November 25, 2003

Believe it or Not

In our adult Sunday School class, day before yesterday, our teacher shared some very eye-opening statistics that come from the Barna research center. They have to do with the views of Americans as to the existence of Heaven and Hell. What was truly disturbing about this survey were the responses from believers.

George Barna, the president of the company that conducted the research, pointed out that “Americans’ willingness to embrace beliefs that are logically contradictory and their preference for blending different faith views together create unorthodox religious viewpoints.” For instance, he noted that among born again Christians - who believe that they will experience eternal existence in Heaven solely because they have confessed their sins to God and are depending upon Jesus Christ to spare them from eternal punishment or rejection - 10% believe that people are reincarnated after death, 29% claim it is possible to communicate with the dead, and 50% contend that a person can earn salvation based upon good works.

What we have here is evidence to suggest that our post-modern culture has made significant inroads into evangelical teaching and thinking. Belief in reincarnation and communication with the dead is anti-biblical, and points to shoddy Bible teaching in our churches. Belief that there are other ways to heaven besides faith in Jesus Christ is pure heresy!

In a culture that gets its worldview from Hollywood, strange beliefs on the part of the rank and file do not surprise me. But equally strange beliefs on the part of those who claim to be Christians is appalling. Methinks we need to reevaluate the educational programs of our churches. If we are to make an impact on the people of our generation, we will not do it by assimiliating their beliefs.

Posted by Andrew on November 25, 2003 3:55 PM.