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Are You Biblically Literate?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, though the world's bestselling book, often remains unread, gathering dust in many homes. Despite its availability, with ninety percent of American households owning at least one copy and numerous free versions accessible online, reading it has significantly declined. Among churchgoers, who are expected to base their beliefs on Scripture, only 19% read it daily, while a nearly equal percentage never read it at all, and the majority only occasionally engage with it. This trend is mirrored in other nations like Australia, where 2 in 10 churchgoers read daily, Canada, with just 11% reading daily and 34% never reading, and Britain, where 35% of regular worshippers read daily but 40% do not read at all. This ignorance of Scripture is starkly evident among younger generations, as a 2014 survey by the United Kingdom Bible Society revealed that many British children aged 8-15 lack basic biblical literacy. Just under a third did not know the birth of Jesus Christ is from Scripture, 41% failed to identify David and Goliath as biblical, and 59% did not recognize the stories of Jonah and the great fish or Samson and Delilah. Additionally, 23% had never heard of Noah's ark, and 85% were unaware of King Solomon. Even among British adults, 54% mistakenly believed plots like that of The Hunger Games could be biblical. Historically, the Bible was foundational to education and societal norms, shaping behavior and belief through common knowledge of its stories and teachings. Its neglect today has led to a loss of these boundaries, allowing extreme views and behaviors to proliferate. As God's personal instruction, the Bible is a force for good, designed to guide us to maturity, correct our paths, and equip us to do good to others. Yet, without reading and studying it, we cannot know the truth that sets us free, as Jesus Christ teaches, nor can we truly know God, the essence of eternal life. As God's people, we must not follow the world's trend of losing biblical knowledge but strive to grow in it.
A Crisis of Ignorance
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn our society, learned knowledge — including knowledge of God — is declining, and that spells certain trouble both nationally and spiritually.
For Lack of Knowledge
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSixty percent of Millennials believe that the Bible is oppressive and that the nation would be better off without it. Lack of knowledge is destroying us.
Would Jesus Approve of Same-Sex Marriage?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe absence of any outright scriptural condemnation of homosexuality from the lips of Jesus has been a mainstay of so-called Christian, pro-gay rhetoric.
How Little They Know
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must escape the influence of our defective culture, sacrificing our time in Bible study and meditation, coming to know God and doing His will.
Ministerial Misleading
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical illiteracy of the American people is illustrated with the 'clergy' who have been instrumental in the passage of same-sex 'marriage' laws.
A Quick Survey of American Christianity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A nation's religions generally determine the moral standards of a nation. The United States is currently afflicted with biblical illiteracy.
A Government To Fear (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 'religious' communities of America are so biblically ignorant that they have learned to tolerate immorality, accepting lying in governmental leaders.
Liberalism and Today's Christianity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Beast will deceive countless numbers of people, as can be illustrated by the recent syncretistic admixture of Christianity and Islam known as Chrislam.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.
John (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe woman of Samaria is like each of us, initially hardened, self-willed and skeptical when called, but afterwards zealous when enlightened by the truth.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The founders made no covenant between the People of the United States and God. American citizenry never practiced true Christianity.