples. Drawing a crowd and making disciples are two entirely different realities. Drawing a crowd is an event. Making disciples is a process transacted over time (Acts 11:26). This requires line-upon-line, precept-upon-precept instruction. This is applied theology. We value what we measure, and what we are measuring is not transformation.
– Powerless pulpits. The seduction of contemporary culture, rather than the mandates of Scripture, shapes much what passes for preaching today. Marketing techniques, rather than absolute truth, drive ministry. There is a demand for how-to homilies rather than the well-crafted exegetical proclamation of God’s Word. Fifty-seven percent of evangelical pastors surveyed stated they would quit today if they had some way to care for their family. The Scripture declares that such a man is a hireling, not a godly shepherd. Modeling is crucial in disciple-making. Only 38 percent of pastors in this same survey indicated that they read the Bible for personal edification. Like pastor, like people.
What is a positive and beneficial path for the future?
There is always hope. King Asa faced dark and turbulent times. God sent him Azariah, the prophet. Asa took courage. He claimed God’s promise: If you seek him, he will be found by you (2 Chronicles 15:2). After great spiritual apostasy, Ezra led God’s people in prayer and fasting (Ezra 8:21-23). God responded to their pleas. God’s people today may seek him, and, perhaps, in his sovereign goodness and mercy, he will stem the decline and bring reformation to his church.
It is my desire to raise awareness of this deficit in biblical literacy and expose the elephant in the room. Until we shine the light of truth on this pachyderm, he will continue to bring devastation to the gospel message and to the glorious name of our Lord.
– Fillinger is teaching pastor at SouthEast Community Church, where he has served for 14 years, and CEO of IgniteUS, a consulting ministry that seeks to raise the leadership competence of pastors and other church leaders.