Biblical Illiteracy

In his book Come Before Winter and Share My Hope Charles Swindoll shares the following…
“During my days in New England, I heard of a teacher who quizzed a group of college-bound high school juniors and seniors on the Bible. The quiz preceded a Bible-as-literature course he planned to teach at the Newton (Massachusetts) High School, generally considered one of the best public schools in the nation. Among the most astounding findings he got from the students were:
Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers.
Jezebel was Ahab’s donkey.
The four horsemen appeared on the Acropolis.
The New Testament Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luther, and John.
Eve was created from an apple.
Jesus was baptized by Moses.
The answer that took the cake was given by a fellow who was in the top 5 percent of the graduating class, academically.
The question: What was Golgotha?
The answer: Golgotha was the name of the giant who slew the apostle David.
If it were not so pathetic, it would be hilarious. Isn’t it amazing how pitifully illiterate John Q. Public is of the written Word of God? In a land filled with churches and chapels, temples and tabernacles, there is only an insignificant handful of fairly well-informed students of the Book of books. We have Scriptures in hardback, paperback, cloth, and leather . . . versions and paraphrases too numerous to count, red-letter editions along with various sizes of print on the page . . . Bibles as big as a library dictionary and as small as one frame of microfilm . . . yet the years roll by as one generation after another passes on its biblical illiteracy.”

How would you do if you took a Bible literacy test? I hope better than these students did. But recent studies give us pause for concern.

Consider the recent findings of the American Bible Society – State of the Bible survey (2026) which is one of the largest annual studies of Americans' interaction with Scripture, and reveals some notable findings from its 2026 report:
•Only 17% of Americans are considered "Scripture Engaged"—people whose lives are consistently shaped by the Bible.
•28% of Americans are classified as the "Movable Middle," meaning they are open to learning more about the Bible but are not deeply engaged with it.
•17% say they have read the entire Bible.
•Only 10% report never reading any of the Bible, while about one-third say they have read most or all of it.

These findings suggest that while many Americans have some exposure to Scripture, relatively few engage with it consistently enough for it to shape their beliefs, values, and daily decisions. Simply owning a Bible or occasionally hearing a passage read is not the same as allowing God's Word to transform the heart. Genuine spiritual maturity comes when we know the Scriptures, believe them, and live in obedience to them. That is why every follower of Christ must pursue a deep and growing understanding of God's Word. Biblical literacy is not reserved for pastors, theologians, or Bible teachers—it is essential for every believer who desires to know God, discern truth from error, and faithfully follow Jesus. My prayer is that today's message will not only increase your knowledge of Scripture but also deepen your love for the God who gave it and strengthen your commitment to live according to its truth.

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor.

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray


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