The way American culture has changed, it should be getting easier to see the distinctiveness of Bible-based faith in Jesus. Apparently many of us aren’t paying attention. “Barna Trends 2017” reports Americans have a new moral code. “The morality of self-fulfillment says that each person’s feelings are the measuring stick for his or her own life—and many Christians have adopted this self-centered morality.” Consider the statistics.
91% of U.S. adults agree that “the best way to find yourself is by looking within yourself.” Here’s the shocker: 76% of Christians agree.
89% of Americans agree that “people should not criticize someone else’s life choices.” 76% of Christians agree.
86% agree that “to be fulfilled in life, you should pursue the things you desire most.” 72% of Christians agree.
“The highest goal of life is to enjoy it as much as possible.” 84% of Americans and 67% of Christians agree.
“People can believe whatever they want, as long as those beliefs don’t affect society.” That’s accepted by 79% of Americans and 61% of Christians.
Finally, 69% of Americans and 40% of Christians agree “Any kind of sexual expression between two consenting adults is acceptable.”
Every one of those views can be challenged by biblical faith in Jesus Christ. When preachers and parishioners, parents and children get the Word into their heads, the Holy Spirit is present to work conviction in their hearts.
“The learning future must be biblical. In the Gospels Jesus insists that radical selflessness—a willingness to lose one’s very life for his sake—is the measure by which we will be judged. God’s Word offers a counter narrative to the me-centered story of self—but only if we read, study, and let it shape our hearts.” (Barna Trends 2017; 53, 75)
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