AMERICANS DON'T GET IT!

Americans are just plain stupid when it comes to knowing the Bible and constitutional issues. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life did a survey that shows a broad range of religious knowledge, but most of it is negative.    The survey found that most citizens don't understand constitutional restrictions on religion in public school. They still think that Christians can't open their mouths in public, and certainly not in public school. Many public school teachers know that they cannot lead class prayer in a classroom, less than a quarter know that the U.S. Supreme Court has clearly stated that teachers can read from the Bible as an example of literature.    Less than four in ten know that Vishnu and Shiva are part of Hinduism. In understanding the constitution, Mormons scored the highest with evangelicals coming in behind with little knowledge of Christianity and its role in America in the public arena.    A side-note: I was corrected in church the other day when I mentioned that I was going to give a "message." I certainly would not have said I was about to deliver a sermon or a devotional. But the one who corrected me said "you are going to give a teaching." He and the others got it! That is what pastors should be doing from the pulpit—teaching the Word of God with depth and detail. Most pastors are ignorant of their own Bible and just give sermonettes for Christian-ettes! We are in sad shape in this nation with most pastors and leaders not knowing what they are supposed to do in delivering the truth in church.    --Dr. Mal Couch  (10/10)