Ligonier Ministries recently released the results of a poll conducted by LifeWay Research that points out that many American evangelical Christians hold views of God that are a little outside of what many of us would consider orthodox thought, especially when it comes to the Trinity and salvation.
Christianity Today ran an interesting article summarizing Ligonier's findings. As a member of a denomination that prides itself in raising doctrinally sound disciples, what might this mean for us? Is it a chance to pat ourselves on the back and smirk at our confused "Christian-light" brothers and sisters? Or might this be both an opportunity to evaluate how and what we are teaching our kids, teens, and newcomers? Do people in your congregation know why clear understandings of Trinitarian relationship or who seeks who in terms of "salvation" matter? What are some helpful ways you've taught these concepts in the past?
Instead of using information like this as another excuse to bemoan American evangelicalism, how can we use it to start productive conversations in our pews, on our educational councils, and with our neighbors? We'd love to hear from you.
Comments
Since the crc has lost a sizeable number of members since 1992, it would seem strange to pat its self on the back for its pride. The incompleteness of some evangelical theology for evangelicals will not help the crc for the incompleteness of its obedience. You can't make yourself look better by making someone else look worse. It is easy to say that one is more scriptural, if you yourself revise an understanding of scripture into incomprehensibility, or into relativity, or into irrelevance. The eternal issues of whether God chooses us or we choose Him cannot be legitimized by excuses for disobedience, nor will a correct theoretical understanding of the trinity compensate for a lack of faith and trust in the God who redeems and commands.
Let's Discuss
We love your comments! Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone.