A recent poll by the Barna Group revealed that skepticism in the Bible has risen and equals the statistic of those who are engaged with the Bible. Bible engagement is defined as those who read their Bible at least four times a week and believe it to be inspired by God. Skepticism of the Bible is the belief that the Bible is like any other book written by men. Since the beginning of tracking trends, this is the first time these two categories have been at the same percentage point. They are tied at 19% each.
This is probably because the Bible is full of contradictions.
The Bible contradicts the notion that man is the random product, of a mindless process, that began by accident. The Scriptures teach we were created in the image of an infinitely intelligent and benevolent Designer, and are not the descendants apes. We have an image to live up to, not a lineage to live down.
The Bible contradicts the idea that man is basically good. This is why there are “wars and rumors of wars,” why there is global conflict, and peace is elusive in the Mideast. The Bible offers the only peace plan that works, but most do not want to be at peace with God and their fellow man; they want “piece,” a piece of this and a piece of that.
The Bible contradicts the current cultural direction regarding marriage and human sexuality. The Creator knows what it takes to secure the future of the home and humanity and their continued wellbeing. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. The heterophobes cannot produce the next generation. This is why they hate us; they’re dependent on us.
The Bible contradicts the postmodern concept that truth is relative. By definition truth is something factual or real. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” John 14:6. Jesus is real and not a figment of history’s imagination.
The Bible contradicts the humanist philosophy that we can save ourselves. The United Nations was founded to promote world peace, to save us from ourselves. But the name itself is an oxymoron; they have never been united in anything? We can’t save ourselves, that’s why we need a Savior.
Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Jesus marveled that people would claim Him as their “Lord” but ignore His commands. Mankind does not want to surrender its autonomy. We want to control our lives, even if we do it poorly. The Bible is full of contradictions; it contradicts the way we want to do things.
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