Knowing the Basics
Recently, I read an article that lamented the fact that children in our schools are woefully ignorant in many areas. One area that was referred to was American History. For example, a 2010 study (the National Assessment of Educational Progress) asked fourth-grade students: What changed for African Americans in the South after the Civil War? Thirty-five percent of the students were unable to correctly identify that the slaves found freedom. Instead, they answered that the slaves returned to Africa, started their own plantations, or became governors. Three percent did not answer at all. Just in case you think that slavery and the Civil War were too long ago, the students were given questions about World War II. One question asked: In which of the following wars did the United States fight against Germany and Adolph Hitler? The question was a multiple-choice variety. The possible answers were: The Civil War, World War I, World War II, or the Vietnam War. Seventy-two percent of the students answered the multiple-choice question incorrectly.
When startling details like these about our children’s educational failings are revealed, we quickly ask "Why." One might rightly point to a school system that has forgotten its job of teaching the “3 R’s” (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic). We could also criticize an education system that has become bogged down by activist agendas that attempt to brainwash our children with wild propaganda. Adding to these issues is a breakdown of the basic family structure. Many children have no guidance or support from a stable mother or father. All these things, and more, add up to trouble for our children and our society.
The point of my thoughts today is to highlight the importance of knowing the basics. Just as the “3 R’s” are vital to an education, so also is knowing the basics about God. It is alarming that children and adults alike do not know the basics about God’s Word. Through the years I have made the mistake of assuming that “Biblical basics” were understood. The sad reality has been that most people are tragically uninformed regarding God and His Word. Biblical ignorance happens for several reasons. I believe the main reason for Biblical illiteracy is that people do not read the Bible. One cannot know what one does not read, study, or investigate. Add to this problem the fact that more and more people are not faithful in engaging in some form of Biblical education. People are increasingly neglecting and abandoning the habit of participating in a worship time where God’s Word is accurately preached or shared in some sort of systematic way (Sunday School, group studies, etc.). In addition to this, people are actively being brainwashed by a secular, God-denying culture. The tragic reality is that many people who call themselves Christians know very little about Jesus. Their values and opinions have been cultivated and developed by a world that is deceived by Satanic influences. Our world is constantly bombarded with ideas and opinions that masquerade as truth. Many alleged Christians embrace ideas that are in stark contrast to the basic truths that are found in Scripture.
Over the next few weeks, we will take time to examine the basics of Christian doctrine. As we endeavor to “keep the main thing the main thing,” we will delve into the main principles that God’s Word teaches. Understand that knowing these “small things” (the basics) is hugely important. We all are designed to seek for meaning and purpose in life. We crave to understand what life is about. The fact that we hunger for meaning in life is no accident. God has placed these desires in all humanity. Thankfully, God has given us the answers to these questions as well. God wants us to stand on the truth He gives. Keep looking up!