Course Content
Does your worldview match with what Scripture reveals about the conditions of human nature, this present world and God’s solution for the problems we face every day?
I was recently introduced to a book about the state of religion in America. It’s titled: “American Worldview Inventory 2021-22: The Annual Report on the State of Worldview in the United States.” The author is George Barna of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Barna is known for his surveys of the state of American religion. I was amazed while reading the book to find how the views of many claiming to be Christian, and holding a belief in the Bible, are really at odds with what the Bible teaches.
Barna’s data reveals that 64% of those who profess to be Christan believe that all faiths are of equal value. This does not square with what the Bible teaches. Acts 4:12 says “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” It is very plain. Only in the name of Jesus Christ is there the hope of salvation. You cannot profess to be Christian and deny such specific teaching as this.
Barna also discovered that no more than 6% of Americans hold a true biblical worldview. A worldview is the frame by which we view the world. To believe the Bible is the Word of God and to live by every Word of God is to live a life based on that book. The Bible must form the view of a Christian’s world. More than 90% of Americans hold a different view. The conclusion of this remarkable study shows that most professing Christians hold a combination of differing incompatible beliefs. The result is a set of beliefs that pose a threat to biblical truth.
The Bible and biblical teaching have been de-emphasized and minimized out of our schools and out of our Christian lives. This results in what Scripture describes: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Barna’s research reveals most Americans think of themselves as a Christian, and a majority still think that Christianity is “kind of” about the Bible. Though many Americans believe they have a “biblical worldview,” very few do. There is a large gulf between what people think the Bible says and what it really does say.
Does what you believe about the Bible square with what the Bible really teaches?
Does your worldview match with what Scripture reveals about the conditions of human nature, this present world and God’s solution for the problems we face every day? Developing such a view is your key to understanding why the world works as it does.
It's time to take another look at the Bible and to ensure you have a correct understanding of what is says. Our study guide, “How to Understand the Bible,” begins with a helpful chapter to begin forming a solid foundation of knowledge about this most important book.
Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
