Ignorant of the Faith
Christians concerned about evangelism often say that when you talk to someone of a different faith, those persons often do not really know anything about their faith. He/she is a ___ for family, ethnic, or cultural reasons but not because of choice, knowledge of the teachings of the faith, or personal commitment.
Well, don't jump to criticize too much. I believe that is probably true of most people who call themselves Christians in this country. Barna has proven how little the average church person knows about the Bible and doctrine. I find it in my own teaching. I cannot even assume that people know the difference between John the Baptist and John the Apostle. They define religion as denomination, so a Methodist is a different religion from a Baptist.
Bible study is hard and most of the books that purport to be Bible studies are unsystematic, emotion- or self-oriented, or agenda-driven. I hope to write a book on Biblical hermeneutics for dummies one of these days.
I had this discussion with a student the other day, who was concerned about how she related to the Muslims with whom she worked. I told her to show honest interest in their beliefs, if they could articulate them--but I hope she can articulate hers. I think she will; she seemed pretty savvy. But we who think ourselves "teachers" in the church will have a lot to answer for, as the book of James says. No names,please.
Well, don't jump to criticize too much. I believe that is probably true of most people who call themselves Christians in this country. Barna has proven how little the average church person knows about the Bible and doctrine. I find it in my own teaching. I cannot even assume that people know the difference between John the Baptist and John the Apostle. They define religion as denomination, so a Methodist is a different religion from a Baptist.
Bible study is hard and most of the books that purport to be Bible studies are unsystematic, emotion- or self-oriented, or agenda-driven. I hope to write a book on Biblical hermeneutics for dummies one of these days.
I had this discussion with a student the other day, who was concerned about how she related to the Muslims with whom she worked. I told her to show honest interest in their beliefs, if they could articulate them--but I hope she can articulate hers. I think she will; she seemed pretty savvy. But we who think ourselves "teachers" in the church will have a lot to answer for, as the book of James says. No names,please.
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