Most Preteens Reject the Bible as God’s Word

This headline is taken from a shocking article I just read from Christianheadlines.com written by Michael Foust.

“Only one-fourth of America’s preteens believe the Bible is the Word of God and only one-fifth believe in absolute truth, according to a new survey that warns the nation’s preteens are “following in the unfortunate spiritual footsteps of the generations that have preceded them.” Foust wrote.

Foust’s article was based on a poll taken by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University and material from Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing Your Child’s Heart by George Barna.

According to these sources only 25 percent of U.S. children ages 8-12 agree with the statement that the Bible is the “true words of God that should be a guide to knowing right from wrong, and living a good life.”

A total of 21 percent agree “there are absolute truths — things that are right and things that are wrong, that do not depend on feelings, preferences, or circumstance.”

Regarding salvation, just 36 percent of preteens say they believe that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the analysis said, “Today’s children are not being raised in an environment in which the concept of absolute moral truth receives favorable treatment, and the widespread doubts about absolute truth are clearly affecting children.”

In addition, about one-fourth (27 percent) of preteens agree that the “main reason to live is to know, love and serve God, with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

Barna said the data points to a spiritual and worldview crisis in America.

“Children are intellectual and spiritual sponges in their preteen years. They are desperately trying to make sense of the world, their identity, their purpose, and how to live a meaningful and satisfying life,” Barna explained.

“Parents, in particular, have a duty to focus on and invest in the development of their child’s worldview, which is simply their decision-making filter for life. If parents do not fill that vacuum, other sources — such as the media, the schools, and even the child’s peers — will influence that worldview construction.”

There might be a tendency for many to dismiss this article saying, “Well, that’s not true among us.” However, we might be surprised at the influence secular culture is having on our children and grandchildren.

While there is ample evidence in some circles, as I recently witnessed at a lectureship, of young people who love the Lord, are seeking to follow His Word, and hungering to know the Bible, there are too many examples in churches where the young are being neglected.

Neglected, not only by what is offered in teaching by local congregations, but neglected by their parents. Now, these parents are not necessarily, neglecting their physical well being, or their education, or the material possessions they need or want, but they may be neglecting their spiritual training.

The Bible places the leadership responsibility on fathers who are commanded, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

The sentiment and application of Moses’ admonition to the parents of ancient Israel is one that should be heeded by 21st century parents.

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:4-9)

Children need both formal and informal instruction in God’s Word. They need to see its application in their daily lives–in the home, at school, on the playground, in social interactions, and in recreational choices.

While the church does bear some responsibility in providing teaching for all ages that edifies and builds us up in the faith, the primary obligation to teach children is placed on parents. That said, is your congregation offering classes that address the issues of the day? Are they teaching the basics of the Bible? Is there a well defined curriculum to ground our young people in the Truth?

However, parents need to look what at they are providing at home. Consider these questions.

1. Is Jesus honored in your home?

2. Is prayer practiced and taught as an important element of our daily lives?

3. Are there times of family devotion? Bible reading? Spiritual conversations?

4. Has TV, computer games, and the iPhone crowded out time spent in Bible reading and family interaction?

5. Are you attending the Bible classes offered at your church every week?

6. Do your children see and hear an emphasis on God’s Word, and living by Bible principles in your daily life?

7. Has sports, entertainment and secular activities diminished your family’s appetite for spiritual activities?

8. Are you more concerned about your children’s GPA and secular education than you are about their knowledge of the Bible?

9. Are you taking advantage of opportunities outside your local congregation such as an area VBS? Youth weekend? Or summer camps with a Christian emphasis?

Parents, we’re living in perilous times. Don’t neglect the most precious gift God has given you–your children. Remember the greatest legacy you can leave your children is a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman