Saturday, May 14, 2005

Bible Illiteracy is Rampant

Bible Dudes Blog, whose comical format and fantastic sense of humor make it easy on both the eyes and the heart, reports on rampant theological illiteracy among Christians. The article they cite notes:

For example, Michael J. Vlach, president of TheologicalStudies.org, a Web site devoted to providing Christian theological information, has reported that the most widely known Bible verse among adults and teens is this: "God helps those who help themselves."

The problem is that the verse isn't even in the Bible and its message is in serious tension with the Good Book's word of grace.

Hmmm....really? But Proverbs 6 says....
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
The saying itself may not be in the Bible, but the sentiment could be seen to be.

In any case, it is a fun blog, and I recommend it....

UPDATED: Bibleinterp.com (which, if you aren't reading, you should be) has an article on Bible ignorance from the Chicago Tribune.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmm. I'd like to check out the "God helps those who helps themselves" quote. Looks like an urban legend to me.

Reminds me of my old landlady. She grew up in some quasi-Amish religious community in Ontario, and their motto was "The Lord provides -- provided [you do your part]". She'd say it over and over again and chuckle every time.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. I think you might be right about that urban legend.

Michael