On this date in 1960 the “Trieste” descended 35,813 feet into the Pacific Ocean near Guam. Down in the deepest known place on the surface of the earth, the pilots saw what no human had ever seen, including fish living in that deep darkness. What wonder they must have felt!
In contrast, a Barna study found young people have a very superficial understanding of Christianity but, surprise, they don’t think so. “The vast majority of churchgoing teenagers said they understand the teachings of the Bible ‘very well.’” Too sure of themselves? Asked about his life goals, a 17-year-old said, “I don’t know. I am really good at a lot of things. I am also really interested in a lot of things. I’m thinking of starting a college. I feel I have a lot to teach others about many subjects.” (“You Lost Me,” p. 117)
Who to blame? The “Trieste” was a “bathysckaphe,” the word coming from two Greek words, “skapha” for “small boat” and “bathos” meaning “deep.” Are you and I going deep down into the depths of Christianity so that we can teach and model for youth the complexity and marvel of the life God has made? “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33)
Comments