A crisis in Bible literacy cannot distinguish right from wrong

Sometimes, I am appalled at people’s lack of Bible literacy. Not hard esoteric doctrinal things. But basic things. Not rote memorization of hundreds of verses. But enough to know right from wrong.

There are many great churches. Lots of good expository teaching. And accessible small groups for deeper Bible studies. But still thousands come and go without learning anything.

It wasn’t always like this. There used to be a time when everyone had a general understanding of the Bible. But not anymore. Too much idleness, too much food, and too much pride has resulted in too much entertainment and too much distraction, which have destroyed Bible literacy.

Bible literacy is the ability to understand, evaluate, interpret, use, and communicate Biblical concepts

Bible literacy doesn’t happen by accident any more than tech-savvy knowledge-based computer-literacy happens by accident. It is gained by carefully learning facts and diligently exercising knowledge.

In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” (Luke 10:21 WEB; Matthew 11:25)

Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:14-15 WEB)

And they read in the book, in the Law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. (Nehemiah 8:8 JPS Tanakh 1917)

He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27 WEB)

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3 WEB)

Without Bible literacy, we rely on our feelings, myths, legends, traditions, and society, which diminish our ability to distinguish between right and wrong

Without Bible literacy to understand, evaluate, interpret, use, and communicate Biblical concepts, we are doomed to trust ourselves and our friends’ interpretations rather than letting God guide us. This isn’t literacy. It is just being a sheeple, which is the opposite of literacy.

Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21 WEB)

Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8 WEB)

But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:16-18 WEB)

This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:8-9 WEB)

About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing. For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:11-14 WEB)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23 KJV)

“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” –Archimedes

This is true of Bible literacy. Starting with the ability to read and understand. Grounded in basic understanding of background and organization. Coupled with the desire to grow mature and learn. There is no limit to what God can reveal. But how can it be achieved? How can a person grow in Bible literacy?

For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 WEB)

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately. When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 18:24-28 WEB)