Biblical Illiteracy

 

 

None likes to be identified

As being illiterate,

It’s an insult of huge proportions

For those with this trait.

 

Unable to read or write

Was severely life hampering

And such persons had to make an X

When they were signing.

 

An X for a signature

Could cause some trouble,

I guess the signatures for such

Would more than double.

 

Think of one person X

Accusing another person X

Of forging his signature X;

How complex!

 

Once Barbados boasted

Of 98% literacy,

I’ve heard it’s not that anymore;

What lunacy!

 

But let’s turn our attention

To biblical illiteracy

And many of these go to church

Just like you and me.

 

For non-church goers

This can be expected

And for schools outlawing the Bible

It would be exacerbated.

 

But for those in church!

How can this be?

I tell you regarding biblical literacy

This is easy.

 

 

Most people’s knowledge

Comes from the pulpit,

And regarding second hand info,

There is a lot of it.

 

Especially in a day

When preachers extemporize

On pseudo biblical teachings

Cleverly disguised.

 

Like a felt-needs gospel

And financial breakthrough

And motivational talks on how

To be a better you.

 

Little Bible involved

If any at all

And how all roads eventually lead

To the oneness God.

 

Sunday school is exiting

And losing importance

And regarding the Bible in schools

Is meeting resistance.

 

So, looming greater

Is biblical illiteracy:

That is, not knowing the Bible

Even fundamentally.

 

Made fun of

By atheists and agnostics

Who believe a belief in the Bible

Is less than scholarship.

 

Frown upon

By fellow Christians

Who need to do some research

On what is pure religion.

 

Are you biblically illiterate?

You need not be,

The Bible is in circulation

For everybody.

 

Grab one today

And read it for yourself,

You need to take it from the dust

It gathered on the shelf.

 

 

 

There’s treasure within

Its many pages of gold,

There is much spiritual insight

For the young and the old.

 

Read for your ailment

If you are biblically illiterate,

Within the Word is the Holy Spirit

To set you straight.

 

Read it and study it

And then live by it,

It’s a sure cure for biblical illiteracy

And offers eternal benefit.

 

Life everlasting

Is found among its pages

And the offer comes from

The Rock of ages.

 

Jesus is that Rock

We should all build upon

Where all who are born again

Are heirs to his kingdom.

 

Stewart Russell © July 7, 2024