Why is the church so biblically illiterate?

Because we in the pulpits do not preach God’s Word, and we in the pews neither read nor study God’s Word. There is no great mystery. We have not because we ask not. And when we do ask, we ask awry. We can then ask why do we ask not, and why, when we do ask, do we ask awry (James 4:2). Here too there is no great mystery. We ask not because we don’t believe that God’s Word will feed us. When we do ask, we ask awry because we want the Bible to affirm us rather than instruct us.

God’s Word, it tells us, is a mirror that shows us what we are (James 1:23). What we find in the mirror is, to put it mildly, not pretty. We find countless blots and blemishes. We are discouraged, disheartened. We learn the lesson that we’re not good enough, but miss the lesson that He is. And so flee from the very Word that shows us the Word whose love for us is boundless and unchangeable.

We’ve all either said or heard or both “I don’t have time to read/study the Bible.” Plug this statement into an honesty machine and it translates, “Reading and studying the Bible is less important to me than all the other things I spend my time on.” “I have more pressing matters in my life.” This despite the wisdom of Jesus that we would remember if we invested our time in His Word, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).

Our lives are saturated with noise. Ear-tickling, eye candy noise. If we show up for church on Sunday morning we expect a message that will be short and sweet. It must not step on our toes. And above all else, it must be entertaining. Bible optional.

We know better. What we have studied, however, is the fine art of rationalization. We sooth our consciences with lies. “I know more about the Bible than some people.” “I have heart knowledge. I don’t need head knowledge.” “The Holy Spirit will tell me all I need to know.” “Studying the Bible makes people unloving and Pharisaical.” “My pastor studies God’s Word for me.” We’re more diligent to excuse our failure than we are to overcome it.

Here’s a brief quiz, if you dare. Call it a self-assessment. Five simple questions. Looking things up is cheating. This is just off the top of your head.

1. Can you name all 10 commandments? You may paraphrase, and need not be in order or word perfect.
2. Who was Shimei?
3. Where was the book of Revelation written?
4. Who lived first, Ruth or Esther?
5. On what day did Peter preach his first sermon?

These are not questions one would have to memorize in order the pass the quiz. They are bits of information that would be already ingrained in you if you read your Bible regularly. They are profoundly easy. Passing the test brings no boasting rights.

If you didn’t pass, and are feeling bad about it, here’s a suggestion. Start reading the Bible as if it were the very Word of the Maker of all the world, and the Redeemer of your soul. If you didn’t pass, and are not feeling bad about it, seek His grace and forgiveness.

This is the twenty-first installment of an ongoing series of pieces here on the nature and calling of the church. Stay tuned for more. Remember also that we at Sovereign Grace Fellowship meet this Sunday November 24 at 10:30 AM at our new location, at our beautiful farm at 112811 Garman Road, Spencerville, IN. Please come join us.