[forthright] More Like Smith

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From: Forthright Magazine <forthrightmag@...>
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 09:10:32 -0700 (PDT)
Forthright Magazine 
http://www.forthright.net 
Straight to the Cross


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COLUMN: CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES

More Like Smith 
 by John Henson

Much has been written lately about the Pew Forum on
Religion and Public Life's survey that showed atheists
know more about religion than religion's adherents.

But the survey also shows that many people who call
themselves Christians can't correctly answer questions
like, "Where was Jesus born," or "Who was the Biblical
figure who led the Israelites out of Egypt?" A recent
Seattle Times article about the survey said religious
people showed an inability to answer even the basic
questions about their religion.

Churches of Christ have always been known as Bible
reading and Bible understanding people. The joke was
told in the 20th Century that a Rutherford County,
Tennessee court clerk forgot to bring a Bible into the
courtroom one day, and the judge said, "That's all
right, Smith, there, is a member of the church of
Christ. He knows more Bible than anybody." Witnesses
then took the oath by placing their hand on Smith's
head.

Unfortunately, things are not that way anymore. In the
past, members of the church routinely memorized the
scriptures, but how many children in Bible classes do?
Even in adult classes, many people can't answer even
the most basic Bible questions. How does one prove the
existence of God? Many people in the church don't know.
Perhaps, it's time for us to become more like Smith.

With this resource people can learn more about the
reasons for the existence of God, the worship we give
him, and the basic tents of our profession of Christ.

So, keep reading this magazine and encourage your
friends to read it. Keep attending Bible study and
worship. Ask the questions you have so you may learn
more about the Bible and the kingdom of God. Memorize
more of the Bible and become more Bible literate, like
Smith.

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