Only 40% of Baptist believe Christ lived a sinless life.

I have read "Think Like Jesus" and thought it was pretty good. It deals with worldviews.

It has a few weaknesses IMO like any other human book.

I happen to like statistics and polls so his approach appeals to me somewhat more.

 

Sadly, there are probably more of these than we would like to think.

 

I don't believe this either.

 

No idea about that statistic. But it reminds me of another one I heard not too long ago (not sure if it came from Barna but I think so) that said 50-60% (or some large number like that) of Americans are Evangelical Christians. Those stats, if true, would have some correlation.

Does the thought of 40% of professing Baptists denying the Deity of Christ surprise anybody? It actually sounds a little high but, if true, I tell you it wouldn't surprise me one bit. It would fit right in with the trend that I've been observing for some years now. And that's professing BAPTISTS. You can imagine what the number might be in other denominations and sectors.

I have few original sayings but one is this: "Once the independent thinker has successfully attacked a truth of God's Word, it is only a matter of time before one of its foundational truths are deserted."

'Thinkers' have been at this for over 150 years now full steam. And their opinions now dominate the many who let others think for them. Sad.

[ February 07, 2005, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: IveyLeaguer ]

 

Now---let me lead into a question as to the "why's" of these stats being so

Could it be---the reason being that the church members are "ignorant" to the theology?? We have churches that are "chargin'" through like a bull in a China shop---concerning preaching to the "felt needs" of the people and that preaching on the impeccability of the Lord Jesus Christ is not considered a "felt need??"

Blackbird---who would rather preach the impeccability of the Lord Jesus any given Sunday over supposed "felt needs"----see??? Because if you never preach theology---as in impeccability of the Lord Jesus---etc.---the people will never get their needs met---which means that they leave the church house feeling "sorry-er" than they did when they came!!!

 

I am not surprised at all. There have also been some polls (also by Barna, I think) a few years back that showed a large number of born-again evangelical Christians do not believe in absolute truth.

We're going to see more of this kind of thinking in the church.

 

Preach on, Blackbird, Amen!

 

Obviously, there is something to it. In this very same debate area the "everlasting punishment of hell" was slammed by several Baptists that say we're "burned up once and for ever and its all over". If you don't believe me, start that debate again. You will be amazed at the number who don't believe hell is eternal.

 

Yes, I think that's the main part of it in a nutshell. Of course 'felt needs', i.e., self-fulfillment, or human fulfillment is the trademark of the seeker-sensitive, purpose-driven movement, though cleverly disguised. Several years ago I did a word summary for my notes, here it is:

Purpose-Driven/Seeker Sensitive = Biblical solutions to life circumstances ---> emotional and psychological needs met ---> personal (human) fullfillment ---> SELF
Gospel = Sin & Rebellion vs. God ---> Holy Spirit/Repentance ---> Regeneration ---> Cross/Obedience/Consecration/Deny Self ---> Walk In SPIRIT

Maybe that's not precisely accurate and some will no doubt quarrel with the timing but I think that pretty much sums up the major battle of the day with regard to what's going on in the United States.

But it's not limited to just the church-growth movement. When is the last time you heard major orthodox figures, Baptist and otherwise, talking about individual purpose, planning, success, relationships, etc., etc., etc..? And relating it to scripture. It can't be all that bad, can it? But, behold, isn't Dr. Phil talking about exactly the same things?

I think you have a major point there, Blackbird. Keep preaching the gospel to whomever will hear it.

 

This generally agrees with Barna's conclusion in the book I read.

BTW, he used a series of basic questions that I will post when I have access to them to establish whether someone has a biblical worldview. Less than 10% of Americans answered 7 basic questions correctly. He then correlated the biblical worldview to behavior. There were remarkable differences on matters such as culture, pornography, homosexual acceptance, basic honesty, fornication, co-habitation, divorce, etc.

 

I would have to say that these folks have been taught more about doctrine of the church than of Biblical truths. I would believe 100% of all is the only answer if they truly are Christians.

40% of Baptist believe Christ lived a sinless life.
65% believe there is a devil.
Only 22% believe in personal witnessing.

 

But you see??? The doctrines of the church ARE the Biblical truths set before us in the word from the Word----Titus 2:1 says, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."

The Church is in a dangerous state of affairs when it leaves doctrine of Scripture---to concentrate on "self" doctrine---the doctrine of self glorification-----I am afraid that what the world is seeing is churches teaching the doctrines of Babel----"Let US make brick . . . and let US build US a city and a tower . . . and let US make US a name."---Genesis 11:3-4

Never before have I ran into so many church people who want their "needs" met instead of busying themselves that they may "know Him(Jesus) and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS sufferings.

Bro. David

 

Bro. David,

I researched this thoroughly several years ago and have been watching closely. Unfortunately, what you are seeing may be only the beginning.

 

40% of Baptist believe Christ lived a sinless life.
65% believe there is a devil.
Only 22% believe in personal witnessing.

The balance of those numbers are those that will be sitting in the pew looking at empty suits wondering why they were left behind.

If you don't believe Jesus is who He says He is, you can't have Him!

 

After going to a baptist church for a few months now, i'm not surprized by these statistics (in the OP). this may explain why less that 5% of [male members] show up for the mid-week men's bible study. of the group that regularly attend the bible study, the numbers are probably close to 100%.

 

similar, i'll email you off-line...

 

What we need is a spiritual awakening in this sinful world. And who is going to spread the gospel? Born again Believers who KNOW that Jesus lived a sinless life and died for our sins - believers who KNOW that Jesus commissioned us to "Go ye Therefore" and that means each and every one of us!

I challange everyone in this forum to witness to at least one lost person this week. You will be surprised at what joy it will bring to you!

Debbie C