Truly a Tragedy
October 1, 2009
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late During the years I spent as a consultant in the RV park and campground industry, I was always amazed at the number of people who entered the industry with very little or no information regarding the industry. It appeared to be a fun, family type of business.
Often parks were purchased or even new parks built by individuals and families who invested their life’s saving even though they had no idea of what would be required of them. Statistics tell us that this is one of the main reasons people fail in those businesses.
It occurred to me that this is no different than it is with the business of life. A Gallup poll taken in 2000 indicated that 92% of American household own at least one copy of the Bible; 59% indicated they read it occasionally — a drop from 73% in 1980.
Other studies indicate that while God has provided us with the Bible as a blueprint on how to live and run our business of life; fewer and fewer people are availing themselves to the information that God has at great cost furnished us.
A more recent study released in June 2008 conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life revealed that only 33% of the United States respondents “believe that their religion’s holy book is literally the true word of God.” It also revealed that 79% of the 35,000 polled who are affiliated with a religion “said the many religions—not just their own—can lead to eternal life.”
Though it can be found in most hotels and motels and in most American homes, thirst for the wisdom from that wonderful Book is crowded out by the voices of this world. We read thousands of other books and magazines and watch an unlimited amount of TV programs that offer little of value in this real business of life. But we ignore the most important information that we must almost stumble over concerning both here and hereafter.
Adding to this tragedy is the fact that this trend seems to be true of many professing Christians and church-going individuals. The above 2000 study also indicated that “only one in seven Americans reported an involvement that goes beyond just reading the Bible.”
The 2008 study indicated that 57% of evangelicals agree that other religions offer a hope of eternal life. It also reported that 79% of Americans believe in life after death and that the same believe that heaven is where one is rewarded for leading a good live. Only 59% believe in hell. This all seems to add up to the fact that fewer and fewer people read or believe the Bible story and God’s plan for mankind’s salvation. It would appear that, while the Bible is often bought, its wisdom is seldom sought.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
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I completely believe with you. If only we are able to bring back our faith again a little closer to God. But over times, man seems to be searching what they can’t find and ignore the sole purpose of why we are here…
Best regards,
Rafael