The good news is that Americans are deeply religious — this according to a study by Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The study revealed that 92 percent of Americans believe in God and 74 percent believe in life after death. The troubling news is that most Americans don't feel their religion is the only way to eternal life — meaning that most of our countrymen do not know the fundamental teachings of their faith.
A lot of us believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ was the road to eternal life, but the Pew study showed that 57 percent of evangelicals believe many religions can lead to eternal life. Amazing!! That pretty well answers the question of why it is so difficult to preach absolutes, especially when the pulpit and the pew are not on the same page. It also points to the fact that a "feel good" message is much easier to preach than one of basic biblical foundations.
Today, the news was full of a story related to a speech Barack Obama gave in June of 2006. Dr. James Dobson took exception to some statements Obama made in reference to a selection of biblical passages the Senator used in connection with public policy. Dobson noted that Obama was "distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology."
The difference of opinion on crucial issues such as gay rights and abortion have divided these two national figures, but it is obvious that each of these men represent a segment of society that believe what they believe. I, for one, think Obama is mistaken, but, I wonder, what you are thinking? There was a time when the evangelical church leaders, at least, were mostly on the same page, but, sadly, that does not appear to be the case anymore. I wonder where all of this will eventually lead. I think I know. The church will become more tolerant and forgiving where basic absolutes of the Scripture are concerned — and, in time, the church will be in chaos — and, in time, the church will become impotent. I pray I am mistaken. What say ye?
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil" (Prov. 3:7 NIV).
Be blessed and be a blessing.
